Publix - Stafford, VA

Welcome back to the Shoppes of Battery Mill, where every day you get our best! (Did I get that slogan right?) Today I'm presenting a shorter edition of the blog, although it won't be any less sweeter than the rest. You'll see exactly why in a bit.

Photos taken on December 20, 2020 by BatteryMill

Store information

• Store name: Embrey Mill Town Center
  
• Store number: #1720
• Address: 1640 Publix Way, Stafford, Virginia 22554
  
• Opening date: December 12, 2020
• Store layout: 48M
  
• Decor package: Evergreen
  
• Features: Deli, Sub Counter, Meat & Seafood Counter, Bakery, Drive-Thru Pharmacy, Beer & Wine, Café Seating

Fresh from the Shoppes of Battery Mill bakery, this blog is here to present to you today's most delicious course, that being the Stafford, Virginia Publix.

...Publix, in Virginia? How could they possibly venture into a land without alligators and Disney World, or even one without abundant peaches and palm trees?

Yes, you've heard me right. This is a Publix in Virginia, after all. It's one that's quite far removed from the land that it originates from, but the location is still a shining example of the chain's strengths. While there's a lot else to examine here, but there's a big question you may be asking.

How did it get here? Well, I have one mighty story to tell you. So sit tight, grab a Pub Sub, and read along as I explain how exactly Publix wound up in a little town called Stafford, within 50 miles of the nation's capital. 

Publix Presents: "Road to Virginia"

The first of many Publixes outside Florida. Source: twitter.com/Publix

In 1991, with over 60 years of renowned customer service, remarkable products and growth attached to its name, Publix made the first steps outside its home state of Florida. The Sunshine State grocer went down to Georgia and swiftly struck gold in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Aided by the strengths they cultivated in their home state, they soared in Georgia's largest market, just as competitors like A&P and Harris Teeter were floundering. This was all despite Kroger's reign of 100+ stores nearby. These nearly perfect factors levitated Publix's prospects not only in the Peach State, but all across the Southeast. In the nick of time, they were able to snake through South Carolina, find sweet homes in Alabama cities, and volunteer in the Tennessee retail scene (through an acquisition of Albertsons stores there - something to remember later). 

Publix's first stop in North Carolina. Source: Charlotte Business Journal

Following a pause in state-hopping, Publix crossed over into North Carolina in 2014. Being farther removed from their distribution hubs in Florida (and Georgia), Publix utilized several tools in their toolbox to upgrade their expansion engine. These maneuvers included buying from the competition (several BI-LOs in Charlotte - remember this too), establishing new divisional offices, and building bases in NC's major population centers before trying out all kinds of towns. This was abetted by previous trials just across the South Carolina line, of which warmed Publix up for such northward expansion.

After the seeds of expansion sprouted in the Tar Heel State, Publix planted a few more across the northern state line. In 2016, Publix announced their entry into Virginia, beginning with only two sites, one in Bristol (cancelled by 2022), and one in the Richmond suburb of Glen Allen. Speculation rose on several potential expansion routes for Publix in the state, such as the more populous Northern Virginia, but little was for certain until another shakeup to the Virginia retail landscape came about. That same year, Dutch grocery conglomerate Ahold would complete their merger with Belgian rival Delhaize. Due to both companies sparring in the same places, the two were required by the FTC to divest several shops.

A Food Lion turned Weis near Fredericksburg. Source: Aaron F. Stone (Flickr)

The divestiture pool was divided between the sizable, feature-packed and high-volume stores Ahold's Giant-Landover and Martin's (a banner of Giant-Carlisle) boasted, and the utilitarian, small town-friendly Food Lion chain in Delhaize's arsenal. Around Winchester, Martin's was the favorite to remain. Down south in Fredericksburg, meanwhile, Food Lion was poised to carry the mantle of the new corporation. While part of the plan suited each market, it did not stand without complications. Giant-Landover was a union-backed business, and protests demanded a reversal of the original plan in the Fredericksburg and Culpeper areas. Ahold and Delhaize reneged, meaning that Food Lion, instead of Giant, would be departing those cities. Despite numerous challenges, finding replacement stores was, surprisingly, no difficult task. Pennsylvania-based Weis Markets and SuperValu's Shop 'n Save banner subsumed Food Lions in the Fredericksburg/Culpeper and Winchester vicinities respectively. 

