From the FNP:
The Value City store at Francis Scott Key Mall will close, along with all but one VC store in Maryland.
Kristin Mack, a spokeswoman for VCHI in Columbus, Ohio, said the only store remaining open would be in Annapolis.
“They are winding down,” she said of the seven other stores. “They will be closing in the next six to eight weeks.”
Stores in Cumberland and Greenbelt also are closing, while four stores have been acquired by Burlington for retail locations.
Mack did not have any figures on Wednesday on how many employees would be affected at the Frederick location or other that will close.
VCHI is an equity firm that purchased 81 percent of Value City, she said.
William DeTora, manager of FSK Mall, declined to say what business would be taking over the site to be vacated by Value City.
64 responses so far ↓
dancing cucumber // January 31, 2008 at 11:31 am
I wish a Nordsrom would open there.
lizfrog // January 31, 2008 at 12:12 pm
There’s rumors in the comments section of the FNP article that Bon Ton might be moving in there after Fredericktowne Mall is torn down. I hope not! I like the Old Navy idea much better. Bon Ton is nothing special.
dancing cucumber // January 31, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Value City is fairly large. I have never seen an Old Navy that big. If they are the new tenant, maybe it will be subdivided. I also hope Bon Ton does not move there.
April D. // January 31, 2008 at 1:23 pm
WE WANT OLD NAVY!!! WE WANT OLD NAVY!!!
I mean The Bon Ton is ok…but Old Navy is SOOOO much better!!!!
Nordstroms is WAY expensive…Montgomery County can keep that store….
FredRocks // January 31, 2008 at 5:29 pm
What about Value City Furniture? Their website store locater shows seven locations in Maryland. I’ve never been to one, but I’ve been considering it, based on some of the deals I’ve seen in their weekly fliers.
lizfrog // January 31, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Good question. I’ve never been either but I’ve heard that they have pretty nice furniture. My guess would be they are not closing. I think it would have been mentioned. This was an update in today’s news so maybe they will have a more thorough story tomorrow.
lizfrog // February 1, 2008 at 8:54 am
According to today’s story and a line added at the end, Value City Furniture is not affected because it’s a separate business.
Anonymous // February 1, 2008 at 9:08 am
I really don’t care for Bon Ton, so I hope that rumor is not true. Based on the business that I have seen when I have gone in Bon Ton, I don’t think too many others care for it either. It is usually nearly empty.
Anonymous // February 1, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Yeah Bon Ton is not my fave either. I really do like the notion of having an old navy. Now we have to drive to Hagerstown in the mall area or Gettysburg outlet. Would be nice to have one close by.
Darrell Russ // February 1, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I think we might have a better chance of getting Bloomingdales there then Nordstroms unfortunately. Bloomingdales is owened by the same company as Macy’s and that way they can pretty much owen the mall. I have already been in contact with PREIT who owns the mall and Nordstroms. No one is saying anything. Value City owns that spot. In order for any big store to come in they most liekly will have to tear it down and rebuild.
Anonymous // February 1, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Is Priet purchasing the building from Value City or is Value City putting it up for bid? I wonder how long it will sit empty.
The Dude // February 1, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Pikers! I propose tearing down Value City and erecting a 7-story building in its place.
floor 1: Food Court
floor 2: Old Navy gals
floor 3: Old Navy guys
floor 4: Chevy’s (Mexican) and California Pizza Kitchen
floor 5: Eddie Bauer
floor 6: Nordstrom Rack (sorry, Darrell)
floor 7: Red Robin
The Dude // February 1, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Since FSK cannot be torn down, what is needed is a major facelift–new flooring, new walls, new colors, new signage, and a gonzo centerpiece.
And a theme park, complete with kickball court.
Oh Snap // February 1, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Hasn’t it been basically confirmed that Red Robin will be taking up the space where Lone Star used to be?
lizfrog // February 1, 2008 at 3:11 pm
I have heard that rumor too. There’s still a “for lease” sign on the building last I saw so I’m not sure if there’s anyone definitely going in there yet.
