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The Apple store at Woodland Mall will be replaced this year with an 8,000-square-foot store being built behind the black wall.

(Shandra Martinez | MLive.com)

Update: Apple opening bigger Grand Rapids store this weekend

KENTWOOD, MI -- If you are wondering what's behind the massive black wall next to the Apple store in Woodland Mall, it's an even bigger Apple store.

The tech giant plans to open a new 8,000 square-feet store sometime this year, which is twice as large as the current store.

That bit of information slipped from Michael A. Khouri, vice president of leasing for the Philadelphia-based PREIT, the parent company of Woodland, earlier this month when he was talking about the mall's upcoming $100 million expansion.



He declined to provide any other details, referring questions to PREIT's public relations staff. The Grand Rapids area mall's spokeswoman declined to comment.

So did the Apple spokeswoman. And store employees are mum as well.

Behind the black wall, a bigger Apple store is being built.

The floor-to-ceiling black wall covers the spaces previously occupied by retailers Justice and Claire's, which have relocated to other parts of the Kentwood shopping center, at 3195 28th St SE.

Shopper Taneka Smith says she is thrilled about the potential for a bigger store, if only it means that more staff to answer questions.

"The store is busy all the time" said the Grand Rapids resident as she was leaving the store this week.

On a weekend visit, Smith says she has waited up to an hour for assistance.

"I'm glad the store is expanding," Smith said. "I love Apple."

The 4,000 square-foot store has been a favorite destination since opening in 2005. It's the only Apple store in West Michigan. Apple has other stores in Lansing, Novi, Ann Arbor, Troy and Clinton Township.