Down in Richmond, the plan was more clear-cut. It just so happened to be where Publix was testing the waters. If a hoard of north-central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley grocery stores could trade hands easily, just imagine how the decision-making process went in a busier market.

A Ukrop's-turned-Martin's ("Martkrop's"?). Source: KBS

Martin's was in between a rock and a hard place in the River City. Ahold's interest in the market was the trophy of a 2009 bidding war over Ukrop's. The hometown icon had put their grocery business up for sale earlier that year, citing multiple factors. This included, but was not limited to, hardened competition from the likes of Kroger, Food Lion, and Walmart's Supercenters. After the bid was finalized, all Ukrop's would switch over to the Martin's name. Upon starting the conversion process, Ahold was tasked with patching Ukrop's competitive weaknesses. Some were easy to fix, such as instituting alcohol sales or opening doors on Sundays, two moves that showed a stark contrast in values. Other issues would prove far more complex, and Martin's position in the market only hampered progress.

The Richmond grocery market undergoing transformation. Source: Virginia Business

As the decade pressed on, the same issues that led to Ukrop's exit from retail only grew in intensity. Martin's was not as versatile as rival Kroger, and struggled to deter the no-frills standards the Lion and Walmart held. These challenges were compounded by Martin's failing to carry on the quality and recognition of its predecessor in many shoppers' eyes. Only one new store was built in the seven years Martin's operated in Virginia's capital, and several of their ex-Ukrop's holdings were shuttered during this time as well. With more competitors like Whole Foods, Lidl, and Wegmans steaming into town, something had to be done over at Martin's.

The decline of Martin's Richmond operations was happening right as their corporate parents were merging with their corporate rivals. As with points north, Ahold and Delhaize had multiple options to appease the FTC. Perhaps the only complicating factor in choosing what stores to let go was rooted in the busy retail scene, with the city boasting the most supermarkets in the country per capita. With the instability of Martin's and brand recognition, as well as wide spread (ranging from rural to suburban) of Food Lion, a clear winner was found. Former Ukrop's were again on the chopping block, not even a decade after the collapse of said chain. 

A Martin's (another "Markrop's", to be exact) that didn't make Publix's cut. Credit: Richmond BizSense

The aforementioned decision was compounded by the fact that both Martin's and Food Lion were non-union. This meant the preferred transaction could go through without vocal contention. All Martin's were put up for sale, and speculation heated up as to who would buy in. Some wagered Kroger would double up their presence. Such predictions ended when an intrigued Publix snapped up ten prime locations. Four more sites were added by year's end, readying the chain for an impressive launch. Closings and conversions soon settled in, with each Publix purchase being gutted and decorated to keep up with the chain's meticulous image. 

There would also be leftovers that did not go to Publix. As of 2024, most remain fallow or have been incorporated into non-grocery uses. These were likely not snapped up as the chain desired better locations nearby, or felt rebuilding these older locations would be less economical.

Virginia's first Publix. Source: Ryan (Flickr)

A Ukrop's-turned-Martin's-turned Publix ("Pubkrop's"?). Source: Ryan (Flickr)

Come 2017, Publix touched down in Virginia to much fanfare. The first several Martin's conversions would roll off the line that summer, with reopenings continuing into 2018. This batch of openings included the previously-announced Glen Allen store, itself a never-built Ukrop's. A few older ex-Ukrop's were also in line for demolition and rebuilds, showing Publix's construction prowess for all in Virginia's capital city to see. Publix is well-known for tearing down and building anew in its home state, so it's just what they opted for at those locations.

Fredericksburg, Virginia's first Publix. Source: Ryan (Flickr)

With Publix seeing success in the River City, they now had what it took to expand. There was a multitude of directions for Publix to go, though what most seemed desirable to them was Virginia's most important market, Northern Virginia. The first stop on their northwards journey would be in Fredericksburg, where they would secure a site at the southern edge of the city. Its place at the formidable Cosner's Corner power center, alongside Kohl's, Marshalls and (interestingly) a SuperTarget. That store opened in 2018, only one year into Publix's Virginia run. Despite giving the city of 27,000+ only one handle on the Publix phenomenon, the lone location still proved to connect with its residents; provided one could brave the Interstate 95 traffic to get there.

