8 new stores at Universal CityWalk Hollywood
Universal CityWalk is undergoing a sweeping transformation with a dozen storefronts changing operators as Universal Studios Hollywood creates a wider security bubble that will include the outdoor shopping mall and a new hotel planned near the theme park entrance.
Several shops and attractions have opened in recent months with more set to debut later this year as CityWalk brings in a new slate of retailers and restaurants.
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The latest CityWalk Hollywood transformation began in September with Hello Kitty and Friends Cafe replacing Francesca’s clothing boutique and Chick Chick Chicken fast casual restaurant.
The pace of change has quickened in the last few months with Line Friends Square opening in April and Take 2 and Escapology opening in May.
Line Friends Square sells K-pop clothing, accessories, novelties and collectibles in the former Fossil watch shop location.
Take 2 sells discount Universal Studios Hollywood theme park clothing and merchandise in the former Raider Image shop.
Escapology offers eight escape rooms themed to Scooby-Doo, Batman and other storylines in the former Samba Brazilian steakhouse restaurant location.
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Five more new locations are opening later this year at Universal CityWalk Hollywood:
- NBA Store — Replacing Abercrombie & Fitch
- Insomnia Cookies — Replacing Mini Monster boba tea shop
- Slice House by Tony Gemignani — Replacing Sparky’s Donuts
- Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers — Replacing Dongpo Kitchen
- Halal Guys — Replacing Crepe Cafe
The NBA Store opening this summer will sell jerseys, clothing, hats and souvenirs from the Lakers, Clippers and other NBA teams.
The four eateries will sell cookies (Insomnia), pizza (Slice House), chicken tenders (Raising Cane’s) and gyro sandwiches (Halal Guys).
Universal has not yet announced what will replace the shuttered iFly indoor skydiving facility and Popcornopolis popcorn stand.
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The CityWalk retail makeover is taking place as Universal widens its security bubble to include the outdoor shopping mall.
The project will create three security entrances dubbed the West, Central and East hubs near the Frankenstein, Jurassic, Curious George and E.T. parking structures.
New security screening checkpoints will be located behind NBC Sports Grill and Buca di Beppo in CityWalk and near the Frankenstein parking structure.
The wider security perimeter will allow Universal to remove the existing screening checkpoint near the iconic globe at the theme park entrance where a new 500-room hotel is planned.