Hilldale Shopping Center will welcome the first of four new businesses to open in the old AMC Theatre space this weekend, Hilldale announced in October.
AMC Theatre 6 closed in December 2022, allowing for new businesses to take over the space. That month, the Madison Common Council unanimously approved a proposal to redevelop Hilldale that included repurposing the 40,000-square-foot theater into a two-story retail center.
Nearly two years later, retailers Warby Parker, Sephora, Sweetgreen and Jaxen Grey will fill the repurposed space at Hilldale Shopping Center in the coming months. Optometrist Warby Parker is the first of the four businesses to open, with its grand opening set for Nov. 23. They are relocating from their previous spot on 401 State St.
Following the city’s approval of the renovation in December 2022, Hilldale general manager Nanci Horn told the Cap Times the shopping center is “thrilled that the Madison Common Council has moved forward with an approval of our expansion plan for Hilldale.”
“The property has been a beloved community destination for over 60 years, and our goal has always been to continually enhance its offerings, inclusive of a diverse merchandise mix, restaurant uses, and an array of community-focused events,” Horn said.
At the grand opening, Warby Parker is giving out a free custom tote bag with any eyewear purchase while supplies last and 15% when shoppers buy two or more pairs of prescription eyeglasses or sunglasses.
Jaxen Grey, a Minneapolis based men’s retail store, is set to open in February 2025. The Hilldale location will be the first to open in Wisconsin.
Jaxen Grey manager Oliver Swingen told WMTV on Tuesday the city of Madison’s “dynamic range of people” makes it a nice fit for the store.
“With the variety of clothes we carry, there is something for everyone, so I think Madison will enjoy having us here, and we will enjoy being here as well,” Swingen said.
Sephora and Sweetgreen locations are set to open in 2025.
Marin Rosen is the city news editor for The Daily Cardinal and a second-year journalism student. Throughout her time at the Cardinal, she's written articles for city and state news. She is an intern at Channel 3000 News and runs the Badger Beat on Instagram and TikTok. Follow her on Twitter at @marin_rosen
