This is a pretty big loss for an already downward plunging mall. I had a feeling Ann Taylor would close, but I was a bit surprised by Banana Republic. For me personally, this leaves Macy's as the only place I go to DTP for, with BR being the only other one prior .
While all of it is not Westfield's fault, I really hope they take a fresh new look at what is needed...and not just a new food court. If they are not up to it, or willing, then sell to someone else. I get the demographics in the immediate are aren't exactly great, but come on.
I've said this before, but I really hope the city does not sink redevelopment funds into DTP at this point in time.
Fortunately, even with the loss of these establishments, as you will see in the next couple of posts, other things are on the way.
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Banana Republic, Ann Taylor shutting Downtown Plaza store
Apparel and accessories retailers Ann Taylor and Banana Republic will be leaving Westfield Downtown Plaza by the end of the month, officials with the mall confirmed today.
Raelene Trumm, the mall's marketing manager, said she could not comment beyond confirming the closures.
She said that Westfield intends to move forward this year with the first phase of a multimillion-dollar face-lift at the mall. Most of that work will be on the mall's second level, where Ann Taylor and Banana Republic operate.
Officials with New York-based Ann Taylor could not be reached for comment.
Catherine Rhoades, a spokeswoman for Banana Republic's San Francisco-based parent, Gap Inc., said the company does not cite specific reasons for individual store closures. She said the company continually evaluates specific markets and the relative success of its stores in those markets.
Other area stores operated by the two retailers remain open.
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