With small storefronts, and nestled in among many similarly sized boutiques, several of the recent openings at Wareham Crossing have perhaps not drawn the attention that a large, national retailer would in coming to town.  However, these new tenants are having a notable impact - redefining the traditional idea of malls from an enclosed shopping plaza anchored by big stores into a 'lifestyle center.'

"Typically, [lifestyle centers] are almost the opposite of the traditional, enclosed mall," said David Fleming, director of corporate marketing at WS Development, which owns Wareham Crossing, who said that Wareham Crossing's "lifestyle-center section" would be Cranberry Lane between Borders and Old Navy.  "They are outdoors, with wide sidewalks, benches, landscaping, thoughtful architecture...they combine a mix of retail and restaurants in a pedestrian-friendly setting."

Fleming says they are definitely a trend: the last enclosed shopping center in New England was the Providence Place Mall built in 1999.  Since then, nationally, it's been about 40:1 in favor of open-air to enclosed malls.

So what new options does a lifestyle center offer?

No matter how many potted plants, magazine subscriptions, or the quality of the muzak, waiting rooms at the doctor's office are pretty much a bore.

So why not drop your little tyke off at the door, and go shopping?

It's possible, with Dr. Kevin Oliveira offering  Orthodontia for those on-the-go.

Or if you're a busy mom, your child's appointment might give you the perfect amount of time to duck into the gym - after all, Elements fitness studio is just across the way.

"We want it to be easy for women to take care of themselves,” said owner Christine Fantoni.

Headed to Boston for a night on the town?  Stop by Dress Barn and Sally's Beauty Supply to look your best.

Read about these new tenants further at:

Orthodontia for those on-the-go.

Elements caters to women's workout needs.

Sally's got your face covered

While Dress Barn will provide the choicest threads.