The Dude // February 3, 2008 at 9:57 am
I just don’t see Frederick County being able to support a Nordstrom’s or Bloomingdale’s. Sure the sales are great, but a flagship store needs customers all day, every day. Sure the affluent sector is growing, but their numbers are still rather small, and GS-13 feds with two kids to put through school aren’t going to fill their closet with $80 men’s shirts, $85 belts, $250 shoes, and $800 suits.
Anonymous // February 3, 2008 at 11:24 am
I just hope it isn’t Bon Ton! That is almost as bad as Value City. My prediction, if BonTon does move into the space, is that they will spend a fortune on renovations, move in, and be out of business within 2 years. Unless, that is, they dramatically change the type of merchandise that they carry.
Darrell Russ // February 5, 2008 at 8:49 am
On the contrary, Frederick can support Nordsroms or Bloomingdales. It does not have to be a flagship store,. Frederick’s median income levels are comparable to neighboring Howard County. Plus, Frederick County’s population has boomed. FSK could defintely draw from Northern Montgomery county as well as points west and north.
Darrell Russ // February 5, 2008 at 9:39 am
the person to contact is R. Rubin at http://www.preit.com under the “concacts” page. Tell him what you want to see at FSK Mall. Frederick has and will continue to change and grow.
Mindy // February 5, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I absolutely think Frederick can support a higher end store like Nordstrom’s. I am a stay at home mom and know many, many people that drive down to Columbia and Mont. Co. to shop. I agree with some others that the Bon Ton can be questionable. Nordstrom’s has shoes wayyy under $250. I think the quality, customer service and overall experience is just better. I’ve been hoping Value City would go away for a long time. I say BRAVO and ADIOS to them! And maybe this will encourage FSK to give itself a facelift. Something it desperately needs. I was at all places, Apple Blossom Mall in Winchester, VA yesterday and its choice of small stores was much better than FSK. Cute kitchen store, Daily Grind Coffee, a really nice kid’s play area etc. along with all the big guys.
joules // February 5, 2008 at 4:17 pm
I used to live in Boston, where everyone - rich and poor - would rummage through the haphazardly arranged displays to find the bargains at the original Filene’s Basement. I have found Value City to be rather dim (poorly lit), and grungy, but I’ve bought more of my clothes (often brand names) there in the past year than anywhere else. I’ve even found some good deals there on basic linens & housewares. OK - I’m cheap, but I also go to Burlington Coat Factory, [even more grungy and dim] and I always leave there empty-handed. Even in December, the BCF was empty, while Value City was crowded. I was at the Potomac Mills Outlets recently, and their BCF was completely different: well-lit, clean, and well-stocked with nice merchandise. I guess Fredneck doesn’t rate an A-level store. I agree with Mindy that Frederick could support a Nordstrom’s, or similar type department store, but I couldn’t afford to shop there myself, except maybe in the clearance section. Given Nordstrom’s legendary reputation for customer service — going miles above and beyond the basic niceties, it would be lovely if Frederick shoppers could experience this — since customer service is lacking at many other large department stores around here.
The Dude // February 5, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Maybe we could put the nation’s Top 200 stores and restaurants on a HUGE “lazy Susan,” then slowly rotate it amongst Montgomery County, Frederick County, Carroll, Howard, etc. When I say “huge,” I’m talking 50 miles across.
Make 1/2 of this marvel commercial, and the other half open, green space.
Win-win.
The Dude // February 5, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Top ten counties in highest household income in the State of Maryland.
Total Annual Household Income (Adjusted to 2005 Dollars)
1. Howard County ($86,775)
2. Montgomery County ($83,715 )
3. Calvert County ($77,156)
4. Charles County ($72,773)
5. Anne Arundel County ($72,269)
6. Frederick County ($70,523)
7. Carroll County ($70,225)
8. Harford County ($66,964)
9. Queen Anne’s County ($66,733)
10. Prince George’s County ($64,650)
POPULATION
Frederick County 213,662
Howard County 264,265
Cygnus // February 5, 2008 at 6:37 pm
How about Gabriel Brothers, affiliated with Rugged Warehouse? I have to drive to Winchester to get to the nearest one. Granted, it’s not an upscale place, but you’ll never find a better selection of basic, everyday clothing for less. I scarfed up a whole mess of Ravens-logo stuff for less than $70 once.
