Meridian Mall's retail landscape is about to transform with a significant addition! A prominent furniture retailer, Ashley Furniture, is gearing up to open its doors in a massive 95,340-square-foot space, marking a new era for the mall. But here's the catch: this isn't just any ordinary store opening.
The vacant storefront, once occupied by Younkers, has been unfilled since 2018, when the company was sold to liquidators, leaving a void in the mall's anchor space. Now, Ashley Furniture is ready to step in and revive this prime retail spot. The grand opening, scheduled for 11 a.m. on November 8, will be a celebration of this new beginning. And this is where the story gets even more intriguing...
The mall's general manager, Adam Hodges, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that Ashley Furniture will bring a diverse and extensive furniture selection to the mall. But here's where it gets controversial: while the arrival of a new store is exciting, the number of jobs it will create remains a mystery. Attempts to reach the store's owner for comment were unsuccessful, leaving the community curious about the economic impact.
The new store will be Ashley Furniture's second in the area, with another location in Delta Township. However, the future of the space adjacent to the former Younkers, previously occupied by Schuler Books, is still uncertain. Hodges revealed that there's no news yet on a new tenant for that storefront, leaving room for speculation and anticipation.
As the grand opening approaches, the community eagerly awaits the arrival of Ashley Furniture, which promises to enhance the mall's retail experience. But will it live up to the expectations and become a thriving hub for furniture shoppers? Only time will tell. What do you think about this development? Is it a welcome change, or are there other factors to consider? Share your thoughts and let's spark a conversation!
