Two Centennial Properties Named Top 10 Retail Center Experiences in America by Chain Store Age
Liberty Center and The Summit Represent Centennial Portfolio in National Ranking
DALLAS – August 7, 2025 – Centennial, a retail real estate owner and operator with a national portfolio of shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations as well as a full-service property management platform serving third-party owners (www.centennialrec.com), is proud to announce that two of its premier properties – Liberty Center in Liberty Township, Ohio, and The Summit in Birmingham, Alabama – have been named to Chain Store Age’s prestigious Top 10 Retail Center Experiences in America for 2025. Liberty Center ranked no. 8, while The Summit claimed the no. 10 spot on this influential list.
These honors recognize Centennial’s continued commitment to reimagining retail as a dynamic, community-first experience. The annual list highlights shopping centers across the nation that set the standard in customer engagement, innovation, and experiential placemaking.
“We are incredibly honored to see both Liberty Center and The Summit recognized among the best retail experiences in the country,” said Paul J. Kurzawa, President of Centennial. “These rankings are a testament to our vision for exceptional retail destinations as well as the incredible work of our on-site teams, who ensure that these centers are thriving community destinations where people come not just to shop, but to gather, celebrate, and connect. I’m proud of how our teams consistently raise the bar on what modern retail should be.”
Liberty Center (No. 8): A Modern Town Square
Located between Cincinnati and Dayton, Liberty Center has redefined what it means to be a town square in the 21st century. As the region’s only retail-anchored mixed-use development, the center features a walkable outdoor environment blending retail, dining, entertainment, wellness, hospitality, and residential offerings.
Key highlights include:
- Exclusive first-to-market tenants like Sandbox VR, Cowboy Sally’s, and iFLY
- Over 100 community events annually, including Sip & Stroll and Monster Mash
- A $7.6M state tax credit awarded in 2024 to expand its residential offerings
- A sustained 35% increase in sales per square foot since 2019
Through thoughtful placemaking, immersive entertainment, and a curated tenant mix, Liberty Center has become a ritual destination for families, young professionals, and visitors from across the state.
The Summit (No. 10): Sophistication Meets Southern Charm
As one of the first outdoor lifestyle centers in the U.S., The Summit has long been a retail pioneer. Nearly three decades after opening, it remains Alabama’s most-visited retail destination, drawing over 9 million visitors annually and offering a seamless blend of luxury retail, elevated dining, and hospitality.
Notable achievements include:
- A tenant mix where over 60% of brands are exclusive to the Birmingham market
- Major national debuts from brands like Boss, Culinary Dropout, Alo Yoga and Gorjana
- A 34.7% increase in sales per square foot over the last five years
- Continuous reinvestment in pedestrian upgrades, seating areas, and entertainment spaces
From its first-to-market brand debuts to its ongoing investment in pedestrian-friendly design and premium retail experiences, The Summit exemplifies how lifestyle centers can evolve to remain relevant, aspirational, and beloved.
Today, Centennial operates 25 million square feet of mixed-use destinations in 18 states. Other notable properties that Centennial manages on behalf of third-party owners include Arden Fair in Sacramento, California; Bella Terra in Huntington Beach, California; MarketFair in Princeton, New Jersey; Promenade Saucon Valley in Center Valley, Pennsylvania; Providence Place in Providence, Rhode Island; and The Shops at North Bridge in Chicago. To see Centennial’s complete property portfolio, visit https://centennialrec.com/retail-places/centennial-collection.
About Centennial
Centennial is a retail real estate investment firm with a national portfolio of shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations as well as a full-service property management platform serving third-party owners. With over 300 employees nationwide, the company now operates 25 million square feet of mixed-use destinations in 18 states. Since 1997, Centennial has played a pivotal role in shaping the evolution of American retail by creating a superior multi-faceted shopping experience with properties that serve not only as a place of commerce, but as a place of community. For more information, visit CentennialREC.com.
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