A true sign of the times. Source: Stafford County Economic Development

One year later, in July 2019, Publix one-upped their committment to residents of Fredericksburg. Their next store in the market was to be built in the northern suburb of Stafford. That store would be incorporated into the sprawling Embrey Mill development further up I-95, with a plethora of commercial space primed alongside an already bustling residential development. This post won't quite get into the construction process; though despite a 2021 target completion date, contractors put their best feet forward and the Floridian grocer opened its doors at the tail end of 2020. Since then, Publix has had a front-row seat to a blossoming retail development featuring acres of strip malls and fast food joints, and has managed well as an anchor in the Stafford community. 

Store Tour

I'm not one to end a story on an amateur note, but that is how Publix wound up 100 miles into the state of Virginia. With all that now in our rear view mirror, let's start this little tour!

The first photo of the tour segment is an alternate angle of the exterior. Here we can see the taller heights Publix has reached with their exteriors, which reflects something we are about to witness inside. I opine that this is an underwhelming design, with peach-colored brick slabs constructing the majority of the walls on each side. Now, how does the inside fare, exactly?

The first of the two interior views today is set in the mezzanine. This second-level space, featuring café seating for customers and employees alike, is perhaps the most defining feature of Publix's 48M format. With all that expansion into new territory, and continued growth in established markets comes new competition, and Publix certainly wanted to stand out from the rest of the crowd. Times in retail have changed as well, and their renowned collection of prepared foods has prompted a focus on in-store dining, especially as their e-commerce options have gained prominence. This café area reminds me of a similar layout Wegmans featured in their 1990s and 2000s builds. An apt reminder for sure, given the tendency for consumers to compare these two renowned supermarkets!

Moving beyond the dining hall, we have the left side of the store in the palm of our hands. To the right we have frozen aisles, while items like school supplies, pet food, and health & beauty occupy the middle. Elsewhere, we can see the dairy sign and beer and wine cache. While not visible, the bakery is in the back-left corner, while the pharmacy occupies the front-left. 

As it was then a new opening, I was impressed by the order and cleanliness abounding in each aisle. While I'm not a fan of the package (Evergreen) that decorates the walls either, I'm at least pleased to see it well-composed here. I especially liked the hanging drop ceilings, which add extra depth to center-store.

For the last photo, here's a look down the rest of the seating area. While it also conforms to Evergreen standards, the furniture composition isn't outlandish like some modern restaurants are, and the light fixtures appear tasteful. I think this setup can look just as neat with any good decor package. 

To the left of the picture, the standalone deli box (dubbed the "Deli Shrine" by Sing Oil Blog!) appears. In 48M Publixes, the deli is run entirely from a counter, as opposed to a kitchen-connected setup along the store perimeter that other Publixes have. This goes for whenever you're craving a signature chicken tender "Pub Sub" (Psst... there's a way to save on those) or you're stacking up on Boar's Head deli meats and cheeses. Either way, there's something for everyone on all four sides of the "shrine". Squished in between the deli and mezzanine is a great big round "P", marking the corner where customer service and online order pickup operate out of.

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To sum up my first impressions on Publix, I would say that it was a great place that knew just how to be high-volume and feature-packed while appearing humble with its smaller store sizes (in comparison to recent competitors). Publix sure knows how to place the best of both worlds into a little package! I also like how this store strategically held out as a testing bed for the busy Northern Virginia retail market, all while being anchored to the more bountiful resources originating from places south.

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Thank you all for reading through! Next time, I will be returning to the place where shopping is a pleasure (did I get that right?), and dissecting some major details about Ukrop's and Martin's combined history in Richmond, as well as Publix's escapades elsewhere in the Old Dominion. Be sure to tell your friends all about this blog and sound off in the comments. 

