Fashion Week Returns

Posted on February 24, 2026 | by Joe Bell

Fashion Week returns to Ohio’s Eastwood Mall Complex

2/24/2026

High school fashionistas will take to the runway to vie for a $5,000 first prize.

“Fashion Week is more than just fashion and clothes. It’s about bringing our community together,” according to Bri Ventimiglia, marketing director of the 3.4 million-sq.-ft. Eastwood Mall Complex in Niles, Ohio.

From March 5-7, the center court of the enclosed mall portion of the complex will be transformed into a high energy runway featuring three distinct fashion shows that are free and open to the public.

The first night of Fashion Week focuses on formal wear. The runway will showcase dress collections from Macy’s, Boscov’s, and Lavish, complemented by sharp suits from Rondinelli Tuxedo, footwear from Reyers, and professional hair and makeup styling by the Casal Aveda Institute.

Night Two is for the dogs — and cats — with a “Dog & Catwalk Adoption Show” sponsored by the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County. Gussied-up pooches and felines will strut their stuff down the runway —and hope to be taken home by onlookers.

At the “High School Fashion Face-Off” on the final night of Fashion Week, natty teams from local high schools will take over the runway in a competition for cash prizes. The first-place school will win a prize of $5,000, with $2,500 and $1,000 gifts awaiting the second-and-third place young fashionistas.

“2025 was the first time we held this event and so many people showed up to support their schools that we knew we had to do it again,” said Johnny Chechitelli, Eastwood’s regional director of marketing and communications. “The schools that came up short last year know that they’ve got to pack the house this time to take home one of the top three prizes.”

Run by the Youngstown, Ohio-based Cafaro Company, the Eastwood Mall Complex is one of America’s largest shopping centers, holding more than 200 department stores, specialty shops, restaurants, hotels and entertainment options.

It is located equidistantly between Cleveland and Pittsburgh off Interstate 80.

Macy’s Backstage to Debut at Eastwood

Posted on February 12, 2026 | by Joe Bell

Macy’s Backstage shopping experience set to open inside Eastwood Mall in Niles

By Staff report February 3, 2026 Mahoning Matters

Mahoning Valley shoppers will soon have access to Macy’s Backstage, an “ever-changing assortment of carefully curated brands and unexpected treasures” available at a discounted price. First launched in 2015, Macy’s Backstage has since expanded to several locations around Ohio, the newest coming to the Eastwood Mall Complex, according to the company’s Facebook page.

There’s no opening date available yet for the new Macy’s Backstage set to open up inside the existing Macy’s, bringing a new discount shopping experience to the area. Customers will find discounted apparel, accessories, home goods and cosmetics, as well as overstock department store merchandise. The corporation started added Backstage stores to existing locations and freestanding stores to drive foot-traffic and encourage the discount-shopping experience that’s difficult to replicate online. Vanessa LeFebvre played a significant role in developing Macy’s Backstage stores. “Macy’s Backstage is for the shopper who is always on the hunt for a deal, where time, convenience and money are a commodity,” she said.

Read more at: https://www.mahoningmatters.com/news/business/article314324694.html#storylink=cpy

Cafaro Names Esther Buschau as Chief Marketing Officer

Posted on February 12, 2026 | by Joe Bell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 11, 2026

CAFARO Appoints Esther Buschau as Chief Marketing Officer

NILES, Ohio – CAFARO, one of the nation’s largest privately held shopping center developers, today announced the appointment of Esther Buschau as the organization’s Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), effective immediately. The move underscores the company’s commitment to driving growth and innovation as it continues to strengthen its middle market dominance nationwide.

In her role as CMO, Buschau will lead the organization’s strategic marketing initiatives, including the enhancement of the legacy CAFARO brand. She will oversee the evolution of the firm’s marketing function to align brand strategy with the company’s vision, support business objectives across all markets, and elevate brand storytelling to attract new tenancy. Buschau will report to Co-Presidents William A. Cafaro and Anthony Cafaro, Jr.

“We’re excited to have Esther take on the role of Chief Marketing Officer. It’s an important step in advancing our brand development and driving growth across all sectors of our business,” said William A. Cafaro, Co-President of CAFARO. “Esther brings a thorough understanding of our corporate culture and family values, along with an intense passion for innovation, building relationships, and caring for our tenants and the communities we serve. Her leadership will help us unlock our full potential and accelerate our long-range growth ambitions.”

Buschau is a seasoned marketing leader with more than two decades of experience in the shopping center industry, spanning both the public and private sectors. A native of British Columbia, Canada, she joined CAFARO in November 2000 as a Regional Marketing Director. In February 2003, she was promoted to Director of Corporate Marketing, where she oversaw the portfolio’s field marketing efforts, campaign development, and B2B marketing. Prior to joining CAFARO, Buschau honed her field marketing experience with Brookfield, Grosvenor, and Royal LePage.

“For twenty-five years, I’ve had the privilege of driving transformative change and building relationships for CAFARO properties,” said Buschau. “I look forward to bringing focus to the brand strategy, supporting the leasing function, and exploring new marketing opportunities during this exciting time.”

About CAFARO

CAFARO, based in Niles, Ohio, is one of the nation’s largest privately held shopping center developers. Founded by the late William M. Cafaro in 1949, the firm is now in its eighth decade and third generation as a family-owned and managed business. Over the years, Cafaro-affiliated companies have developed, owned, and managed more than 50 million square feet of commercial real estate in 14 states. For more information about Cafaro, visit www.cafarocompany.com.

Media Contact: Joe Bell, Director of Corporate Communications Direct: 330.747.7688 jbell@cafarocompany.com