** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE **

J.McLAUGHLIN TO JOIN HIGHLAND VILLAGE POWERHOUSE SHOPPING LINE-UP

(CHESTNUT HILL, MA; December 18, 2014) — Highland Village will be home to Mississippi’s first J. McLaughlin.

WS Development, owner of the vibrant retail destination, announced that J.McLaughlin is on track to open in the spring of 2015, with the grand opening coming just before the summer hits. “We are so happy to have the opportunity to bring this special brand together with this special project,” said Samantha David, Head of Up Markets for WS Development. “J. McLaughlin is a merchant who believes in service and takes pride in the quality of his offering and the beauty of his environment, just as we do at the village. In our quest to give the loyal Highland Village customers great new stores which will complement the exceptional existing offering, we believe that J. McLaughlin is a perfect fit.”

J.McLaughlin comes just months after the arrival of newly opened popular picks kate spade new york, lululemon athletica, Red Square, and Whole Foods Market. These stores, along with established favorites such as Maison Weiss, Turkoyz, Talbots, and an array of unique local boutiques and restaurants help create a shopping experience at Highland Village than cannot be matched.

Additionally, the renovation of Highland Village is now well underway. ASD of Atlanta and CDFL of Jackson are leading the architectural design, with a common goal of bringing the already inviting center to the next level while respecting and celebrating its history. Enhancements include brightening the facades, bringing in an abundance of new greenery, and resurfacing hardscapes. WS is particularly focused on the property's common areas which invite customers to linger; new luxurious landscaping and handcrafted furniture will create Jackson's outdoor living rooms. This blend of art and architecture combine to make Highland Village an oasis for shoppers and shop keepers alike.

J.McLaughlin – As a modern, classic American sportswear and accessories brand for men and women, J.McLaughlin is recognized for a distinctive flair for color and a signature portfolio of prints. In 1977, the J.McLaughlin chain began when brothers Kevin and Jay McLaughlin used the proceeds of renovating historic Brooklyn brownstone homes and targeted a demographic of Manhattan Upper East Side socialites.The J.McLaughlin sensibility is influenced by where their customer lives and/or plays. The stores are located and designed with that in mind. Each store makes its presence known with a whisper not a shout. Residential in feel, and reflective of the surroundings, the stores evoke a comfortable sense of always having been there, while at the same time, their décor encourages customers to linger and browse.

ABOUT HIGHLAND VILLAGE:

Located on I-55 and Northside Drive in Jackson, Highland Village is one of Mississippi’s most prestigious landmark retail destinations. The outdoor, 223,000-square-foot property offers an unparalleled shopping experience with the region’s widest selection of specialty boutiques and an array of culinary options. Throughout its four decade history, Highland Village has been known for its high quality merchants offering outstanding customer service. That reputation continued in early 2014 as the first Whole Foods in the state opened its newly constructed 30,000-square foot location. For more information please visit or connect with us on:

Facebook: /highlandvillagems

Twitter: @hvmississippi

Instagram: @highlandvillagejackson

ABOUT WS DEVELOPMENT:

One of the largest privately owned retail development firms in the U.S., WS Development develops, owns, manages and leases an extensive portfolio of over 85 properties totaling more than 20M sf with an additional 4M sf under development. At each of its lifestyle centers, power centers, community centers, and mixed-use developments, WS is committed to long-term investments and relationships built on trust. WS has been a trendsetter in the industry for its portfolio of premiere, open-air shopping centers that exceed visitors’ expectations with world-class retail, dining and entertainment, extraordinary architecture and dynamic community events.WS’s premiere projects currently include Highland Village (Jackson, MS),Seaport Square (Boston, Massachusetts), Hilldale (Madison, Wisconsin), Hyde Park Village (Tampa, Florida), Legacy Place (Dedham, Massachusetts), The Street (Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts) and MarketStreet Lynnfield (Lynnfield, Massachusetts).

For more information, visitwsdevelopment.com, call 617.232.8900 or follow @WSDevelopment on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.

MEDIA CONTACT:Lee RaglandLaurel J. Sibert

GodwinGroupVice President of Corporate Marketing

601.360.9449WS Development

601.540.8449 (cell)617.646.3296

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