Jake’s Life Rocks helps fill Beachcliff vacancies
By Allison Pritchard
Rocky River
Published Oct. 8, 2008

Beachcliff Market Square has been having difficulty filling its store vacancies, but it looks like this market is starting to get back on track.

After experiencing success with their first Ohio store in Hudson, Life is good clothing line brings its new store, Jake’s Life Rocks, to Beachcliff Market Square, taking White House Black Market’s old location.

Madison Marquette, owner of Beachcliff, is close to having another deal before the end of the year with a unique store that will compliment the existing stores, said Jonathan Shartar, asset manager. The new business will probably take the spot that Chico’s once had.

Rocky River resident Bill Brink started Sept. 29 as a full-time property manager, solely dedicated to Beachcliff Market Square, said Shartar. “On-site management is critically important to keep the existing tenants there,” and it will help with bringing in more shops said Kory Koran, Rocky River director of economic and community development. Sharter said hiring Brink was a step in right direction and he’s really excited, especially for more involvement with the community.

Beachcliff Market Square also recently went through a change in leasing representation and is happy with their choice, CB Richard Ellis, and their new strategy, said Shartar. He mentioned it’s a difficult market for retailers, yet the stores at Beachcliff continue to do well and continue to see growth.

Jake’s Life Rocks will be a perfect fit with the shops in Beachcliff, said Shartar and Koran. Koran said he thinks the store will be very popular with the younger generation. Many other businesses have shown interest because of the specific vibe the area gives, Sharter told West Life. He said 2009 will be a great year; Jake’s Life Rocks will be the first store of many, he told West Life. Beachcliff Market Square is also planning a new marketing campaign in which the square will give away eco-friendly tote bags

The increased traffic from the new store will be good for Beachcliff Market Square, said Koran, but it still has a lot of work to do, with some significant spots still open. He called the opening of Jake’s Life Rocks a step in the right direction.

Of the seven to eight vacancies (some stores take more than one space), two once had businesses in them. Shartar said National City Bank would have liked to stay, but Madison Marquette realized the space could be better used after receiving complaints about bank traffic. Five to six spots have been open since the revamping of Beachcliff was completed at the end of 2006.

A grand opening celebration for Jake’s Life Rocks will take place Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Festivities include classic rock spun by a local DJ, a live steel drum band from 5 – 9 p.m., face painting, balloon artists, prizes and giveaways including an autographed T-shirt from Cleveland Brown’s player Derek Anderson. Refreshments will be served and a fire juggler will entertain at night. For more information, visit www.jakesgoodlife.com.

On the Web:

• Jake's Good Life
• Beachcliff Market Square shopping center