Riverlands Shopping Center plans include new pet store, clothing store move & ‘huge’ announcement

Published 12:15 am Wednesday, June 20, 2018

LAPLACE — St. John the Baptist Parish shoppers will notice changes to the Riverlands Shopping Center on Airline Highway in LaPlace, marked by upcoming store openings, closing and relocations.

Rainbow is moving its women’s clothing and clearance deals from the west corner of the shopping center to the old Rue 21 location on the east side of Matherne’s Market.

Store manager Bridgette Turley told L’OBSERVATEUR on Monday that the move is expected to occur within a week. With 4,200 square feet of space, the new location nearly doubles the current store size.

“It’s bigger and it’s fresh,” Turley said. “They went in and painted in our colors, blue and white. I think it’s going to bring in more business because we’re going to be able to brand it better down there.”

According to Turley, Rainbow has served LaPlace for at least 10 years, and frequent sales specials allow the store to thrive.

Shoppers used to visiting Rainbow for the many sales on women’s clothing will soon be changing locations, albeit only slightly in the same shopping center.

“Most of our shoppers come in because they see our clearance rack outside,” Turley said. “We have $5.99 shirts, two or more for $5, $12.99 sandals and active wear $4.99 to $6.99. I think that draws people in. We can cater to anybody.”

Rainbow’s hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

July 1 marks the closing date of PetSmart after three and a half years of operation in LaPlace.

Riverlands Shopping Center owner Robert Bruno said Petsense would open in its place, bringing shoppers a similar selection of pet care supplies, food and grooming services at lower costs.

According to an April press release from Petsense, the company offers Purina, Blue Buffalo, Pedigree, Iams, Taste of the Wild, Merrick, Science Diet and Earthborn foods in addition to exclusive brand True Source.

“Petsense is going to be much better for our market and community because their pricing is much more reasonable than PetSmart,” Bruno said.

An opening date has not been announced, and Petsense corporate did not respond for comment as of press time Tuesday morning.

New restaurant Louisiana Roadhouse Steak, located at the site of the old New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood Co., is set to celebrate its grand opening for the Fourth of July, bringing a wide selection of western, Mexican and Italian flavors.

Opening hours are expected to run from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Bruno said Louisiana Roadhouse Steak forwards Riverlands Shopping Center’s goal to save LaPlace residents from venturing to Kenner for food, shopping and recreation.

According to Bruno, a “huge” addition to the shopping center is in negotiation. If and when a contract is signed, the new business would take up space where Burke’s Outlet closed in April and carry over to neighboring store spaces.

“We only have a few spaces left, and the shopping center has been vastly improved,” Bruno said. “If anybody’s looking for a small shop space, 1,500 square feet or 4,000 square feet, we’re open for business.”

For more information, call Bruno at 504-583-0637 or 985-792-7110.