Verrado Marketplace: Is 2026 Too Late or Just in Time for Buckeye?

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SOURCE: VESTAR - DEVELOPER  Verrado Marketplace Rendered Flyover

After years of anticipation, the wait is finally over—construction on Verrado Marketplace officially broke ground on Wednesday, November 20. This $275 million investment promises to transform Buckeye, Arizona, with its highly anticipated retail hub. Modeled after the successful Desert Ridge Marketplace and Tempe Marketplace, Verrado Marketplace is designed with the same level of quality and attention to detail that have made those destinations beloved gathering spots.

While the excitement is palpable, some residents question if the years of delays have already pushed some to seek other options for their shopping, dining, and entertainment needs.

A Look Inside Verrado Marketplace

Once completed, Verrado Marketplace will boast over 50 retailers and restaurants in a massive 500,000-square-foot retail center. The first tenants are projected to open in spring 2026, offering a mix of convenience and entertainment unlike anything currently available in the area.

Key features include the Harkins Theaters’ ‘Backlot’ concept, a state-of-the-art entertainment venue that’s sure to become a favorite for moviegoers. Beyond entertainment, the Marketplace will provide a diverse selection of shopping and dining options. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the confirmed tenants:

• Major Retailers: Target, Safeway, Ross, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and ULTA Beauty.
• Specialty Shops: Famous Footwear, Buckle, Bath & Body Works, and See’s Candies.
• Dining Highlights: Shake Shack, Salt Tacos + Tequila, Thai Chili, Handel’s Ice Cream, Nekter Juice, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Tropical Smoothie, and Hawaiian Bros.

Years of Waiting: Relief or Resentment?

Verrado residents have long awaited a project like this. Since the community’s inception, plans for a retail hub have been part of the vision, but delays left many feeling underserved. For years, residents made do with limited local options or drove to neighboring areas like Goodyear or Phoenix for dining and entertainment. Some even relocated to the East Valley, frustrated by the lack of progress.

Now, with groundbreaking underway and a completion date in sight, optimism is returning. The design of Verrado Marketplace, inspired by Desert Ridge and Tempe Marketplaces, promises a modern, walkable shopping experience that combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. These sister developments are known for their vibrant atmospheres, quality tenants, and inviting public spaces, and Verrado Marketplace aims to replicate that success in Buckeye.

A Bright Future for Verrado and Buckeye

The Marketplace is more than just a shopping center—it’s a reflection of Buckeye’s growth and potential. By bringing high-quality retail and dining to the area, the development is set to enhance residents’ quality of life and make Verrado even more desirable for families, young professionals, and retirees.

But is it arriving too late? For some, the years of delays have already left a sour taste, while others believe the Marketplace will breathe new life into the community.

What do you think? Will the quality and offerings of Verrado Marketplace win over residents and visitors, or has the long wait already taken its toll? Let us know in the comments!