Crabtree Valley Mall is preparing to welcome a new and improved shopping center while also saying goodbye to several small businesses.
As previously reported, Crabtree Valley Mall is making big moves. It’s getting a $60-million facelift after being sold to a California-based developer.
WRAL has learned this is impacting a community of entrepreneurs inside the building.
The businesses that rent the so-called “Retail Merchandising Units” (RMUs), or wooden carts in the middle of the mall, have been notified that they have until the end of the month to pack up and leave.
“When everybody got the news… first, it was rumors going around. Everyone didn’t really know. And so, they didn’t communicate to everybody accurately,” said Terrance Taylor II, the owner of Nazar Fragrances.
Taylor is a passionate, upbeat businessman who has been at the location for about five years, selling his unique scents, building relationships with clientele and the community.
He said the vendors were notified last week that they would have to leave the mall by October 1.
“Over the next two days, you walk in the mall, and it was an eerie feeling in the mall. All through that area. It just sucked the life out of us,” Taylor added.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Crabtree Valley Mall explained that there are 12 RMUs impacted. This is separate from the kiosks on-site, which are permanent, small structures, custom-built and fixed in one location, provided and maintained by the tenant.
“The team is actively engaging with North Carolina brands and innovative entertainment concepts that align with our vision to reimagine the center. Our goal is to deliver a more dynamic tenant mix, elevated customer experiences, and a refreshed, modern environment that ensures the property thrives and continues to resonate with today’s consumer,” said Drew Dunzweiler, Senior Specialty Leasing Manager, at Crabtree.
As renovations kick-off here, these businesses, including some that have been here for 10-20 years, said they’re getting kicked out at a crucial time.
WRAL spoke to several other business owners over the phone who described feeling “blindsided” by this move.
“Small businesses are our lifeline. You’re impacting not only families, small businesses, but you’re impacting the community,” Taylor said.
Officials with Crabtree Valley Mall released a statement following the announcement to businesses in the RMU program.
“Crabtree has been a community staple and Raleigh landmark since 1972, a place where generations have come together to shop, dine, share positive experiences, and make memories, and we look forward to many more. Our goal is to evolve with the needs and interests of our guests ensuring that Crabtree remains a welcoming, dynamic destination in our community for years to come. As part of our vision, we’re reimagining our common areas. This means creating a more open and vibrant environment that enhances traffic flow, improves space utilization, and allows for the introduction of exciting new retail, dining and entertainment offerings for our guests and the community. This evolution requires us to conclude our Retail Merchandising Unit (RMU) program. While this chapter is closing, we are deeply grateful to the partners who have been part of Crabtree’s journey. We encourage our guests and the community to continue supporting them beyond our walls.”Drew Dunzweiler, Senior Leasing Manager Crabtree
Tenants expressed concerns over the 30-day notice, stating it isn’t enough time to find or secure a new location.
“Most people who understand business knows the holiday season is important,” Taylor added. A lot of these businesses were relying on that income or the potential to make that money in the hottest season of the year. And so when you tell them to go a month before that time, you’re crushed.”
In a written statement to WRAL, management said:
“It was important that we were transparent and communicated the plan for the RMU program ahead of the holidays to ensure they had ample time to relocate and have a successful season. While this chapter is closing, we are deeply grateful to the partners who have been part of Crabtree’s journey. We encourage our guests and the community to continue supporting them beyond our walls,” Dunzweiler said.
This leaves several owners and their employees to figure out the next steps. For Taylor, he’s remaining positive.
He said had plans to move before the announcement and describes it as an opportunity to transition beyond a traditional way of doing business at brick and mortar buildings and malls.
“I’ve been around for seven years total. Started off in the flea markets and the mall was a step up for us at the time,” Taylor said. “Now we’ve had a website off and running for a while. We’re going to focus on our website and go back to how we started. Back to the events, back to the markets, trade shows, pop-up events, and more.”
Some of the other small business owners plan to ask management at the mall if they can stay until at least the end of the year.
They said their options are slim as they’ve contacted other places and learned The Streets at Southpoint doesn’t have any current availability for more vendors.
As far as Taylor, he said this is just a small bump in the road.
“Crabtree doesn’t stop me. Nazar is Nazar for what it is. We’re a light,” he said.
He left us with his motto:
“The sun is shining down on me, in me, and through me. The sun shines everywhere. And wherever the sun shines, that’s where you find Nazar.”
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