'Malls aren't dying': These new stores are coming to Summit Mall in 2024

Kyle Hersh wants you to know Summit Mall in Fairlawn is thriving and has the tenants and the traffic to prove it.

In fact, some new retailers came just in time for the holiday season shopping sprint, and other popular names are landing in early 2024 to get the New Year off to a quick start.

Hersh, the area director of marketing and business development for mall owner Simon Property Group, said foot traffic and sales for the mall — and for the industry in general — have returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Leasing is strong at the mall, too, with the addition of new stores bringing the mall to near capacity about mid-2024, Hersh said.

New stores for the holidays and the New Year

J.D. Sports, a British sports-fashion retail company with about 3,400 locations worldwide, will open before spring.

Likewise for popular sports clothing retailer Lululemon, which operates more than 650 locations in 18 countries. The Canadian company's leggings are especially popular with women in the U.S.

"It's a one-year pop-up deal with the expectation it will go permanent," Hersh said. "... By the summer of next year, we'll be nearly full."

Mall evolves to avoid fate of other shopping hubs

Hersh, who handles the Fairlawn mall and Simon's Aurora Farms Premium Outlets, said the mall industry has evolved to successfully compete and coexist with online shopping.

A recent study by Coresight Research found that traffic at malls last year surged past 2019 levels, climbing 12% for top-tier malls — those in highly affluent areas — and 10% in non top-tier malls. The study also noted that some online retailers have identified a need for physical storefronts to expand their business.

The Coresight report found that consumer expectations during a mall visit have evolved, with experience-based establishments and activities a draw. It's a trend that Kersh is very aware of.

At Summit Mall, a 10,600-square-foot Kids Empire location will open in 2024 in the old theater space. The location will offer climbing walls, play structures, and drop-in ball pits.

The mall also has planned an event Sunday with pet photos and Santa, with reservations being taken online. On Friday, a wine sipping event with 3 Roses Wine Cellars will take place.

"The malls aren't dying," Hersch said. "It's quite the opposite."

Summit Mall's role as 'incubator'

Recent openings at the 770,000-square-foot mall include LoveSac, a furniture retailer, and Soled Akron, a sneaker and streetwear boutique.

"We are going to have at least eight more (shops) within the next six months," Hersh said. "(And) that's the stuff we know about."

The mall has also made space available for area retailers exploring the bricks-and-mortar world to lease.

"We have a very robust local leasing program," he said. "We want to be an incubator. (You) don't have to come in and lock in a (multiyear) deal."

Despite the departure of old retailers and the arrival of new, some have stood the test of time. The mall, Hersh said, still has one of its original tenants from when it opened 58 years ago.

More: Photos: Summit Mall through the years

"We talk about change, but Spencer's is still here," he said.

Leave a message for Alan Ashworth at 330-996-3859 or email him at aashworth@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @newsalanbeaconj.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Summit Mall thriving with new stores, and more on the way in 2024