Huntington Mall expects boost in business after closure of Macy's in Charleston

by RAVEN BROWN

Tuesday, January 22nd 2019

BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — It's business as usual at the Huntington Mall in Barboursville after news hit that Macy's at the Charleston Town Center will be closing.

"It's not a surprise because this one is so much easier to get in and out of," shopper Norma Howell said.

With more than 130 stores and more than eight and half million shoppers annually, the Huntington Mall has community support that has kept business running, officials said.

“It's the interaction," property manager Val Zenteno said. "We try to keep the atmosphere as pleasant and clean and safe, which is of course very important. We have ample free parking."

Going on 39 years in business, the Huntington Mall is one of the last malls in the state with all anchor stores.

"All of our anchors are here, we have Macy's, JCPenney, Sears, one of the last reaming Sears," Zenteno said.

Many shoppers said they have preferred the Huntington Mall over Charleston Town Center for safety reasons and easy accessibility.

"It's easy to get in out, they have good sales, and I just love coming over here," Howell said.

Mall officials said they are hoping the closure in Charleston will now bring in more customers from the Kanawha Valley to Barboursville.

"We invite all the shoppers that were going to the Town Center to visit Macy's, to come here, our Macy's is still here and open," Zenteno said.

Zenteno said while they have seen some of their stores close and know the challenges of keeping malls open, they are confident in the Huntington Mall's continued success.

"We have new stores coming to hopefully when we lose one, we're going to gain one, but we have local vendors coming as well," Zenteno said.

The Huntington Mall is open every day during regular business hours.