Urban Outfitters no longer a fit for downtown Norfolk
After a decade of selling a lifestyle, company exits from Granby Street
NORFOLK — The Urban Outfitters on Granby Street sold its last sweater, moved its last gangster rap vinyl and hawked its final disposable film camera.
The clothing and lifestyle store, near the downtown Tidewater Community College campus, closed at the end of 2022. A sign on the door announced the last open day as Dec. 31 and proclaimed “We’ll miss you!” All the inventory has been cleared out, with only a few boxes and mannequins remaining.
Developer Bobby Wright, who owns and manages the property, said Urban Outfitters did not say why it left the space.
“The lease was up, so it was a good time to make a big decision,” Wright said.
The developer said his business, The Wright Co., had also anticipated such a move, given the trend of traditional retail to online shopping, especially during the pandemic.
Another plan with a community focus is being prepared for the site, but Wright declined to announce the project before working with the city, the Downtown Norfolk Council and civic groups.
Urban Outfitters opened to crowds in July 2012. City leaders told The Virginian-Pilot that, at the time, it was the biggest commercial enterprise to move downtown since MacArthur Center. Four college-aged shoppers even arrived 90 minutes before its scheduled opening.
The company, headquartered in Philadelphia, is a brand aimed at adults 18-28, according to investor documents. Stores offer a mix of men’s and women’s fashion, home and dorm room accessories, music and other goods. The three-story, 9,500-square-foot Granby Street location featured exposed brick, steel beams and piping along with wallpaper from a previous tenant.
Urban Outfitters’ 2022 holiday sales were weaker than the previous year: Sales from November to December declined 10%. The company’s 2022 third quarter was also weaker than in 2021: Sales from August through October declined around 12%.
In a November call with investors, parent company Urban Outfitters Inc. CEO Richard Hayne said record inflation affected the spending ability of Urban Outfitters’ younger demographic, and noted, “These customers are transacting less often and when they do shop, they’re looking for a deal.”
Several downtown businesses have closed recently. After shootings last year, city leaders closed several businesses, including Culture Lounge and Restaurant, Legacy, California Burrito, Scotty Quixx and Caior Bistro & Social. Texas de Brazil steakhouse in MacArthur Center cited the violence in a decision to close. Brick Anchor BrewHouse plans to close Feb. 3 so the owner can retire, he said.