How do you think Publix is getting by in Virginia, especially this far north? What do you see them doing there next? This post also marks the beginning of a new, narrative-centric format. What should I improve about this along with my writing style?

Disclaimer: I have no opinion on the union situation. I included such details merely to show that these matters played a role in the Ahold-Delhaize merger.

Publix Decor Packages, Reviewed and Ranked

 ...and again, welcome back to the Shoppes of Battery Mill, where (yet again) blogging is a pleasure!

As they say... and now, for something completely different. What you are seeing here is the first edition of my Retail Ranking series, where I count down and review elements of retail design and business, from worst to best! I have started this series as it gives me a chance to examine these characteristics and determine what sticks, what doesn't and why, as well as to reflect on retail memories. For the inaugural installment, I will be taking a look at Florida's crown jewel, Publix Super Markets and examining its interior decor packages. 

Why Publix, exactly? Before I answer the question, I will admit I have little history with this chain, as it thus far exists only on the fringes of the Washington, D.C. area, this blog's main region of coverage. This reason is actually a contributing factor as to why - rumors have been swirling over the past several years, and the existence of Publixes in peripheral cities Fredericksburg and Stafford, as well as the rest of Virginia only adds to the winds of speculation. I would be excited to see how the chain adapts to Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the District in terms of design. Moreover, I have also been captivated by the work of Albertsons Florida Blog, My Florida Retail and Sing Oil Blog, among others, in documenting Publix. If you like retail history, or want to check out something new, definitely visit their blogs! Therefore I thought Publix would be a great choice, as their decor packages have all had their strengths and I am ready to check them out in detail. As for chains with an existing presence on here, such as Giant, Shoppers, and any national retailers: They will be on the way soon, so keep on the lookout!

Before I begin, I have a few other disclaimers about this list. The first is that I will remain constructive in my criticisms; I respect the designers behind these efforts. Another is that you are free to write such a ranking for your own blog, whether from Publix or from any other retailer. I am open to your own interpretations! Lastly, I am going to keep it simple for this one. That means no scoring or tier systems.

Criteria-wise: 

• While I will be focusing on decor packages, I will not be detailing their corresponding layouts for new-builds, except for how they adapt to those as compared to older packages.
  
• This list will not take into account mid-cycle revisions and other minor alterations made to the packages over the course of their run.
• While numerous photos have surfaced, I do not plan on adding pre-1990 Publix interiors (sometimes known as "Florida's Market") to the roster, as their histories are not complete enough yet.
• Neither will I be including one-time decors or those from Publix spin-offs such Sabor and GreenWise Market, as I want to keep the analysis strictly to the main brand.

Now, with all that being said, let's start with my least favorite:

#7: Evergreen (2019-present)

Evergreen is Publix's current decor package, featuring polished accents, textured walls, and an overall gray theme across the store.

If you've been keeping up with the retail industry lately, you know gray paints and wooden accents have been showing up on every street corner like Mattress Firms or Kelpshake cafés. I'm certainly not a fan of that, and this is the primary reason why I've ranked this package so low. To me, it feels like Publix is latching on to industry trends, and this package just does not feel very personal, rather corporate and overly-millennialized. It's strange why Publix has decided to go this route after making timeless decors beforehand. 

Evergreen especially comes off as mediocre in remodeled stores. The specific textures new-builds have are not present in older locations, and the color palette clashes with the multi-colored appliances and light ceilings of past packages. Simply put, it does not adapt as good as its predecessor in Sienna, as you will see later.

However, not everything I will say about the package is negative. The green accents add a little pop, and the wall textures, as well as posters, contain the grayness somewhat. Thanks to the strategic lighting and lighter-overall walls/wood accents, Evergreen also has a slight warmth to it that its contemporaries across retail might not be able to attest to.

#6: Kiwi/"Classy Market 1.0" (2001-2009)

Credit: Brian Kirsten (Flickr)

Credit: R M. (Yelp)

Kiwi, the first installment in the unofficial "Classy Market" saga, is a pivot from the wild and wacky decors that came before it towards a relaxed 2000s feel.

In new stores, Publix did a great job contorting the walls to induce scale and give off a feeling that you are at an open-air market. The crown mouldings, arches, and shutters help to elevate luxury status at any Publix with this design.

