The strip of stores outside Grand Central Mall are seen here such as Ulta, Five Below, and Old Navy. (Photo Provided)

VIENNA — Grand Central Mall officials are preparing to announce a new store and host two events in March.

General manager Jody Hopkins said the mall will announce an opening of a 6,000 square foot store of a family owned sports and merchandise store. He said this will be the first of this brand in West Virginia.

Hopkins said the mall has opened a total of 175,000 square feet of new store space in the past three years. That started with the addition of TJ Maxx, Home Goods, and PetSmart in March 2021. Ross Dress for Less followed in July.

Hopkins said an additional entrance and parking was added along with these stores.

“We added a hallway that opens into the Ross Store and gives access to our outside stores such as Old Navy and Ulta. We also added more parking at that time,” he said.

The pylon outside Grand Central Mall displays several stores available on the shopping campus. (Photo Provided)

Also in 2021, women’s fashion store Rose and Remington opened in September and Confiskated, who sells skateboards and related accessories, in December. The store is owned by local skateboarder Adam Deems.

In 2022, the mall welcomed two different brands opening their first store in West Virginia: Trade Home Shoes in March and leather and boot seller Boot Barn in the old Party City location in July.

Gift shop Stone Haven, which includes gemstones and jewelry, opened in November.

Longhorn Steakhouse also opened in the old Ruby Tuesday location in 2022. Hopkins said the building was remodeled.

In 2023, women’s clothing store Windsor debuted along with nutrition store Ironhead Sports Nutrition.

Country a capella band Home Free performed at the Freedom Festival in July 2022. (Photo Provided)

Jeweler Ashcroft and Oak is holding their grand opening celebration Saturday March 2. The store will be offering 60% off inventory, along with a special gift for the first 100 visitors.

Hopkins said the mall is always looking into opportunities for growth.

However, he is proud of the mall’s recent additions.

“It’s hard to narrow it down to one store. I’m proud of the growth in general,” he said.

Hopkins added he is optimistic for Grand Central Mall’s future.

“The amount of visitors we have is steady and healthy,” he said.

From March 1-30, the Easter Bunny will be available for photo opportunities in front of JCPenny. Hours will be 2-6:45 pm Monday to Friday, 11 a.m.-6:45 p.m. Saturday and 12-5:45 p.m. Sunday.

Various photo packages will be available to purchase. Reservations can be made through the mall’s website or walk in.

From March 4-10, the stock car show will occur. Vehicles will be placed throughout the mall.

Kristen Hainkel can be reached at khainkel@newsandsentinel.com