Empire Mall begins marketing Sears space as Younkers teases its return
Aug. 31, 2018
A redevelopment plan for The Empire Mall shows more retail could be headed to the former Sears site.
A site plan being marketed shows the department store as well as nearby parking as a potential redevelopment area. It shows a future anchor taking the Younkers space.
A statement from mall marketing director Kirsten Schaffer referenced “exciting projects in the pipeline” but didn’t provide further details.
Other properties in that area of the campus are redeveloping, including Scandinavian Designs in the former Toys R Us and Roam Kitchen + Bar inside The District.
“The retail landscape is always evolving and changing, which allows us to bring in new, relevant and fresh shopping, dining and entertainment options,” Schaffer said.
Sears is closing Sunday. Younkers closed this week. A message on the Younkers website today says “We’re coming back!” but provides no other details. It likely won’t be coming back to Sioux Falls, though. Its lease was given up at The Empire Mall, according to a bankruptcy filing.
Similar messages were posted on the other Bon-Ton Inc. store websites.