Kiwi does not look impressive in older stores, where Kiwi's colonial facades were typically not optioned. This is why I have ranked the package so low. Nevertheless, its friendly nature creates an appetizing environment, with the tones and tints bleeding Publix green.

#5: "Wavy Pastel" (1990-2005)

Credit: The Miami Herald

For the '90s, Publix debuted a Floridian-inspired decor package, featuring extensive shutters, teal awnings, and funky department signage. Those who shopped Publix during that decade will likely have fond memories of this interior theme.

This package, to me, is certainly a treat; nostalgic, yet ahead of its time and promising for the future. What this package has over its predecessors is that it is a tad more colorful and has bolder signage. It also tends to be better composed in remodeled stores compared to Kiwi.

I feel that Wavy Pastel gives off too much of an empty feeling at times, with its expansive stretches of white walls just above perimeter coolers. Granted, retail design has advanced since the 1990s, but it still drags the package down my list slightly. I would have also included a tad more green, so that this package would have been even more memorable.

#4: "Metallic Marketplace" (1999-2005)

Credit: kaytee17 (Flickr)

After nine years of Wavy Pastel accompanying new Publixes, a retooling for the new millennium was in order, giving us none other than the sleeker Metallic Marketplace.

In my opinion, Metallic Marketplace is a testament to graciously improving upon a prior concept. What I like was the corrugated metal textures, strong use of overhead elements and neon, and the modernized signage that carried the successful Wavy Pastel philosophy into the next decade. Some of these are quite a rare sight in present-day grocery design! What drags this package down are some of the traits it shares in common with its predecessor, though such is made up for in the final three packages on my list.

#3: Bamboo/"Classy Market 2.5" (2009-2015)

Credit: Sing Oil Blog for Albertsons Florida Blog (Blogger)

This major update to the previous Invigorate refined department signage, keeping it up to date with the minimalism of the 2010s.

What I appreciate about this package, that places it among my top 3, is that it is perhaps the most colorful design of anything that comes before on this ranking. This is certainly what helps Publix compete with other grocery retailers that have had less constrictive personas, and brought upon a special touch to each department rather than uniformity. Not to mention, it fit well into any stores it was remodeled with, moreso than the past 4 packages.

#2: Invigorate/"Classy Market 2.0" (2006-2010)

Credit: The Stewart/Perry Companies (Flickr)

Credit: Albertsons Florida Blog (Blogger)

A return to colorful vibes following the more upscale 1.0 version, the second installment of Classy Market brought about number of signage pieces of all shapes and sizes.

What places this package over its successor to me is that departmental signage is more detailed, and that other elements are simply more down-to-earth, with lighter colors and a more consistent framing of each department (including that customer service desk on the left!). Otherwise, I would say just about the same things.

#1: Sienna/"Classy Market 3.0" (2010-2021) 

Credit: Sing Oil Blog (Blogger)

First launching as a hybrid between the previous editions of Classy Market and Publix's GreenWise natural foods concept, the best of both worlds came alive in this dynamic, prepared foods-focused concept that elevated prior philosophies while keeping the chain up to date in an Amazon world.

What can I say except this is my favorite era of Publix? The continued "dynamic department" approach gives off just the right vibe for each section of the store. Specialized pieces, such as the swooping produce sign, sprinkles of bright green, and polished stone, metal and wood (although in moderation) only helps to show Publix's committment to their design philosophy. The walls pop with their colorful, yet simple blocks of department signage. Textures such as the wine canvas and pharmacy tile are small details, but add a new space of depth to each department. Not to mention, these balances make this package quite easy to adapt to Publix stores of any vintage, which can appear colorful and modern without needing to send in the carpentry crews too often.

The only flaw I see is that it appears a tad dark at times - otherwise the color makes up for that.

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Thank you for following along with this ranking! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. More will be on the way, so stay tuned!

-BatteryMill

Shoppers - Charlotte Hall, MD

Attention Shoppes of Battery Mill shoppers! This edition is something special, that being our very first guest contributor post. Featured here today is n0ah (also on YouTube and on Flickr), who will be covering one of Shoppers Food's latest expeditions. More contributor posts will be on the way in the future, so stay tuned! Now back to our regularly-scheduled blogging activity.

