JANAF Shopping Center, which opened to the public in 1959, has a long history as the region's oldest and most recognizable shopping center. So large in scope (nearly 1,000,000 sq. ft.), it is considered more of a shopping district with its restaurants, national name brand and specialty stores, US post office and banks.

The name JANAF (Joint Army Navy Air Force) is really an acronym for the original investment group that was composed of retired and active duty military.

Over time JANAF has grown and gone through many transformations, but its central location, along with its convenient parking, and a blend of fine national major brand names and small local specialty stores have stood the " test of time" and made JANAF a landmark, as well as a desired shopping destination.

At JANAF you can park at the door of your favorite store!

SHOPS AT JANAF

In 2002, after pondering the question of what to do with a “leftover” empty Montgomery Wards building, McKinley Commercial Properties, the owners of JANAF Shopping Center, decided to convert it into a shopping center of its own and in the spring of 2003 they began to put this decision into action. With a budgeted $5 million to renovate the former 160,000 square foot building, McKinley contracted The Woodard Group, a Norfolk general contractor, to set to work on the building itself and the tenant buildouts.

In September 2003, Shoe Carnival became the first tenant and within the next 12 months the occupancy rate rose to 90%. Today, the 25 tenants at Shops include large chains like Blockbuster and Bennette Paint as well as individually owned and operated stores such as H & L Nails, M&M Greek Embroidery, and Wasabi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar.