The retail world is changing. Big stores are pulling out of malls where they used to be an anchor. Now one local mall is considering a major change to keep up with the times.
7 Eyewitness News reporter Ali Touhey is out working on this story. See what else she uncovers at 5pm tonight
Macy's recently left the Eastern Hills and McKinley malls, leaving a giant space where the department store used to be. But rather than seek out a new retailer, Eastern Hills may be going in a radically different direction.
A representative from Mountain Development says the mall may one day be a lifestyle center. The concept is in its early stages, but it would turn Eastern Hills into a place to live, work and play.
Prelim plan includes addition of office space, and a hotel. Eastern Hills rep says it's in response to increase online shopping. @WKBW
— Ali Touhey (@Ali2e) May 24, 2016
It's something the owners are strongly considering as online shopping forces big box retailers to close their less profitable locations. The representative says people want a place where they can walk out their door and go to a restaurant and Mountain Development believes Eastern Hills is the perfect spot for that.
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