SWATARA, Pa. — Store owners at the Harrisburg Mall are being told to move out by next month after plans to demolish and redevelop the property were revealed earlier this year.
FOX43 obtained the letter the mall’s owners, St. John’s Properties sent to tenants notifying them they must vacate the mall by 5 p.m. on January 31, 2024, citing the start of the redevelopment of the Harrisburg Mall early next year.
Preethika Sigera, owner of Bling Box, has owned several mall stores over the past 20 years and says the short notice is a challenge.
"It’s so hard to find a place, plus I think all the retailers have the same problem, some people have so much stuff to move," said Sigera. "We are small business owners and [I've been] here over 20 years in this mall but they have to do what they have to do."
The mall first opened in 1969. The shopping center was once bustling and is now largely vacant, with many retail spaces empty. It’s a sign of changing times that is forcing some store owners to rethink what to do next.
"It’s scary but personally I think mostly we have to think something different, not the retail anymore," said Sigera. "Everybody is shopping online, we can’t compete with the online market."
With the mall in its current mostly-vacant state, shoppers are not surprised about its demolition.
"It's surprising that it's coming as soon as it is," said Sasha Valentine, a local shopper. "But, I saw this coming down the line eventually."
The land is expected to be used as new retail and multi-use business spaces. The only store that will remain is Bass Pro Shops. Swatara Township officials say demolition permits will likely be issued mid to late January, but no official land development plan has been submitted as of yet.
St. John’s Properties did not respond to FOX43’s phone call request for comment.