-BatteryMill

Hello everyone & welcome back to the Shoppes of Battery Mill blog. It's been how long we've posted anything... But here I am! Anyways, this post will cover on one of the newest Shoppers locations somewhere in the middle of nowhere southern tip of Maryland.

Shoppers - Charlotte Hall, MD

Store Info

• Location: 37670 Mohawk Dr, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
• Opened: 2023
• Decor package: UNFI Silver package
• Features: Deli, Seafood, Shoppers Café, Salad Bar, Bakery/Colossal Donuts, International, Health & Beauty

Now let's seek some new looks here, shall we? When you continue reading!

Let's start with some 80's stuff that has been borrowed from McKays, the previous & first anchor of this exact store.

This payphone that still operates can be seen on the exterior entrance walls. I didn't actually use it but from what I've known, it's still in operation.

Also this retro Chevrolet Belaire that fits very well as a setting with this façade.

One of the newest stores to add a entrance logo is this place.

This is the produce section. It looks mediocre from all of the Shoppers locations, also the only one to have a Floral section inside. The short ceiling, coming from the McKays architecture, makes this store look more smaller yet the location is pretty big from the looks of the exterior.

Also the Café still behind the Saving Zone, it still gives the strong McKays retro feel. You can tell by the old TV on the roof. Let's wish they get a TV service for it.

Also this typeface error, 'Lunch' has Arial instead of Gotham.

Also this former liquor area from when it was a McKays location. Shoppers for some reason doesn't sell liquor here.

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My opinions? This store is extremely amazing and cozy, but needs to undergo 1 decor package fix.

I guess that's all I have to say for now.

The NARDI Construction Archives: Everything Else

Once again, hello and welcome to the Shoppes of Battery Mill once again!

On our last visit, I dug through the treasure troves of the internet to present to you an archive of Shoppers Food archives, all from their working partner NARDI Construction. I promised to excavate more hidden gems from other NARDI clients as well, and today I shall deliver on this pledge.

So what other retail projects did NARDI embark on? While the firm has contributed to Shoppers, they have also pitched in on a number of other sites across the East Coast, including such notable malls as Potomac Mills and Johnson City, as well as at a variety of commercial centers, including airports, downtowns and big-box centers.

With all that being said and done, let's take a tour of their numerous other projects. I may also note that some stores and locations have an undetermined name/location, so if anyone can sleuth these out, any such comments would be gladly appreciated. Let's step back in time now!

Potomac Mills

Located in the Washington, D.C. suburb of Woodbridge, Virginia, Potomac Mills was the first Mills mall and changed the game upon its opening in 1985, combining the savings of outlet stores with the immersive shopping experience of traditional centers. Numerous other Mills (and clones) were constructed nationwide in the decades following, and I bet NARDI was fortunate to be a part of their early history. 

Nevertheless, here is a look into the firm's gallery of retro PMills photos, coupled with some mysteries to be solved.

To start things off right, here is a view of an entrance basking in the evening glow, all the while radiating its own light onto a colorful set of icons. This image is located at the eastern entrance to Neighborhood 1, next door to present-day Buy Buy Baby. Unfortunately, this artwork has been dismantled in favor of a plain look, though the brick and lattice walls on either side remain.

We enter the center with a look at a stately Eddie Bauer outlet shop. The chain remained a fixture of the mall for many years, and is now no longer present. I believe it may have relocated elsewhere, but I cannot exactly confirm this.

The lattice ceiling fixture seen in this photo, among others, was an architectural signature and noise-cancelling item of Potomac Mills until the mall underwent a major remodel in 2005. Presently, the mall uses "sails" under the ceilings as an accent, with spotlights operating independently of these hanging fixtures.

To my best knowledge, this storefront would have been located in Neighborhood 1 (dubbed the "Fashion District"), across from the present-day Round 1 arcade and bowling alley. As of 2022, said space is home to an Ann Taylor Factory Outlet.

