MacArthur Center to lose J.Crew, two other stores
Retailers will close before the end of the month
NORFOLK — Three more stores are leaving MacArthur Center mall in downtown Norfolk rather than choosing to renew leases. Clothing retailer J.Crew, watch-seller Fossil and jewelry store Brighton Collectibles will close before the end of the month, according to mall spokeswoman Karen Husselbee.
The closures follow a volatile year for the mall that included losing its three-story anchor-tenant, Nordstrom, as well as Forever 21, which occupied a large two-story space. Other retailers that left last year include William-Sonoma, Pottery Barn and Banana Republic.
The mall’s owner, Starwood, has brought in smaller independent retailers or pop-up shops and filled some vacant space with experienceoriented spots, including ping-pong tables, games and lounges, and giftwrapping stations during the holidays. Other spaces have been boarded up and covered with art and scenes that visitors can pose with for photos.
Glow Golf, an indoor mini-golf course, recently opened on the second floor, and a 19,000-squarefoot Gameworks arcade is opening on the first floor near the mall’s Monticello entrance where the women’s clothing store Charlotte Russe had been.
Husselbee said the mall would also be leasing space to Bonilla Pet Studio, a local business that takes professional photos of customer’s pets.
“Retail spaces continue to evolve from shoppingonly to offering multiple and varied experiences,” Husselbee said. “MacArthur Center is leading the evolution with its Live360° programming, events, partnerships and nontraditional as well as traditional tenants.”
When the mall’s J.Crew closes, the nearest one to Hampton Roads will be outside Richmond. Same for Fossil. Brighton’s only other branded store is at the Williamsburg Premium Outlets. J.Crew Factory stores are in Virginia Beach, Williamsburg and Nags Head.
Husselbee said the mall and its managers are “committed to creating a welcoming environment and new experiences for Hampton Roads.”
Late last year, the mall’s owner defaulted on a $750 million loan in which MacArthur Center and three other malls are collateral.