Holiday shopping is in full swing up at the newly opened Guilford Commons, but shoppers shouldn’t expect any new stores until the New Year.

Economic Development Director Brian McGlone said the project developer is unlikely to announce new retailers until after the holiday rush has subsided.

“No restaurants or other retailers have been announced yet,” he said. “We frankly did not expect a lot between November and Feb. 1. Within the retail community that is often referred to as the dark period.”

McGlone said it can be very difficult to secure new retailers this time of year.

“Retailers are so busy with the holiday, the New Year, and in many cases the year-end closings, so we were told that not a lot of new activity occurs during that period,” he said. “We are hoping to hear something early year, hoping to hear more positive news.”

First Selectman Joe Mazza confirmed the currently undeveloped section of the property will include a restaurant.

“That site has been earmarked for a restaurant,” he said. “Until they get a lease for a restaurant, I don’t believe they will be breaking any ground there. What they did was pave some of the area for additional parking, but for right now they are not going to be doing any further construction.”

Mazza said there is the possibility of two restaurants eventually being included in the shopping center.

“Going back to the part that is already constructed, they are looking for a café-type restaurant,” he said.

In the meantime, Mazza said he has heard from citizens and managers that the shopping center is doing well.

“As far as we know there is a lot of activity up there, a lot of people shopping. It is pretty crowded, so people are frequenting the six stores that are up there now,” he said. “Store managers that operate those stores are happy being in Guilford and we hear from our citizens they are happy that those stores have come to town.”

The developer, DDR Corp., confirmed that it is still in the process of negotiating with new tenants.