Chandler Fashion Center is preparing for a major transformation over the next several years as mall leadership works to bring new restaurants, retailers, entertainment spaces, and outdoor upgrades to one of the East Valley’s busiest shopping destinations.
According to Chandler Fashion Center general manager Monica Greenman, the changes are being designed specifically around feedback from shoppers and the surrounding community. Greenman said mall leadership wants to focus on creating a mix of convenience, variety, and experiences that residents currently cannot find elsewhere in the East Valley.
Several new businesses are already opening or preparing to move into the mall. This summer, both Johnny Rockets and Popeyes are expected to join the food court lineup. J. Crew Factory has already opened inside the mall, while clothing retailer Garage is also preparing to arrive soon. Greenman said the mall has never previously had a Garage location and described the addition as something management is excited about bringing to shoppers.
One of the most anticipated additions is Seafood City, a large Filipino-focused supermarket chain that will mark the company’s first Arizona location. Greenman said community members have repeatedly contacted the mall asking when the grocery store will officially open. Although an exact opening date has not yet been announced, mall officials said the store is expected to open sometime this summer.
The most dramatic redevelopment plans are focused on the south side of Chandler Fashion Center, where construction and renovations are expected to continue through at least 2027. Officials say the area is being redesigned almost entirely from the ground up with major upgrades planned for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Among the new additions will be Wagyu House, which mall officials described as the first concept of its kind in the East Valley market. Additional dining and entertainment options are also expected to be announced as redevelopment continues.
A major centerpiece of the renovation project will be the arrival of Din Tai Fung, the internationally known Taiwanese restaurant chain famous for soup dumplings and upscale dining experiences. Greenman said the restaurant will occupy not only its original space but two additional connected spaces, creating a roughly 14,000-square-foot destination within the mall.
Outside the building, the south side redevelopment includes a completely rebuilt patio area, a relocated splash pad, updated landscaping, and a redesigned entrance intended to modernize the property and encourage more outdoor gathering space.
Mall officials also said Chandler Fashion Center wants to become more than just a traditional shopping center. Greenman explained that brands like Lululemon and Vuori have already been heavily involved in free community events and fitness activities hosted at the mall. She said management hopes the property evolves into a type of indoor community hub where residents can spend extended time shopping, dining, attending events, and socializing while staying out of Arizona’s extreme summer heat.
The renovation effort comes as malls across the country continue adapting to changing consumer habits by emphasizing entertainment, dining, experiences, and mixed-use community gathering areas rather than relying solely on traditional retail shopping. Chandler Fashion Center has remained one of Arizona’s most successful malls since opening in 2001 and currently features more than 220 stores and attractions.
In recent years, the mall has already undergone several large changes, including the opening of SCHEELS inside the former Nordstrom building and the addition of Round1 Bowling & Arcade in the old Sears space.
