Connecticut
How Connecticut malls are reinventing themselves to compete in the retail world
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — In an ever-changing retail space, malls across Connecticut are doing what they can to keep up with the times and rethink what the quintessential mall experience looks like moving forward.
From the hum of escalators and the buttery smell of warm pretzels to eye-catching window displays, shopping malls charmed customers when they first opened in the late 20th century.
For some, those early memories tie back to long days walking the halls of The Westfarms Mall in West Hartford.
“I saw ‘Star Wars’ here; there were movies in the mall back in the mid-70s and 80s,” Ronald Torres of West Hartford said. “The mall changed throughout the years, but this mall has always been a staple in this area.”
Self-described as ‘Central Connecticut’s Premier Shopping Destination,’ the space holds over 140 stores, many of which are filled, for shoppers to choose from.
To keep its legacy strong, General Manager Carolyn Edwards and her team say they are constantly looking ahead for ways to elevate their shopping experience. Recently, the mall has leaned more towards offering unique dining options and special events to pique customers’ interest.
“I think Gen Z right now is really embracing the mall, right? After COVID, you had people who maybe weren’t socializing or coming out,” Edwards said.
Keeping a healthy variety of brands that customers can identify with is also key, from popular national retailers to high-end brands. The mall is soon welcoming Barnes and Noble and Häagen-Dazs just in time for sweet summer treats and beach reads.
“The shoppers come to support it and in turn the retailers say, ‘We want to be at that center cause that’s where the strong shopper base is,’ so it goes hand in hand,” Edwards said.
A Different Story Down The Road
Just a couple of towns over, Enfield Square has been up for conversation by town leaders. Built in the 1970’s, the space stood tall as an economic driver for the town.
Over the past decade, Economic Director Aaron Marcavitch says he’s seen a decline in revenue, followed by a full mall closure for safety reasons. A Target location, which is “anchored” to the mall, has remained open.
“All these different communities that had malls as their hubs are really looking at these as revitalization opportunities,” Marcavitch said. “It’s critical that that parcel be redeveloped in some way. We really don’t want to have a massive, vacant parcel in the core of our community.”
Gears are moving for potential new owners, who have already proposed plans to town leaders to turn the mall into a mixed-use space, including a central retail hub and apartment units.
News 8 reached out to the Enfield Square mall’s representation but was declined for an interview.
Betting on Community Over Commerce
At The Shoppes at Buckland Hills, General Manager Justin Roberts is also giving the modern-day mall experience a second look.
“Malls themselves have had to change over the years. It’s not the same environment as the 90’s,” Roberts said. “What we’ve noticed is that many of the malls that are successful do have these third spaces, places to go, things to do. It generates a lot more foot traffic.”
In addition to offering national brands, small businesses are bringing unique offerings to customers. Roberts says he’s also leaning towards something online retail can’t replicate: More entertainment spaces to fill empty storefronts. Roberts says the mall has already had plenty of success with its tenant, The Funny Bone Comedy Club.
“Community theatres, roller rinks. Things for people to do and be involved in a community,” Roberts said. “We want welcoming third spaces.”
One person is dead after a double shooting in Hartford, police said.
ShotSpotter notified police of shots fired around 7 p.m. on Magnolia Street.
When officers got to the scene, they found a woman unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a vehicle.
Police identified the victim as 46-year-old Diana Tirado of New Britain. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
There was another woman in her 30s with a gunshot wound on the sidewalk. She was taken to the hospital, where she is listed in stable condition. Her identity has not been released.
Police have not identified a suspect at this time.
More than 200 people gathered May 28 in Norwalk for a night of food and entertainment supporting Connecticut Foodshare’s mission to fight food insecurity.
The second annual Taste of SoNo brought together local restaurants, business leaders, community partners, volunteers, donors, and supporters to celebrate Fairfield County’s vibrant culinary community.
The event took place in The Magnificent Room at the SoNo Collection.
Guests sampled offerings from more than a dozen local restaurants, distilleries, breweries, and other exhibitors.
They also learned more about Connecticut Foodshare’s work through its network of community partners, mobile pantries, and other hunger-relief programs.
Community Impact
The evening featured live music and a silent auction with dining, music, and sports experiences, along with artwork and sports memorabilia.
“We are extremely thankful to everyone who attended and supported Connecticut Foodshare through this event,” said Connecticut Foodshare president and CEO Jason Jakubowski.
“The generosity of our restaurant partners, sponsors, volunteers, and guests helps us continue our mission.”
Connecticut Foodshare’s Jason Jakubowski
“The generosity of our restaurant partners, sponsors, volunteers, and guests helps us continue our mission to end hunger in Connecticut and ensure that families facing food insecurity have access to the nutritious food they need.”
Connecticut Foodshare hosted the event for the second year and has already started planning next year’s Taste of SoNo.
Mainly dry with more clouds and a spotty shower/storm today! Briefly humid conditions with some rain/thunder tomorrow before dry and less humid weather returns again for Friday, Juneteenth. We need rain, as parts of Connecticut continue to experience moderate drought conditions and the next drought update comes out tomorrow! So far, the Father’s Day weekend is looking mainly dry and nice!
The tropical Atlantic remains mostly quiet, with only one area in the western Gulf. At this point, it has a 50% chance of development over the next 7 days. The circulation will bring severe flooding inland from Texas through the southeast!
Early this morning: A few clouds and still comfortable with lows 50-59. A pretty sunrise possible in parts of CT.
Today: Clouds and sun with still low humidity. A widely scattered shower or t-storm in the afternoon/evening. The highest chance will be in the western half of Connecticut. Highs 75-80.
Tonight: A bit windy for the evening with rising humidity overnight. Some spotty light rain possible late. Lows 60-65.
Tomorrow: Humid and windy with more numerous showers and storms. Not all day rain & some sunny breaks too! There is a strong storm potential with a strong wind gust. Highs in the upper 70s to the low 80s. Wind gusts to 35 mph.
Friday (Juneteenth): Clouds and sun and less humid. Rain just south of Long Island. Windy with highs 75-80
Saturday: Partly sunny, windy and nice with highs near 80.
Sunday (Father’s Day and 1st Day of Summer): Mostly sunny, breezy and pleasant. Highs near 80.
Monday: Beneficial rain with highs in the 70s.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warmer with highs 80-85.
Wednesday: Partly sunny. Highs in the low to mid 80s.
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