DURHAM, N.C. -- The coronavirus pandemic has claimed a major staple in north Durham.

Northwood Retail LLC tells Spectrum News it would permanently close Northgate Mall effective immediately, after planning to do so in December 2020. 

The company sent this email to Spectrum News Monday:

The severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has changed the way we live and socialize, has resulted in extreme financial difficulties experienced  by a majority of our tenants and the property. Effective immediately, we have made the decision to permanently cease operations at the Interior of the  Northgate Mall. Tenants at the Shops at Northgate, on the exterior of the mall, will reopen when it is safe and appropriate at the guidance of state and  local officials. We understand this is difficult news and want to assure our tenants and the community that this decision was not made lightly. We are committed to working with our tenants to provide relief for the duration of their leases and are connecting them with local small business support services.

Now mall tenants are left with nowhere to go.

"It's just not fair because, at the end of the day, we're pretty much businesses and job homeless. Where can we go right now to look for a space?" asks Shea Ramirez, who owns a recording studio and other offices inside the building.

"How are we going to feed our families, all of that stuff? I also have several stylists that work with me, so how will they be affected?" asks hair salon owner Mavis Peaks.

Ramirez and Peaks hope they will land on their feet after feeling like the rug got pulled from under them.