How Macomb Mall continues to thrive in a time when retailers are closing

ROSEVILLE, Mich. (WXYZ) — While retailers are closing up shops and leaving spaces in malls empty, the Macomb Mall and the area around it in Roseville continue to thrive.

Now, we are learning a Chick-fil-A will be opening up soon.

7 Action News reporter Syma Chowdhry was the first to break that story on Twitter.

She talked to the City Manager Scott Adkins about how more shops and restaurants will be coming to the city.

“Time is money and we want to make sure these businesses make the right decision, make the right investment that’s successful for them as well as for our communities,” he explained.

Adkins takes pride in Roseville’s growing retail landscape. Michael’s crossed Gratiot Avenue and opened in the old Babies R Us space in the Macomb Mall.

Next door, an unnamed retailer is getting their facade ready.

“You have an owner of a mall who is very aggressive on trying to go forward and make sure you fill the correct space with the correct tenant.”

At Home moved into half of the old Sears building and soon Hobby Lobby will be its next door neighbor.

Forever 21 will also be moving into the mall.

Chick-fil-A is planning to build a restaurant in the parking lot near the bus stop.

Adkins said Roseville became the first city in Michigan to be certified under a state redevelopment program.

City officials work closely with retailers and property owners to help fill spaces. They call it matchmaking.

“There’s a lot of back and forth dialogue and understanding that there’s patience, and there is a plan A, plan B, and sometimes all the way to a plan Z.”

While the mall flourishes, across the street is the old Michael’s store and the closed Toys R Us.

The city manager can’t confirm who might be moving in, but says both spaces won’t be empty much longer.

“It’s great variety for our residents and for surrounding residents to come in and be able to have these businesses right at their door steps.”