Justice and Kicks USA Join Aviation Plaza

LINDEN, NJ-Kicks USA and Justice have opened new stores at the 550,000-sf Aviation Plaza here, taking a total of 13,320 sf. Footwear and apparel retailer Kicks USA has taken 9,320 sf for its 12th store. Justice, the girl’s fashion boutique now occupies 4,000 sf, its 12th store in New Jersey and 257th overall.

Ethan Goldsmith of Levin Management Corp., North Plainfield, NJ, represented the ownership in both deals. Tom Rettaliata of Ripco Real Estate, Jericho, NY, represented Justice, and Kicks USA was represented in-house. Terms of the two leases were not disclosed.

The two chains join a tenant roster that’s anchored by Home Depot, Staples, Old Navy, AC Moore, ShopRite, Marshalls, Targets and Loews Cineplex. “The newest tenants further enhance the property’s appeal as a family-friendly retail experience,” says Matthew Harding, president and COO of Levin Management, which has the leasing and management exclusive for the property. His company has had that assignment for the past four years.

Aviation Plaza occupies a 39-acre within the larger tract once occupied by the defunct Linden Airport, a general aviation facility. The shopping center was opened in 2002 by original developer Starwood Ceruzzi, which sold it to SSR Realty Advisors, now known as BlackRock Realty Advisors, in 2003. The sale price of $54.5 million covered a total of 388,000 sf and excluded Home Depot, which owns its location.