Anchor stores come on board as center awaits financing. (Brandon Town Shopping Center)

Although financing for the $200-million project has yet to be secured, developers of the proposed Brandon Town Center are scoring big with retailers.

While the banking industry remains guarded, retailers are signing on the dotted line, making future commitments. Four anchor tenants and more than 50% of the mall's small-shop space have been leased, says Wayne Litzau, senior vice president of JMB Retail Properties Co. in Tampa. "That is almost unheard of in the business," he says. "We're moving forward."

Dillard's, JCPenney, Sears and Burdines will be the mall's anchor tenants.

Chicago-based JMB and Youngstown, Ohio-based Edward DeBartolo Corp. are partners …