Janaf Shopping Center
5900 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502
5900 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502
Monday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Located at 5900 E Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA 23502, Janaf Shopping Center stands as one of the most significant retail destinations in the Hampton Roads region. This expansive shopping complex has been serving the community for over six decades, establishing itself as a cornerstone of retail activity in southeastern Virginia.
A Historic Foundation with Modern Appeal
Janaf Shopping Center opened its doors in December 1959, making it one of the first major suburban shopping centers in the United States. The center's name carries special significance as an acronym for "Joint Army Navy Air Force," reflecting its origins as an investment project by retired U.S. Navy officer James Beazley, who formed Janaf, Inc. as an investment organization catering to active and retired military personnel. This military connection remains deeply rooted in the center's identity, perfectly aligning with the strong military presence in the Norfolk area.
Originally constructed on property that had formerly been used as an airfield, the shopping center has undergone numerous transformations throughout its history. The most recent major renovation took place in 2006, ensuring that the facility maintains modern standards while preserving its historical character.
Strategic Location and Superior Accessibility
What sets Janaf Shopping Center apart is its prime strategic location at the bustling intersection of Virginia Beach Boulevard and Military Highway. This positioning provides exceptional visibility and accessibility, with the center benefiting from the convergence of two major thoroughfares that see significant daily traffic volumes. Military Highway carries approximately 42,000 cars per day, while Virginia Beach Boulevard serves as another major connector with 28,000 average annual daily traffic.
The center's location offers unparalleled convenience with close proximity to I-64 and I-264, making it easily accessible from throughout the Hampton Roads region. This accessibility is further enhanced by the center's position just one mile from Norfolk International Airport and eight miles from downtown Norfolk, positioning it as a convenient stop for both local residents and travelers.
Impressive Scale and Infrastructure
Janaf Shopping Center spans an impressive 105.65 acres and encompasses 812,529 square feet of gross leasable area, making it the largest open-air shopping center in the region. The complex features 100 stores across 25 center properties, providing an extensive retail environment that caters to diverse shopping needs.
The center's infrastructure includes 3,990 parking spaces, ensuring convenient access for the substantial visitor volume. With 1 million total visitors over 12 months and an impressive visit frequency of 4.72 visits per person, the center demonstrates its strong appeal and customer loyalty.
Diverse Anchor Tenants and Retail Mix
The shopping center boasts an impressive roster of major national retailers that serve as anchor tenants. The primary anchors include BJ's Wholesale Club and Fuel Center (occupying 151,345 square feet), T.J. Maxx (37,383 square feet), Big Lots (42,500 square feet), Petco (17,000 square feet), and Wawa (7,240 square feet). These established retailers provide a strong foundation for the center's retail ecosystem.
Beyond the anchor tenants, the shopping center houses a comprehensive mix of businesses including Goodwill, Five Below, Burlington, Dollar Tree, OfficeMax, Aldi, Aaron's, Tesla Supercharging Stations, and Verizon. The center also features essential services such as the United States Postal Service, SunTrust Bank, and various medical offices, making it a one-stop destination for both shopping and essential services.
Exceptional Features and Amenities
Janaf Shopping Center offers numerous features that enhance the shopping experience. The facility includes dedicated turn lanes, pylon signage, signalized intersections, and bus line access, ensuring smooth traffic flow and convenient public transportation options. The center provides wheelchair-accessible entrances and free parking, demonstrating its commitment to accessibility and customer convenience.
The property features modern amenities including monument signage along Virginia Beach Boulevard for excellent visibility, and the infrastructure supports various transportation modes with Tesla Supercharging Stations for electric vehicle users.
Investment and Ownership Excellence
In January 2018, Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust acquired Janaf Shopping Center for $85.65 million, representing approximately $96 per leasable square foot. This acquisition marked the largest retail transaction in Hampton Roads in five years and demonstrated the center's significant value and potential.
Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust, headquartered in Virginia Beach just nine miles from the property, views Janaf as a long-term strategic asset. As stated by Chairman and CEO Jon Wheeler, "JANAF is an iconic property located nine miles from our corporate headquarters. This asset aligns perfectly with our business strategy of owning the dominant center in secondary and tertiary markets".
Competitive Advantages and Market Position
Janaf Shopping Center's competitive advantages stem from multiple factors. Its strategic location at one of the area's most traveled intersections ensures consistent visibility and foot traffic. The center's extensive parking capacity and public transportation accessibility remove common barriers to shopping convenience.
The diverse tenant mix appeals to various demographic segments, from budget-conscious shoppers at Dollar Tree and Big Lots to customers seeking quality merchandise at T.J. Maxx and BJ's Wholesale Club. This diversity creates a synergistic shopping environment where customers can accomplish multiple errands in one visit.
The center's proximity to complementary retail developments such as the nearby Military Circle Mall, Norfolk Premium Outlets, and the under-construction IKEA creates a retail corridor that attracts shoppers from throughout the region.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
Janaf Shopping Center plays a vital role in the local community, providing employment opportunities and serving as a gathering place for residents. The center's 94% occupancy rate as of recent reports demonstrates its continued relevance and success in the competitive retail environment.
The property's ownership by Wheeler Real Estate Investment Trust suggests continued investment in improvements and modernization. The company has indicated plans for landscaping improvements, paint jobs, and potential expansion of retail offerings, ensuring the center remains competitive and attractive to both tenants and shoppers.
