A popular fitness brand has announced it will close a key store in a major city very soon, leaving customers with only a few days to visit.'
According to The Seattle Times, Lululemon Athletica will close its store in Pacific Place, a well-known shopping mall in downtown Seattle, on April 21.
Pacific Place Struggles Post-Pandemic
Pacific Place has been struggling since the peak of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, experiencing its lowest customer turnout ever. This visitor downturn has directly impacted Lululemon, which plans to leave the location.
Avison Young, the owner of Pacific Place, described Lululemon's closure as "unfortunate." However, the reasons for the store's shutting down remain unclear, as Lululemon has not made an official statement. The company also did not respond to a request for comment from The Seattle Times.
Pacific Place in Seattle, bustling with retailers and eateries since its 1998 opening, now shows many empty spaces despite renovations and changes in ownership.
Visitors Diana Inzunza and Alejandra Franco were struck by the silence. "It was empty and quiet, too," said Inzunza. Franco noted, "It felt like we were in the wrong place," expecting a busier atmosphere typical of malls from her youth.
This trend is not isolated to Pacific Place. Urban shopping centers nationwide are experiencing similar declines due to store closures and reduced foot traffic. Mark Cohen from Columbia Business School remarks that each closure diminishes the mall's vitality.
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However, some businesses like Proto101 and The Handmade Showroom are seeing growth. The Downtown Business Association remains optimistic, citing improvements in visitor numbers, downtown population, and new openings, with over 2,600 street-level storefronts downtown.
The OED highlighted several successful new ventures, like Uniqlo in the old Macy's building and Hometeam in Pioneer Square. Other fresh additions include The Monkey Bridge, SIFF Cinema Downtown, and Ben Bridge Jewelry, which are contributing to the area's rejuvenation. This resurgence shows downtown Seattle adapting and thriving despite some setbacks like the Lululemon store closure.
Lululemon Maintains Presence Despite Store Closure
Despite the closure, the brand's loyal customers need not worry too much.
Lululemon Athletica, despite closing one of its Seattle locations, still operates another store downtown near University Village, along with eight additional locations throughout Washington. Fitness enthusiasts have options, though they might need to travel further than before to shop at these stores.
This recent shutdown is probably surprising for Seattle shoppers, especially following the departure of another major retailer from the area just a few weeks ago. The community is feeling the impact of these closures, which are reshaping the local retail landscape.
Avison Young, the owner of Pacific Place, has described Lululemon's decision to leave the mall as "unfortunate" in an email statement. The company's leasing team is now looking for new tenants to attract local shoppers and help stabilize the mall and downtown Seattle.
The statement added, "There is keen interest from prospective tenants," indicating a hopeful future for the shopping center.
Pacific Place is home to other notable tenants, including the luxury jewelry retailer Tiffany & Co. and the popular soup dumpling restaurant chain Din Tai Fung, which continue attracting visitors.
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