Our local indoor mall, unlike so many others, still exists. It is reinventing itself.
The largest store Dick's Sporting Goods (which started in nearby Binghamton, New York, and its original store, in fact, is still operating a mere feet from where it first opened) is being built. It is hiring.
Mixed use is the theme of the day: a health club, an urgent care, a brewpub, and others have already opened.
We are getting a BJ's Wholesale Club, too.
The newest announcement: A Dave and Buster's. They are a popular arcade/restaurant chain.
So what's there not to love?
Various long term businesses in the mall, businesses that stuck out the hard times, are being displaced. Some had to leave December 31, 2022. At least one relocated within the mall - a store that sells locally made goods.
After that, it was told (I know this because I know someone who works there) they had to vacate the new location within the mall by May 31. Along with that local goods store, several other long term businesses were told to relocate: a dental office, an escape room/game store, a Game Stop, a coffee shop, and an arcade. All of these businesses were there pre-COVID.
This is due to the Dave and Buster's.
At least two of the businesses are moving outside the mall to neighboring towns. When I was at the mall yesterday, the escape room business was in the midst packing up. The Game Stop had a sign saying they were closing May 31. The dental office didn't have a sign, so I don't know its fate.
Personally, I am not happy about this. I can't blame any of these places for not staying in the mall. Who can guarantee they won't be relocated yet again when a chain comes in?
Perhaps it's for the best, and these businesses just moving and not going out of business will thrive outside the mall.
Yet, small businesses vs large chain - it just seems wrong.
With so many people shopping on line now, malls have to change and adapt to stay alive. It’s unfortunate, though, that some smaller businesses are displaced.
ReplyDelete...most big chains started out as small businesses.
ReplyDeleteI'm guilty. I hate shopping period so I shop online a lot. I feel terrible for all the waste and packaging. But at least I'm not burning fuel and I do recycle. Still...
ReplyDeleteI just saw on the news a mall they were tearing down (to build housing) as the stores in the mall were pretty much gone. I think most malls are going defunct. I'm not sure how to feel about that.
ReplyDeleteAs a senior, I loved mall walking for exercise. Sigh...
ReplyDeleteI didnt know Dave and Buster's was still a thing. I used to hear about them all the time, then nothing....
ReplyDeleteEventually large franchise takes over all the small businesses
ReplyDeleteI used to enjoy going to the mall, but now I must admit I do most of my shopping online.
ReplyDeleteSadly, money speaks louder than anything. And the 'little guy' pays. It does make me sad...
ReplyDeleteChange is hard, and often uncomfortable.
ReplyDeleteMalls are failing in many locations. It seems like originally they had variety, and then the stores became alike and bland, mostly selling cheap polyester junk to teenagers. It got so I couldn’t find anything to buy in them. I won’t miss them actually.
ReplyDelete