In the continuing exodus of national retailers from Westfield Montgomery mall, Free People is the latest casualty. The upscale women’s clothing chain will close its doors on July 26th, joining a list of recent or impending departures that now includes Express, Aldo Shoes, The Children’s Place, The Icing, Bonobos, Banana Republic, Talbots, Ann Taylor and Soma. A locally owned shop, Wild Custom Apparel, is also on its way out. In many of these cases, including that of Free People, we’re hearing that it was the mall’s decision to end these leases. Mall owner Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has declined to comment on the closings.
LA
Everything is closing. We don’t have another mall in Montgomery County. I guess we have to go to Virginia or Howard County? What’s going on?
Store Reporter
We’re hearing lots of rumors about what’s happening behind the scenes, but so far the mall’s owners have declined to comment. Stay tuned to Store Reporter as we keep a close eye on this developing story. And don’t forget to sign up for our weekly emails right here: https://www.storereporter.com/subscribe/
Lan
There is a Hollister, Free People, Abercrombie Opening, as well as a New Garage, Arcytex, and H&M underway
Tall Oak
Once again, we have to go to VIRGINIA (Tysons Mall). NOVA is just kicking our butt in infrastructure, jobs, improving roads, shopping and dining. I can’t defend MOCO anymore.
Sue
Wheaton Plaza is a mall, but I guess people don’t want to go there.
Kard
Wheaton Mall is a last resort. It’s a decent collection of stores but the crime seems higher and more violent. I’m very disappointed with the Montgomery Mall closings.
Mary Ruddell
I suspect they are going to close the Mall altogether or redevelop it into housing. I learned from Talbots that the Mall gave them two weeks notice to leave. No option to renew their lease so it’s the Mall closing the stores not the stores themselves. So not sure that Free People is fleeing the Mall. More like being chased out.
Store Reporter
It was meant to be a play on words, but you’re correct that many stores told us it was the mall’s choice not to renew their leases. Dating back to last fall, we also heard similar accounts from staffers at stores like Vans and PacSun. More than a few managers were caught by surprise. It’s still not clear why the mall would force out so many tenants in such a short period. Is there a long-term plan that these stores don’t fit into? We’re waiting to find out.
Lan
Trust me, that mall is NEVER closing. With a new Hollister, Garage, Free People, Arcytex, H&M all coming in the mall. It’ll for sure be benefitting the mall. They are clearly focused on new generations, which attract more traffic than older generations of people.