The Alternative Press

WESTFIELD, NJ—In addition to celebrating a newly rebuilt Ferraro's Restaurant this fall, Downtown Westfield will soon delight patrons with four new businesses—an Urban Outfitters, Potizzi Jewelry, Kennedy’s All American Barber Club and Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

Construction is currently underway at 154 E. Broad Street, where an Urban Outfitters will move into the historic bank building that sits at the corner of Elm and E. Broad Street. The metro-chic store is expected to open in time for holiday shopping in November, according to Sherry Cronin, executive director of the Downtown Westfield Corporation.

The upscale costume jewelry shop Potizzi Jewelry will open soon at 41 Elm Street. 

Kennedy's All American Barber Club, an upscale, award-winning, franchised barbershop where men can treat themselves to an enjoyable grooming experience and purchase grooming products, is set to open soon at 226 North Avenue West.

Feel like dancing? Though it’s not yet open, Fred Astaire Dance Studio at 530 South Avenue West is already enrolling students in its upcoming Latin, ballroom, night club, salsa and fitness classes. Call 973-896-3339 to register.  

Meanwhile, many are looking forward to the grand reopening of a rebuilt Ferraro’s Restaurant on Elm Street, which will likely take place in late September or early October.

Five other businesses recently opened downtown—Rug Gallery and Pegasus Sporting Goods opened in August and Glamorous Girlz salon and party spot, Prestige Auto Studio and Second Time Around’s upscale consignment shop opened in July.

Westfield’s downtown is and has been considered highly successful, with a retail vacancy rate of a mere six percent, compared to the eight- to 12-percent vacancy rate most downtowns are currently experiencing, according to Cronin.

“Westfield continues to be a strong and vibrant downtown that attracts investment opportunities. We welcome them to Westfield and want to help support them as much as possible,” said Cronin.