NORFOLK, Va. — Dillard's is one of the few businesses at Norfolk's MacArthur Center still open and attracting patrons, but signs posted around the store are announcing some big changes to the location.
The location is "restyling" into a Dillard's Clearance store. According to Dillard's, these stores are where you can shop for price reductions from your favorite designers.
The sign promises "even more savings on brands you love."
There are roughly 30 clearance model locations around the country, compared to hundreds of locations of the full scale branch. None of the Dillard's locations across Hampton Roads (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Newport News) are currently clearance stores.
"I'm a Dillard's girl," Akia Kelly laughed, an Old Dominion University alum who remembers the heyday of the mall. "I'd be okay with that absolutely, I would probably come to MacArthur if there was an entrance to get right in there to shop because I'm a bargain shopper.”
Mall management did not specify a time for when the transition will be complete.
The MacArthur Center has undergone a turbulent past few years. Multiple shootings and other crimes have contributed to the mall losing many businesses, but the City of Norfolk recently purchased the property for $18 million.
Some of the businesses included in the recent departures are:
- Chili's
- Apple
- Barnes & Noble
- California Pizza Kitchen
- Nordstrom
- Texas de Brazil
Mary Miller, president of the Downtown Norfolk Council, told 13News Now they were unaware of this development until Thursday morning, and noted the move is not necessarily a surprise as consumer attitudes have changed when it comes to indoor shopping and retail.
A Dillard's spokesperson sent 13News Now the following statement:
"...We are converting Dillard's at MacArthur Center to our Clearance Center format. Under this format, the store will receive clearance merchandise from full-line Dillard's locations in the region and offer it to our customers at deeply discounted prices. This transition will take place over the next few weeks - once the existing merchandise at MacArthur is liquidated. A number of varying factors affect our decision to change to a Clearance Center format. We operate approximately 30 Clearance Centers across the nation.
Importantly, we are committed to our MacArthur associates. Any associates not remaining there after the transition are offered continued employment at other Dillard’s locations in the area."