This is the next store we'll be passing by, known as the "He-Ro Group". One of the hundreds of shops that have come and gone from Potomac over the years, this one looks to have sold the work of famed designer Oleg Cassini. Little is known on what the history of the brand was, or where in the mall did the He-Ro Group set up shop.

We round the bend that leads to another mystery location at the mall. There are elements which can be easily identifiable, such as the shop with the neon-lit sign in the background, or the furniture store to the right. 

What complicates the search for this one, however, is that there are several points of the mall that look like this. Regardless, you can see the old-school tile floor and a car on display to the left. 

 

As a bonus, can anyone tell which model is standing there?

As we go on, we arrive at an Oriental Weavers rug store, flanked by a sign reading "URT" to the left and a cinnamon bakery on the right. This location appears to be more easily identifiable than the latter two, as this one appears to be on a diagonal portion of the mall's corridor, and adjacent to downward flights of stairs.

Before we leave this mall I'll share interior photos of an store under construction. Again, this is another mystery to be solved, though the service "boat" may be easy to identify and this most likely belonged to an in-line shop as opposed to an anchor.

Smoketown Stations

This power center, situated on the Prince William Parkway east of Smoketown Road in Woodbridge, Virginia, was developed circa 1993-1995 as a big-box complement to Potomac Mills. Utilizing the then-new cross-county thoroughfare as a clean starting pad, Smoketown Stations was able to attract numerous tenants such as Best Buy, Petstuff, Lowe's, Kids R Us, and the previously seen Shoppers grocery store. The center is divided into five different blocks/sections, some of which will be explored below.

Now that we have arrived for some extra errands, let's go get some lunch at Boston... Chicken?! Well, if you didn't know before, this was what Boston Market used to go by. Regardless, it shouldn't be too far off from today's restaurant, so let's go in and eat.

On the technical side of things, this photo is most likely dated 1994. I inferred such as this was prior to Boston Chicken's renaming, but also the rest of this phase would open the next year and was still early on in taking shape. What is also noteworthy here is that Boston Market is still open as well.

Lunch is over, and that can only mean one thing: making plans for the rest of the day. How about some, uh, what's it called...  Netflix with physical movies or something? Or at least that's what I saw when I went through those doors at this "Hollywood Video" place. 

All jokes aside, here is the video-rental standby in the Smoketown Stations habitat, manifesting the golden age of this retail format. Being early on in the center's existence, it seems to have been next door to a couple of empty spaces. The rest of Block IV is to the right, with a couple more places we'll be checking into shortly.

Upon closing, circa 2008, the HV space would be subdivided with a Panda Express, a Sears Appliance Showroom, and an additional tenant slot. The latter two are now home to a spa and realtors' office.

Continuing on with our dinner plans, we zoom over to the eastern end of Block IV. Perhaps we might dine at Old Country Buffet, finish the living room with a La-Z-Boy chair, or get something to drink at Total... Beverage, right? Looks like the store operating in the bronze-clad building is yet another ghost of retail past. But what exactly was it, anyway?

Total Beverage was another local chain in the extensive portfolio of Herbert Haft, alongside Trak Auto, Crown Books, and Shoppers Food (all of which had made their way into Smoketown Stations!). Total Beverage was acquired by upstart Liquor World in 1998, and the parent company eventually assumed the Total Wine name and logo inspired by Beverage. However, this location already was long-gone by then, having closed in April 1996 after only a year in operation. Borders would eventually find their way in, before closing with the rest of the chain as part of their 2011 bankruptcy and becoming 2nd and Charles.

We can't forget about Zany Brainy while we're here, too. The educational toy and game seller, meanwhile, became home to Ulta, which jumped ship to the upstart Stonebridge Town Center (alongside the likes of Wegmans, REI and the Apple Store), and now features a Tuesday Morning.

Perhaps if all those fancy-schmancy shops aren't up to our liking, maybe we could just unwind with some arcade games and pizza at Chuck E. Cheese's (Pizza). Another signage change to add to the list... oh joy.

 

This restaurant is in Block II. This phase was anchored by a Lowe's in its early years, before relocating in 2003 and ceding space to Dick's Sporting Goods and LA Fitness. This one is another lucky tenant that remains open today, even after a fire ravaged the building in 2018 and a remodel was conducted.

