Bridge Street Town Centre has just been ranked among the top 10 shopping centers in the U.S., according to a new poll by Business Insider. The only Alabama-based destination to make the cut, it’s a clear reminder that well-run lifestyle centers are resonating with both shoppers and operators alike.

Here’s where Bridge Street landed on the list:

1. Shops at La Cantera (San Antonio)

2. Peddler’s Village (Lahaska, Pennsylvania)

3. Ala Moana Center (Honolulu)

4. Oakbrook Center (Oakbrook, Illinois)

5. Mizner Park (Boca Raton, Florida)

6. Bridge Street Town Centre (Huntsville)

7. St. Armands Circle (Sarasota, Florida)

8. Scottsdale Quarter (Scottsdale , Arizona)

9. Easton Town Center (Columbus, Ohio)

10. Kierland Commons (Scottsdale, Arizona)

But beyond the headline, there’s a deeper takeaway: what exactly makes a center like Bridge Street stand out in a saturated market?

What they’re getting right

Bridge Street isn’t just pretty architecture and national brands. It’s a walkable, mixed-use destination with hotels, dining, luxury retailers, and a vibrant local feel. The layout is easy to navigate. The tenant mix reflects both national names and curated local picks. And crucially, there’s a clear sense of pride in how it’s run.

This kind of guest experience doesn’t happen by accident. It comes down to the people running it day to day, from the Center Manager and Facilities Lead to the Marketing and Tenant Relations team. It’s a human-powered operation.

Why it matters to landlords and operators

When a center gets this kind of national spotlight, leasing teams suddenly have a story to tell. Tenants feel the energy. Foot traffic goes up. Local governments take notice. That momentum often leads to stronger retention, new brand interest, and ultimately higher NOI.

Behind that are the unsung operators, the people keeping things clean, secure, profitable, and welcoming. When those roles are filled well, everything gets easier. When they’re not, even beautiful properties can feel disjointed.

The talent behind top-performing centers

Bridge Street’s recognition is a chance to reflect on your own assets. Are your sites operating like Bridge Street—or falling short of their potential?

Great retail properties need more than capital improvements. They need smart, proactive people running them:

• Leaders who treat the site like a business, not just a building

• Marketing and tenant reps who build strong relationships

• Facilities teams who solve problems before tenants raise them

At Refit, we work with retail property owners and operators who want to build teams like that. But whether or not you’re hiring, this story is a reminder: the right people can take your asset from good to exceptional.

Want to benchmark your center team against the market?

We’re always happy to share what we’re seeing on the ground…who’s hiring, what packages are competitive, and where the talent is. No pressure, just insight.

Lets chat