by Megan Murray
contributor

Highland Village, located off Interstate 55 N. in Jackson, has been a landmark 223,000-square-foot shopping and dining retail center in the Jackson area since its opening in 1975. And while the venue has seen many changes in its nearly 40 years, recently Highland Village is undergoing major renovations and additions.

Two years ago, Highland Village teamed up with WS Development. The WS Development website says, “[They are] one of the largest privately owned retail development firms in the United.” Based in Chestnut Hill, Mass.WS Development currently has 20 million square feet of retail space with an additional 4 million under construction. The WS Development and Highland Village websites both say that they have a goal of supporting communities. And they are doing just that. Their joint effort has brought many new stores and businesses to the Jackson area.

In February 2014, the first Whole Foods in Mississippi opened in Highland Village bringing consumers from around the state to enjoy 30,000 square feet of fresh, natural and organic foods. Highland Village also decided to continue the success of Turkoyz jewelry by expanding to include Turkoyz @ Home, which offers home décor and accessories. Red Square Clothing, known for its premier denim clothing, also opened its second location in Jackson at Highland Village in August. On Nov. 7, Kate Spade New York opened its doors with a 1,800-square-foot location next to A Daisy A Day. Kate Spade New York displays a colorful and modern array of handbags, clothing, jewelry and shoes. One week later, Lululemon Athletica, which offers both clothing and yoga and self-defense classes that promote healthier living, opened an enormous 3,000-square-foot store near Maison Weiss. Highland Village now offers the first permanent location in the state of Mississippi for both Kate Spade New York and Lululemon Athletica.

However, Highland Village is not only concerned with promoting new businesses and stores in the Jackson area. Maison Weiss opened at Highland Village in 1975 and has continued to be a staple for fashion in Jackson. Continuing to promote its success, Highland Village and WS Development are in the process of renovating Maison Weiss including refreshing the storefront and expanding the jewelry, cosmetic and apparel departments. Highland Village and WS Development are concerned with bringing new and improved revenue, stores, and consumers to Jackson but they also inspire to make Highland Village a luxurious and relaxing shopping and dining experience. The Highland Village website says, “Our landscaping is a work of art that’s always a work in progress designed to keep pace with the seasons.” They are in the process of adding new and improved landscaping and comfortable, plush outside seating areas for an even more enjoyable and luxurious experience for all consumers who come to Highland Village.