During a recent Bridgeport Development Authority meeting, Public Information Officer Andrea Kerr told those gathered that Meadowbrook Mall was about to have one of its few vacant spaces outside of the Food Court with a new tenant.

The business that departed is one of the older ones at Meadowbrook Mall. Icing, which began operations according to the Bridgeport Finance Department on Dec. 1, 1999, had a close-out date listed as June 2025. The closure ended nearly a quarter century of doing business at the mall.

The good news is that the tenant coming also has a long history. Ashcroft & Oak Jewelry will be bringing its services to the site of Icing, which is one of the corner units near Center Court.

The project essentially is a buildout of the existing space. Kerr said the permit is for $225,000. As of early this week, little – if any – work had begun. KJ Mirman Construction out of Ohio is the contractor.

“The Cafaro Company and the Meadowbrook Mall staff have been doing a great job of finding business, local and national, to fill up the retail spaces when they come available, which is why the mall is nearly at capacity,” said Kerr. “I commend them for being proactive in getting a commitment for the space quickly, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the jewelry store has to offer, even though I’m not familiar with it. I’m certainly glad they chose Bridgeport.”

Although a national chain, Ashcroft & Oak Jewelers is a family-owned jewelry company, part of Rogers & Hollands Jewelers, specializing in providing a wide range of jewelry, including engagement rings, wedding bands, fashion jewelry, and watches. They have more than 70 locations across the country.

Kerr was not sure about a timeline for opening. However, she did say that she believed that it would likely be before the holiday shopping season.

Click HERE to visit the business Web site.