If there were a Nordstrom’s, I wouldn’t shop there. But I won’t miss Value City; it was often rather disappointing in selection and quality.
Darrell Russ // February 6, 2008 at 11:25 am
Very good work Dude. Take a look at Anne Arrundel countie’s income level. they have a Nordstrom’s there. Frederick is ready.
Darrell Russ // February 6, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Frederick can support it. In addition, Frederick is a srategic location in relation to other Nordstoms stores. Plus, it would get first view from heavily travelled 270.
Darrell Russ // February 6, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Frederick is ready!
Anonymous // February 7, 2008 at 8:20 am
they will never put a Nordstrom in Frederick…just not gonna happen! I could see maybe a steve and barry or Old Navy where Value City is. I do not see anything upscale until they redo and reface the mall!
Darrell Russ // February 7, 2008 at 8:45 am
Well, PREIT may very well finally agree to it if they were to come into the mall.
Darrell Russ // February 7, 2008 at 8:45 am
Darrell,
Thanks for the email and interest in Red Robin in Frederick , Maryland . You are absolutely correct. We are trying to finalize our deal for the closed Lonestar at Francis Scott Key Mall. If we are able to finalize this deal, that Red Robin would open later this year. We are also looking on the north side of town for a Red Robin late next year. Frederick is a great area and Red Robin looks forward to opening in the future. Please visit our website in the future for openings in your area and thanks again for the email. Have a great week.
Regards,
Joey Stewart
Director of Real Estate
Red Robin International, Inc.
1029 Claremont Drive
Columbia, TN 38401
Darrell Russ // February 7, 2008 at 9:24 am
Red Robin coming is exciting. It is a pretty cool place. I have known for two years that they had two locations they were scouting for in Frederick.
Jim Eaton // February 7, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Frederick is ready. All it takes is people with vision. This is an emerging exurb of Washington, on the 270 corridor, adjacent to Montgomery County. 50 years ago people laughed about building Dulles airport in such a remote location–who would ever drive the 26 miles from DC into the country? 20 years ago people laughed about Gaithersburg. Future-oriented companies are already discovering Frederick–more will come.
The Dude // February 10, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Darrell Russ: no, no, no. My dearest chap, you are dreaming!
The population of Anne Arundel is 512,000. The population of Frederick County is 218,000. They have TWICE our population, and a far higher percentage of wealthy people than Frederick County. (We need to know what the standard deviation is, with respect to income, but I assure you AA County has us trumped in every way. Anne Arundel County is also a magnet for many, many affluent vacationers. Frederick County has very little in common with AA County.)
Look at how run-down FSK Mall is. Look at the other stores. Nordstrom would never, ever jeopardize its caviar “brand” by associating with FSK Mall’s “Coca-Cola” image.
Nevah!
joules // February 11, 2008 at 11:50 am
To The Dude - FSK has a “Coca-Cola” image? Coca-Cola is a multi-zillion-dollar global corporation. Try “store-brand cola” image.
I love your Lazy Susan idea! LOL! What a great mental image! Can we put some of Gaithersburg’s restaurants on it too?
Jim Eaton // February 11, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Actually, Frederick County’s population is currently 230,000, according to the Maryland Dept. of Planning, and expected to reach 243,000 by 2010.
The Dude // February 11, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Thus underscoring my point that Frederick County currently has too few affluent shoppers to sustain a high-end store such as Nordstrom’s. A bunch of GS-13s and 14s (or equivalent), plus a statistical smattering of more affluent shoppers, isn’t what drives Nordstrom’s to success. Moreover, FSK as is would severely cramp Nordstrom’s style and brand. As a coworker just said, that’s like parking a Rolls at a Chevy dealership.
Maybe in 15 years we might have a C-level store. Look, lots of people say they will shop at a particular high-end store or restaurant, but time and again we see that window shoppers don’t translate into a healthy, thriving customer base.
Re: Coca-Cola image. The product itself is dirt cheap; the PR blitz is multi-zillion.
