Displaying items by tag: Sue Walton

Archie the Snowman still stands tall in the Chapel Hill food court, but the mall is melting around him.

Last week, Macy's announced it would close its Chapel Hill location after nearly five decades in business under several now-extinct nameplates. Reports then emerged Friday that Old Navy, Aeropostale, and Express would also be shuttered over the next few weeks.

Sue Walton of Crain's Akron Business believes the future is bleak for Chapel Hill. Anchor stores such as Macy's serve as the big draw for malls, Walton says, and Sears and JCPenney tend to be lesser draws than Macy's. Walton also believes online shopping and low-price stores such as TJ Maxx have hurt business at malls nationwide.

While another Akron-area mall appears to be headed for decline, a retail trend that has yet to rise in Akron is the lifestyle center, which incorporates retail with residences and office space. Walton says centers like Crocker Park and Legacy Village represent shoppers' desire for a destination experience that is new and fresh.