An iconic shopping center in the suburbs of a major US city has permanently closed its doors after four decades of operation.
Stratford Square Mall in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois officially closed this weekend.
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This mall closed its doors to the public for the last time on Sunday, April 21, and held an event to mark the occasion, according to NBC affiliate WMAQ-TV.
The sad news comes a month after the mall in Bloomingdale initially announced its plans to close.
This shopping area opened in 1981 and was once home to iconic brands such as Sears and Marshall Field’s.
The 43-year-old standing room’s website was removed on Monday, April 22.
Employees and local residents held a “funeral” at the mall, where they paraded through the mall one last time before leaving, according to WMAQ-TV.
Miller, the mall’s caretaker for the past four decades, shared his memories of how the retail space has changed over the years.
“This mall was totally different,” he said
“We had totally different stores and at Christmas we couldn’t park because we had too many cars.”
“It’s incredible to see all this happen,” he added.
This mall was acquired by the Village of Bloomingdale a few months ago.
A Facebook publish by the village explained some of the reasons for the closure, including changing consumer preferences.
“Stratford Square Mall, a product of the 1980s mall-building craze, faced challenges as other enclosed malls adapted to changes in the retail landscape,” the post said.
That message added that the stores and mall had to close due to failed negotiations between employees and the mall owner.
“Despite efforts by the mayor and village council to collaborate with the mall owner, Namdar, negotiations failed,” the post read.
This mall was totally different.”
Miller
“Consequently, the Village of Bloomingdale took the initiative to acquire the mall and its anchor stores independently.
Despite the closure, the village announced future plans to repurpose the space.
“After consolidating the property earlier this year, the Village is now prepared to embark on a transformative mixed-use development,” the post added.
Other residents shared their emotional memories of the space in the comments of a Facebook publish.
“I used to go there all the time. It’s very sad,” one person wrote.
“I used to work there when it opened. I was the manager of a women’s clothing store, on upper level 2, below Carson’s,” wrote another person.
“It was a beautiful mall and always crowded.
“It’s a shame to see all these malls closing.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
