Thoughts about Miller Hill Mall (Crystal: leasing, tile, restaurant)

[CrystalIce]

I know someone that works up there. They told me that Hollister will start work next month and be open around June/July. Bristows plans to move somewhere else in the mall is all they said.

[duluthian2008]

Crystalice do you know any other information about the mall such as stores talking about coming? Anything about the streetscape possibly getting some new retailers or the inside of the redevelopment area? Also do you know what is going to take Hot Topics old space?

[CrystalIce]

I haven't heard any specific tenants going in those spaces. But, only specific stores like to be on the outside like that such as Coldwater. That is their thing. That's why Chico's and Talbots went across the road. At the time the Miller Hill Mall did not have the Lifestyle component that they like. I would personally like to see Ann Taylor Loft or J Jill go in there.

[duluthian2008]

I was thinking about Chicos and Talbots and how where I always see them they are usually in Lifestyle centers. I think J.Jill, J.Crew, Jos. A. Banks and Ann Taylor or Ann Taylor loft would do amazing in the redevelopment site. I dont understand how the mall is moving around all tenants to make room for new ones while their expensive million dollar redevelopment sits with one tenant. Shouldnt they be filling that up while moving tenants around in the mall? I just think that the lifestlye center should be a high priority. If I had it my way on the outside of the lifestlye center I would like to see one of the tenants I previously mentioned above and a Chipotle or Noodles. On the inside of the redevelopment I would like to see Sephora, abercrombie, Urban Outfitters or a small H&M store or any of the tenants above I mentioned. Also I do think its time for the mall to start a major renovation. I noticed when walking through the mall how dark the mall is compared to the areas that have been renovated.

[CrystalIce]

I personally would also love to see those stores that you mentioned. I also like the Big Bowl and think they would do well either on the inside or outside. I'm sure the mall is working on trying to fill both locations in the redevelopment area as well as throughout. But, you have to ask yourself - would you rather be in the middle of the mall or down by JC Penney? Hopefully with the addition of Charlotte Russe this area will be a more mainstream hallway. I agree - the mall is very dated in areas and hopefully they will continue with updates. Especially that fountain area. I think retail in general has been going through changes since online shopping has increased. Look at stores such as Music-Go-Round. Since the introduction of the IPod's and downloading of music who buy's CD's anymore?

[duluthian2008]

Big Bowl I think would do great in Miller Hill Mall. I personally would like to see Big Bowl or Romanos Macaroni Grill take the place of The Great American Bar and Grill. Well I did ask myself that question and after thinking about it I really dont know. I think that the redevelopment is such a good place to be becuase there are so many entrances to it. Also I think the entire mall needs to be made to look like the Old Navy wing. I think there needs to be more stone and sky lights in the mall. Does anyone think due to the fact that Old Navy is failing as a company that they may leave Miller Hill Mall? Also what about Lane Bryant and Pac Sun, they also are two companies that are dying.

[CrystalIce]

I know the companies of those you mentioned have not been doing well, but I wonder how they are doing here. It seems like whenever I'm at the mall there is someone carrying an Old Navy Bag. I think it is just a swing in styles. I remember not long ago when Wet Seal went through the same thing and was just steps away from bankruptcy when they changed their style and were again popular (for that age group). The GAP has done the same thing. They just need a new merchandiser as their styles are lacking.

[duluthian2008]

Yes I do know what you mean Crystal Ice. When I was walking through the mall today I did notice that part of the space between Christopher and Banks and North Shore bank had been walled off. It wasnt the front of the store but inside the vacant store a tarp had been put up and behind the tarp is a sheet rock wall making that space smaller. I can only suspect it is for Hollister. Does anyone know what might take the rest of that space?

[CrystalIce]

Yeah, Birch Street Gifts is going in there. The part that you are talking about is actually where the mall office is going to be. The door will be where the pop machines are right now.

[duluthian2008]

Ahh I see. Birch Street Gifts is still going to be in the mall . Yes after I looked at the mall map I saw that I forgot Christopher and Banks would also have to be cut down in order for Hollister to take its place. My mistake. CrystalIce do you have any more news about Miller Hill Mall?