Great things ahead for North Branch mall

North Branch Outlets being renamed Shops at Gateway North

by Tesha M. Christensen

North Branch Outlets or the Shops at Gateway North at I35 and Highway 95 has been a draw for the entire region since opening in 1992, and continues to be a hub of retail options.

The mall is rebounding courtesy of new owners LNR, who took over after the mall went into bankruptcy and was sold at a sheriff’s sale in November 2016.

Some residents have been concerned that the mall might close or be torn down, but property manager Weston L. Birkeland of ProEquity Asset Management Corporation wants to reassure people they don’t need to worry.

He pointed to the amount of money being invested to revitalize the mall as proof that it is staying in the community.

The parking lot and sidewalks have been fixed, and the landscaping was completely revamped in 2017. A new sign is planned for the highway, along with the new name: Shops at Gateway.

The mall has also made a point of being involved in local events, such as the fall festival, and sponsored Winterfest.

“We hope by doing this the immediate community will see that we are trying to make this once great retail center a destination of interest again,” Birkeland stated.

FOCUS ON FILLING VACANCIES

Birkeland has been with the property since June 2017. “Since I have been working there, I have noticed a great deal of concern for the mall from the community and that is what I most appreciate about it,” he remarked. “Everyone wants to help or offers advice, and that is a great thing to know. The community around and within are an amazing group of people that make working in the area enjoyable.”

The current focus is to fill all the vacant spots in the mall. The initial investment in improvements must be balanced with finding ways to save. “That means acquiring new vendors that are not always local,” observed Birkeland. As the mall fills back up to capacity, additional improvements will be made.

As of January 2018, tenants included Bass Shoes, Bath & Body Works, Carter’s, Christopher and Banks, Claire’s, Dress Barn, Famous Footwear, Fancy Nails, Gap, GNC, Justice, L’eggs Hanes Bali, Maurices, Nike, North Country Coffee & Cafe, Rue 21, The Kitchen Collection, Van Heusen, and Zales the Diamond Store.

Hours are Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“The location is what we believe sets this retail center apart from others,” remarked Birkeland. “The amount of traffic that the area sees on a daily basis is a huge bonus, but also a solid surrounding population.”

GREAT THINGS AHEAD

The shopping center at 38500 Tanger Dr. opened in 1992 as a Stanley K. Tanger outlet mall, and has been under four different management companies since.

“The mall has benefited the community on multiple levels,” remarked North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy Lindo. “The economic effect is widespread -- from creating jobs, to providing a needed service and retail options to the region, as well as contributing to the tax base.”

She pointed out that for a number of years the mall was a major draw for Canadian shoppers because of the strength of the dollar and lack of access to products. However, that model of shopping has shifted since the tightening of the dollar and the availability of online markets, which have taken a toll on brick and mortar shops. That said, Lindo believes that shoppers still want to touch and feel before purchasing.

“Local residents have noticed the improvements, and are pleased that the new owners are reinvested in our community,” said Lindo. “We look forward to great things ahead.”