Williamsville, N.Y. (WBEN) - It's the end of an era for Western New York mall-goers as Eastern Hills Mall will be closing their indoor concourse area this Sunday, January 14.
With the closure of the concourse comes the relocation or closure of a majority of the businesses that have called the Eastern Hills Mall their home for many years.
"It's unfortunate," says John Grievas, co-owner of Fetch! Gourmet Dog Treats.
"One of the best parts of being able to take advantage of being here in the mall was the fact that we could get premium space at a reduced cost, which was great for a woman, veteran-owned business. [We didn't have] a lot of money just starting out trying to do the right thing. It was very, very helpful. Unfortunately, we have to leave, we're gonna miss all of our customers."
The business operated for almost seven years at the mall, operating where the old Mrs. Fields used to be. But with a closing of a new chapter comes a new chapter for the business.
"We're very excited about our move into the city. We're moving into the North District into the old Pierce Arrow Factory Complex. Very excited about really opening up our production, getting our wholesale going. We currently service almost 300 stores nationwide and this will actually allow us to probably double that within within the next year. We're very excited."
Another business that will be looking for a new place to operate is Raff and Friends toy store, who has been inside the Eastern Hills Mall for 18 years.
"I think it's very sad. This area needs a mall, but it is with change. I don't know what the future is. I'm just glad that I was a part of it. Hopefully, I can still be a part of this community as a store," said Kim Nelson of Raff and Friends.
Nelson said she is currently looking at several nearby locations for retail space. Until she finds a location, she says her website is still operational for those looking to buy toys. You can also check their Facebook page for updates.
Pure Integrity Soy Candle owner Jeff Schumacher will be moving his retail operations within the Eastern Hills grounds to a space with an exterior entrance. He will be keeping his production and fulfillment operations where they are. He, like Kim Nelson, say the best times at the Eastern Hills mall were always Christmas time and watching his kids grow up with the business. He says he looks forward to what the future of what the mall will become over time.
'It's twofold. I mean, it's sad to see malls dying in Western New York. But at the same time, it's good to see progression or progress and see things moving forward. This site is going to be completely different than it is now. It's a long term plan, but, in 20 years, this is going to be a village basically."
Schumacher is referring for the future plans of the mall. Uniland has plans to build a town center through the development of new offices, medical spaces, residential properties.
The Mister Christmas spaces in the mall will now be downsizing to one space, according to owner Keith "Mister Christmas" Mann. His business started at Niagara Emporium, which is now closed.
"We just want everybody to know that as soon as we can, we're going to continue operations as a retail location here at the mall and we look forward to seeing everybody all our our friends and all our regular customers in the very near future."
Retailers with existing exterior access according to the mall's press release include:
- Duff's Famous Wings
- Lox Salon
- Sto Lat Bar and Event Center
- Chrusciki Bakery
- Erie County Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV) (Accessible through
the Duff’s hallway) (Open through construction, now doing passports)
- Kidz Bounce
- Bison Billiards
- Pure Integrity Candles
- Sport Performance Park
- JC Penney
- Orvis
- Steel Leaf Brewery
- Raymour and Flanigan Home
Furnishings Gallery
- WBBZ-TV
- Flip Out Academy
- Epic Church (separate building)
- Firestone Complete Auto Care
(separate building)