I went to the Fashion Outlets today, and something seemed to be missing: stores.

Walls of windows were black. Some stores were clearing out. Dollar Party, one of my favorite stores, had a “going out of business” sign up.

I had heard that the mall was hurting, but the pre-Christmas crowd showed no slowdown. 

Walking around today, it was a bit like a ghost town. 

There is some hope for the Fashion Outlets. H&M announced that they’re opening a store in the mall this summer, which should bring in some traffic. A recent uptick in the value of the Loonie should also help.

In the meantime, the mall is starting to remind me of when I was a kid. We’re a popcorn stand and a Linens and Things liquidation away from 2006.

-Sheepie ❤