The Dude // February 11, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Let’s not carry my last analogy (re: Coca-Cola) too far. FSK is a nice enough mall, but hardly glitzy.
In time, the current owners of FSK will probably sell to another group more bullish on Frederick–and a group that has deep enough pockets to make things happen. Oh sure, the current syndicate talks a good game, but has anyone seen the blueprints–any blueprints–on a major overhaul?
But let’s face it: This is more than an issue of demographics. FSK needs a major, major overhaul to make it attractive to the powers that be in Seattle. They go to great, hugely expensive, lengths to protect their prestigious brand and image. Parking a Nordstrom’s inside FSK in the next 5 or so years just isn’t going to happen, but I’m willing to lay down $500 on that proposition to any takers.
druss01 // February 14, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Let’s not carry my last analogy (re: Coca-Cola) too far. FSK is a nice enough mall, but hardly glitzy.
In time, the current owners of FSK will probably sell to another group more bullish on Frederick–and a group that has deep enough pockets to make things happen. Oh sure, the current syndicate talks a good game, but has anyone seen the blueprints–any blueprints–on a major overhaul?
But let’s face it: This is more than an issue of demographics. FSK needs a major, major overhaul to make it attractive to the powers that be in Seattle. They go to great, hugely expensive, lengths to protect their prestigious brand and image. Parking a Nordstrom’s inside FSK in the next 5 or so years just isn’t going to happen, but I’m willing to lay down $500 on that proposition to any takers.
I agree with you wholehearteldy that FSK needs a major facelift. however, as you are staing in your demographical make up of Frederick County, that We have almost as many people as Howard County and less people than Anne Arrundel County. We are right around the same level of income as anne Arrundel…therefore we are on the border. It is true Nordstroms would not come in with FSK the way it is. It would need a MAJOR facelift. I corresponde with PREIt frequently concerning the mall. A close friend who is a VP in a huge bank that deals iwht commercial properties told me he believes Frederick is ready for it. He thinks because Macy’s is already there, we would have a better chance for Bloomingdale’s because they are both owned by Federated and they could then own the mall in a sense. Our Macy’s is too small and should really be expanded. I have contacted them as well.
anonymous // March 2, 2008 at 3:23 pm
Red Robin?? Yuck, tried them once, and WILL NOT go back… Rather have a Fuddruckers.
Darrell Russ // March 4, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I like them both!!!!
Mika // March 6, 2008 at 10:17 am
Coming from a mall employee, I can pretty safely say that the space that Value City is vacating is to be broken up into two stores, I believe. A Value City Furniture and a shoe store.
lizfrog // March 6, 2008 at 1:13 pm
A shoe store, huh? *yawn*
The commenters here have been so much more creative with what they’d like to see there!
Anonymous // March 7, 2008 at 7:38 am
No wonder most people go down the road to shop.
Penny // March 13, 2008 at 10:48 am
I pray they do not put in a Nordstrom’s. Prices are too high for the location. What is up with Frederick and Chambersburg not keeping up with their malls? They are old and dumpy looking. The atmosphere doesn’t say “spend your money here”.
FrederickFan // March 13, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Hadn’t been to Hagerstown in a good while until recently…Is it my imagination, or has a lot of new shopping been added (and/or upgraded and remodeled centers), particularly around the Halfway Blvd./81 junction area?
I found myself thinking that Hagerstown seems to be outpacing Frederick in this regard.
Oh Snap // March 13, 2008 at 12:54 pm
You are correct. The mall needs a facelift.
druss01 // March 13, 2008 at 2:52 pm
A shoe store! YUCK!!!
proudgeek // March 14, 2008 at 8:35 am
I’m a GS-15 Federal employee who just moved to the Baker Park / Hood College area of Frederick. While I’ve walked into Nordstrom at times, I don’t think I’ve ever bought anything from it. I’d much druther see an Old Navy or a Macy’s. And for the record, I *LOVE* Red Robin’s and so do my kids!
druss01 // March 14, 2008 at 9:33 am
Well this space is too big for an Old Navy and rumour has it that many Old Navy stores might be closing as Gap, Inc. i snot doing so well. We already have a Macy’s…however a Macy’s Home store with a full line or furniture would be cool. Otherwise, we really need a good department store there.
