Two Northeast Ohio stores are among 40 Macy's stores to be closed this year.
One of those is a Chapel Hill Mall anchor store.
Many shoppers are now worried about the future of the mall which has experienced its share of struggles in recent years.
Cathy Shultz, of Streetsboro, said Macy's is her favorite place to shop.
"I've shopped here for years. It's kind of sad it's going," Shultz said.
Kenetha Fetty works at a hair salon inside Macy's. Her business is owned by a different company and she will move to another salon, but she feels for the 91 employees who stand to lose their jobs. She also thinks the closure could spell big trouble for the mall which opened in 1967.
"It's not gonna last much longer. We've all kind of talked and have heard the talk between our customers, and even store customers, that it's going to turn into the next Rolling Acres.
Rolling Acres Mall in West Akron closed in 2008 and remains dilapidated and vacant.
Councilman Bruce Kilby, who represents the Chapel Hill area, said he plans to meet with Mayor Dan Horrigan to stress the importance of finding a replacement for Macy's at Chapel Hill, while also discussing ways to keep the mall going.
"There's not a whole lot one councilman can do, but the city of Akron has a lot of resources," Kilby said. "I think this needs to be a really top priority of his planning department."
On Thursday, Horrigan said the city wants to be involved in exploring options for the soon-to-be vacant section of the mall.
Horrigan released this statement to newsnet5.com Thursday:
Anytime there is a loss of jobs for members of our community, there is unease. We are truly concerned and send our heartfelt prayers and thoughts to the 91 individuals and their families affected by the loss of their jobs in the coming weeks.
We also wish to be provided a continued opportunity to be involved in conversations with the Ann Arbor-based McKinley Inc. to provide potential realistic options for the use of the soon-to-be vacant property.
When looking at the 169,000-square-foot property located contiguous to three communities - Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and Tallmadge - with ample parking located on the METRO and PARTA bus lines we have an opportunity to look closely and strategically at what viable possibilities can provide the mall utilizing a mix-purpose model that provides lift to the mall, the community and the citizens of the community.
