As heavy demolition equipment began work Friday on the former longtime home of the Pacific Avenue Kmart, the developers of a new upscale north Stockton shopping center announced the commitments of more national apparel retailers to the project.

Stone Brothers and Associates said Eddie Bauer, Talbots and J. Jill -- a Talbots brand -- have committed to open stores in the soon-to-be-built Stonecreek Village.

Talbots already has an outlet in Weberstown Mall, one-third mile south of the Stonecreek Village site. Phil Tracey, Talbots senior public relations specialist, said from Talbots' corporate headquarters in the Boston area that he couldn't comment on that, because the company hadn't sealed a final agreement with Stone Brothers and considers a deal closed only when such an agreement has been signed.

Stone Brothers and Associates principal developer Jay Allen said that Talbots leases are pending and that Talbots had authorized release of information about the company's intent to open stores.

Otherwise, the Stockton-based company announced in November the sign-ups of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse; Boudin SF restaurants; Ann Taylor LOFT; Coldwater Creek; Lane Bryant; Cacique, a Lane Bryant intimate-apparel shop; an Aveda Lifestyle Salon beauty boutique; Jos. A. Banks, a men's apparel retailer; and a Juice It Up smoothie shop.

The former Sherwood Plaza will be transformed to a new 161,000-square-foot center dubbed Stonecreek Village. The center is expected to open in spring 2008.

"We have leases and commitments for 45 percent of the development, which is a great preconstruction start to our leasing efforts," said Mike Minson, one of two managing members of Stone Brothers and Associates.

The developers pitch Stonecreek Village as Stockton's first upscale lifestyle center, defined as an unanchored commercial development that combines the traditional retail offerings of a shopping mall with dining and leisure amenities aimed at upscale consumers.

The center will include street-level retail space and second level office space.