I’ll help you create a blog post about the Shops of Mission Viejo using the specified guidelines. I’ll first use a web search to gather some accurate information about the shopping scene in Mission Viejo. Based on the search results, I’ll craft a blog post about the Shops of Mission Viejo:
Mission Viejo’s premier shopping destination is undergoing an exciting transformation in 2026, promising shoppers an enhanced retail experience that blends modern convenience with outdoor lifestyle. The Shops at Mission Viejo, a longstanding cornerstone of Orange County’s shopping scene, is expanding and evolving to meet the dynamic needs of contemporary consumers.
A New Era of Retail Experience
The Shops at Mission Viejo is set to unveil a groundbreaking expansion that will add 50,000 square feet of innovative retail and dining space. This ambitious project, announced in March 2025, aims to create an open-air shopping and dining “village” that captures the essence of Southern California’s vibrant outdoor lifestyle.
Exciting New Additions
The mall’s recent and upcoming additions showcase a diverse and modern retail landscape:
- New Retail Stores:
- UNIQLO: Japanese retailer offering minimalist fashion
- Mr. Inkwells Piercing Studio: Providing professional body piercing services
- Banana Republic Factory Store
- Dining Establishments:
- Sbarro: Classic Italian food court staple
- Iron King Mongolian BBQ: Customizable Asian cuisine
- Jamba Juice: Fresh smoothies and juices
- North Italia: Upcoming restaurant in the new outdoor village
Reimagining Outdoor Shopping
Patsy Sanquist, the mall’s general manager, emphasized that “Outdoor living is such an integral part of the Orange County lifestyle”. The expansion reflects this philosophy, creating an open-air village that seamlessly integrates shopping, dining, and social experiences.
What to Expect in 2026
The construction, which began in late 2025, is strategically timed to be completed for the 2026 holiday shopping season. Shoppers can look forward to:
- Refreshed store designs for Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn
- New restaurant concepts like North Italia
- Expanded retail spaces with modern amenities
Retail Transformation
The Shops at Mission Viejo continues to reinvent itself, adding stores like Arhaus, Pacific Catch, and other exciting brands to its already impressive lineup. Existing anchor stores such as Nordstrom, Apple, and Sephora remain key attractions for shoppers.
When will the expansion be complete?
+The expansion is scheduled to be completed by late 2026, in time for the holiday shopping season.
How much additional space is being added?
+The mall is adding approximately 50,000 square feet of new retail and dining space.
What makes this expansion unique?
+The expansion focuses on creating an open-air "village" that embraces Southern California's outdoor lifestyle, offering a more integrated shopping and dining experience.
The Shops at Mission Viejo is more than just a mall—it’s a dynamic destination that continues to evolve, offering residents and visitors an unparalleled shopping experience that reflects the vibrant spirit of Orange County.
