2007.10.31
Stores are leaving Towers
Some local stores are clearing out of Towers Shopping Center in Roanoke.
At least three retailers on Tower’s top level are leaving. They include Candles & Gifts, beside Fresh Market, which now is holding a store-wide closing sale. It will close on Nov. 10.
Also, Life is Gantner, a costume and swimwear store, is moving, and its last day in business will be this Saturday, according to the store manager. She wouldn’t discuss where and why the store is relocating.
And I previously reported that Plan 9 Music is looking for a new location. Store associate, Brad Torrence, confirmed yesterday that the store will be moving to the Grandin Village beside the Grandin Theater in Roanoke. There’s a sign on the store’s door about the move. But Torrence did not know the exact date that the store will close at Towers.
In addition to the happenings on the upper level of Towers, Katie’s Ice Cream on the lower level closed earlier this month. The owner of Katie’s, Joe McNamara, said he wants to relocate the store elsewhere in the Roanoke Valley. But for now, Katie’s other location on Electric Road in Roanoke County, at the Promenade Park retail center, still is open and doing well, McNamara said.
Here's a bit of good news. I just learned that a Verizon Wireless store will take over the Candles & Gifts space, according to Rappaport Cos., the company that owns Towers.
I’m surprised that so many stores are leaving Towers at the same time. Many retailers predicted that Fresh Market would help draw more traffic to the center. Fresh Market, a specialty grocery store, opened at Towers in 2005.
What's your take on this? Why do you think these stores are leaving Towers?
The traffic around Towers is awful. It can be so hard to get in an out of the shopping center on the Colonial Avenue side that it discourages me from shopping there.
Comment by Nona — November 1, 2007 @ 7:28 pm
Gantner is merging with Dance Etc, located in Vinton, VA. Dance Etc. is remodeling their store and it will take up all three levels with the top level being a costume showcase for dance teachers.
Comment by Riley — November 3, 2007 @ 10:11 am
I am disapointed to see such a change in the cute little shops in the Towers. I hope we find more independently owned businesses are lured to The Towers!
So sad...
Comment by Amy Hanek — November 3, 2007 @ 3:48 pm
Riley,
Thanks for the tip about Life is Gantner. I'm checking into it, and I'll plan to post more details soon.
Comment by Jenny Boone — November 5, 2007 @ 1:31 pm
Fresh Market is down in sales as well, and is not the "new kid on the block" anymore.
For special occasions, and things you really absolutely cannot find anywhere else - you go to Fresh Market, but with rising gas prices and the wider selections being offered by Ukrop's and other grocers, there is becoming less and less reason to shop at the Fresh Market.
That's my take on it.
Then again, Rappaport is asking for a percentage of the profits, as well as super-inflated rent. Part of the reason so many stores are leaving Towers.
Comment by RoanokeFound — November 6, 2007 @ 12:23 pm
Hi, RoanokeFound,
What is the percentage of profit for which Rappaport is asking?
Comment by Jenny Boone — November 6, 2007 @ 2:13 pm
I have not received any hard information on that percentage, but I do know that one of the reasons Katie's closed was the rates doubling for the lease of the space.
Heard from a few other shop owners there that they were getting the same treatment. One of the shops was looking to expand, but was told flat-out no.
Comment by RoanokeFound — November 6, 2007 @ 3:29 pm