 

What do we have here? A store with the word "mobile" on the building, that I know. Perhaps we'll check out all the latest iPhone 14 Pro Max Giga Folds... wait, what are these brick phones with tiny green screens doing here? Oh, I forgot, we're in 1995 or something.

Also in Block II, this storefront continues to sell cell phones under the Verizon brand. Regardless of what's sold inside, I must admit, a lot of retail renaming has happened in the center's lifetime!

After all these peculiar retail sights of old, let's go to a place that remains rather unchanged... Best Buy. Let's perhaps get our hands on a huge TV, or all the latest albums on "compact disc" or whatever it's called.

Best Buy is the sole anchor of Smoketown Stations' Block V, but it's accompanied by a decent amount of strip shops to the side, some of which could be considered junior anchors. That interpretation is up to you, the reader though.

As for any remodels of the sort... I take that statement back, it was indeed remodeled in 2012 to feature the "Connected Store" concept, and now features a metallic sheet facade. What I find interesting here, though, are the old-school teal lamp covers on the walls.

The Mall at Johnson City

And now for something completely different, as they say. Previously dubbed the "Miracle Mall", the center has been a mainstay in the Tri-Cities area of southeastern Virginia and northeastern Tennessee since opening in 1971. NARDI participated in the mall's early-1990s remodel. 

Full disclosure, I am not very familiar with this area, so if anyone has some interesting comments or can identify the mall's layout, keep me informed.

 

We enter the mall with a rather modern (for the time) entrance area. To the left is a Ruby Tuesday, which eventually moved to a standalone space nearby and closing with the pandemic in 2020. I will admit, both facades still look quite good today!

Our first look inside will be at the Belk department store. You may have noticed the "Parks" byline here, but what does it stand for exactly? The southern retailer was known for acquiring local brands and attaching their names to that of Belk. Over 100 examples existed, so there sure must have been something going on with all those banners they had to track. This Belk stands today, but with just the "Belk" name itself.

Here is a view of Parks Belk from further away. A bit dark of a corridor here I will say, but I hope it looked better in person.

 

We thumb over to the Johnson City JCPenney's entrance, embracing the wall of black glass and an interior dotted with light fixtures. This one is also still open in the same spot it was, even as Penney's has struggled in the past decade or so.

This is what looks to be the mall's food court. Seems to be a rather stately affair, given the formal attire and a piano man at the helm!

Here are some escalators, in a quieter part of the mall. This aesthetic doesn't seem to match up to that of the previous photo, so I would have to say this was pre-remodel, though I am entirely guessing.

A nice place for a round of indoor mini-golf. I'm not sure what happened to this place, but I don't think there are any such inside Johnson City Mall today.

This is a view at this ornate combination of columns and mega crown moulding. This would likely be mid-construction, seeing the scaffolding and temporary wall installations blocking off portions of the mall.

We close this set off with a look at the end result, featuring a kiosk store selling sunglasses.

Miscellaneous

 

We return to the Clopper Mill Village Center, home of the Germantown Shoppers, to rewind back to the center's early year. Here is a space for what looks to be a Glory Days Grill, an American-themed restaurant chain with locations from here to Florida.

We catch up with (augmented-reality Netflix, in 2022 terms) Hollywood Video here at this center. At present, the space is split between T-Mobile, Subway, and a dance studio.

Speaking of this "video rental" thing, here is the interior of Giant Depot Video in the King Farm district of nearby Rockville. See if you can identify some of these posters!

We finish the post as a whole in a rather unusual place, the Baltimore-Washington International Airport. NARDI worked on the food court for its 2005 remodel, and strung together a number of fast food tenants, including Quizno's. Interestingly this one has braved mass closures, and has been remodeled over the years too!

Here is Villa Pizza, which also remains open, although with a slightly different name, again.

Thank you for choosing the Shoppes of Battery Mill! All I can say, it's been a wild ride back in time through these NARDI Construction PDFs. Remember: be kind, rewind! (if only I could figure how to work that darn "rewind" key on my computer...)