Oh Snap // March 17, 2008 at 8:02 am
My wife has heard they are putting a DSW shoe store there.
Darrell Russ // March 17, 2008 at 10:24 am
Well, that could bre possible, but I think it is a weak alternative. Filene’s Basement would be better. I guess we are stuck as hal $ss Frederick!
clark // March 17, 2008 at 11:41 am
Hagerstown around the Rt 40/81 exit is booming with a new shopping center with Best Buy and such. Their mall is loads better than FSK. Around Christmas I went to Valley mall and it was elbow to elbow and I went to FSK the same night and it was a ghost town other than Barnes/Noble.
A lot of Hagerstown downtown needs a facelift (entire streets of businesses are vacant) but the surrounding seems to be growing incredibly fast.
Becky // March 17, 2008 at 6:28 pm
DSW and Value City Furniture it is!
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/displayUpdate.htm?StoryID=72574
FrederickFan // March 18, 2008 at 11:13 am
Well, I for one am a bit underwhelmed at the news that it’s DSW Shoes and Value City furniture. Neither one will draw me back over to FSK.
Becky // March 18, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Yeah me either. Not sure what either offer as I have never been either store but not really what I was hoping for at all!
Darrell Russ // March 19, 2008 at 7:35 am
Yeah, I think it sucks too. I like DSW, but could care less about Value City Furniture. I guess we are stuck at being second rate.
Matthew R. // March 19, 2008 at 7:55 am
These two new stores are a big step BACKWARD for FSK Mall. The concept most Frederick County residents seemed to embrace was of Value City leaving, and FSK Mall undergoing a slow, steady upgrading and modernizing, so that it reflects the increasingly upscale demographics of Frederick County.
With the Value City nameplate living on with the new furniture store–and with a discount shoe store taking the remaining space–it’s evident that the push for a bigger, better, more modern FSK Mall has been shelved for several more years.
There’s no doubt that Value City is an anchor at FSK Mall. Unfortunately that anchoring effect is all bad. Rather than lifting the tide for all stores, Value City Furniture sees FSK falling further and further behind.
Once this recession lifts, some mega-developer needs to build a “mall for the future,” and finally drive a stake in the heart of FSK. It’s a loser.
druss01 // March 19, 2008 at 9:06 am
Matthew I concur your feelings exactly!!!
druss01 // March 19, 2008 at 9:14 am
Matthew I concur with your feelings exactly!!!
Becky // March 19, 2008 at 10:09 am
I just cant figure for the life of me why if value city is closing due to possible lack of sales - why they think another VC franchise will prosper?
FrederickFan // March 19, 2008 at 5:26 pm
While I’ve actually heard one or two folks say they were pleasantly surprised by Value City Furniture, I do agree with everyone who doesn’t believe another VC franchise at FSK is the answer. The Value City nameplate is unfortunately associated with a dingy, bargain-basement image that people will continue to project onto the mall as a whole.
Too bad the storefront is so prominently visible from 270, too.
Shortykb // March 20, 2008 at 6:07 am
I have been to the Value city furniture store in Hagerstown and have several pieces from there. They are good quality and defintely right for the price. They beat Ashley hands down. If you do go and research Value City Furniture and Value City are seperate companies but how I don’t know. The Value City furniture in Hagerstown also seems to stay busy in my various visits there. As far as a DSW, well they have one in Bethesda and Germantown and they seem to stay very busy. Maybe if the mall can show they have the foot/shopping traffic they can get better stores. You have to admit that FSK is better than Lakeforest. I remember going to Lakeforest in the glory days of that mall and to see what it is now just blows my mind.
Oh Snap // March 20, 2008 at 6:50 am
I agree that Lakeforest has seen better days, but I still think the stores are higher quality than FSK. It’s also at least twice the size of FSK, so maybe that is not a fair comparison.
Value City replacements « Frederick Maryland Online // March 20, 2008 at 7:28 am
[...] City replacements Jump to Comments This little tidbit was buried in the comments on this post so I thought I would bring it to the forefront in case someone missed it. The space being vacated [...]
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