DURHAM -- Northgate Mall announced plans to reinvent itself Thursday after Macy's said it will close its store within the coming weeks.
“Northgate is working with the Macy’s team on a transitional plan for their Northgate location. As well we are working on our master plan of changing the shopping complex from predominantly retail spaces to a variety of uses including office, fitness, entertainment and seasonal operations that reflect the needs of area consumers,” said Ginny Bowman, managing partner of Northgate Associates.
Macy's is closing dozens of stores nationwide due to the rise in online retail shopping. It was one of Northgate's biggest retailers, and its closing could put the future of the mall in jeopardy.
"With shopping patterns kind of changing and more toward online, I think it becomes a challenge as to what happens with space this large," said Geoff Durham with the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce.
The company says a final clearance sale will begin on Monday and could last for up to 12 weeks until the store finally closes.
"With a new strategy, I'm optimistic Northgate will become very successful again," said Durham.
The Macy's at The Streets At Southpoint mall will remain open as well as other ones in the Triangle.