GGP - Blog - Where Retail Excellence Meets Experience — Four GGP Centers Named Among America’s Best
Where Retail Excellence Meets Experience — Four GGP Centers Named Among America’s Best
Celebrating the Best in Retail Destinations
As we look back on this year’s industry highlights, one milestone remains especially meaningful: four GGP retail destinations were named among USA Today’s 10Best Shopping Centers in the U.S. Announced in June, this recognition reflects the strength of our portfolio and the growing demand for experiential, community-driven retail environments across the country.
All four of our nominated properties placed in the top five nationwide:
🥇 The Shops at La Cantera — San Antonio, TX (#1)
🥉 Ala Moana Center — Honolulu, HI (#3)
🏅 Oakbrook Center — Oak Brook, IL (#4)
🏅 Mizner Park — Boca Raton, FL (#5)
These accolades continue to highlight the impact of intentional placemaking—where innovative retail, dynamic dining, and meaningful community connection come together to create destinations people love.
The Art of Curating Award-Winning Destinations
What makes a shopping center worthy of the “best” title? At GGP, it starts with intentional curation. Our centers are built around a vision that blends high-performing brands, culinary innovation, local culture, and elevated design to create places where people want to gather.
Our destinations are more than retail—they’re community anchors shaped by a strong sense of place. Exceptional landscaping, thoughtful architecture, market-exclusive tenants, and immersive programming work together to create experiences that feel both elevated and authentic to their locale.
Below, we revisit what sets each of our award-winning centers apart—and why these destinations continue to lead the industry.
🥇 The Shops at La Cantera — A Luxury Destination Rooted in Texas Spirit
Named the #1 shopping center in the country, The Shops at La Cantera represents the very best of Texas luxury. The center’s open-air, resort-like design features naturally landscaped courtyards, shaded walkways, and water features that create an atmosphere of calm, comfort, and sophistication.
The Shops at La Cantera’s merchandising strategy focuses on market-exclusive retailers and signature restaurants, attracting discerning shoppers from across San Antonio’s rapidly growing and affluent population. Its boutique office components and curated local art installations further reinforce a distinctive sense of place—one that feels undeniably Texan all while exemplifying best-in-class luxury.
With its blend of natural beauty, high-end retail, and community connection, The Shops at La Cantera has become a true icon of the Texas Hill Country.
🥉 Ala Moana Center — Hawaii’s Global Icon & the World’s Largest Open-Air Retail Destination
Ala Moana Center continues to stand as one of the most influential retail destinations in the world. As the largest open-air shopping center globally, it welcomes more than 21 million visitors annually and generates over $1.5 billion in yearly sales.
The center pairs breathtaking outdoor environments with a luxury retail roster unmatched in the Pacific. From globally renowned designers to island-favorite eateries, guests experience a seamless blend of fashion, culture, and cuisine in a setting that celebrates Hawaii’s natural beauty.
Ala Moana Center is also home to a notable art collection, showcasing works by celebrated artists such as Yayoi Kusama, George Tsutakawa, and Stephen Freedman—further connecting visitors to Hawaii’s cultural narrative.
As the hub of activity and commerce in Honolulu, Ala Moana Center remains a destination that both locals and global travelers return to year after year.
🏅 Oakbrook Center — Where Chicago Goes to Shop
In a region defined by iconic retail, Oakbrook Center stands above the rest. It is the most visited retail destination among residents across the greater Chicago metropolitan area and a premier hub for shopping, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences.
Oakbrook’s merchandising strategy balances classic luxury with on-trend brands and forward-thinking concepts, continually evolving to meet the needs of Chicago’s affluent western suburbs. Its appeal extends far beyond local shoppers—it draws from surrounding hotel guests, convention traffic, and the 110,000 professionals working within nearby office corridors.
With exceptional adaptability and a strong focus on innovation, Oakbrook Center remains one of the most productive and influential retail environments in the Midwest.
🏅 Mizner Park — Boca Raton’s Landmark of Luxury, Lifestyle & Culture
Mizner Park is a South Florida standout—an exceptional blend of retail, dining, entertainment, residential, and office offerings set within a lush, beautifully landscaped environment.
Visitors enjoy a curated mix of national retailers and unique boutiques, alongside popular restaurants such as Loch Bar, Yard House, Max’s Grille, and Villaggio. The center’s iPic Theater and 5,000-person amphitheater anchor its role as a cultural and entertainment hub for Boca Raton.
Adjacent to the center, the Mizner Park Office Tower offers 62,000 square feet of Class-A office space, sweeping views, complimentary garage parking, and 24-hour security—making it one of the region’s most sought-after business addresses.
Mizner Park’s thoughtful design, tropical landscaping, and elevated offerings make it a luxury landmark deeply embedded in Boca Raton’s lifestyle.
Leading the Future of Retail Real Estate
These awards represent more than recognition—they underscore a strategy built on design excellence, community-driven experiences, and data-informed leasing. They reflect how GGP continues to shape the future of retail by creating destinations that adapt, inspire, and endure.
From Honolulu to San Antonio, Chicago to Boca Raton, each of our award-winning centers demonstrates the power of thoughtful placemaking and reinforces one core truth: retail is thriving when it’s rooted in experience, connection, and community.