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Mall revitalization spurs mixed feelings

Rumours about changes at the St. Paul & District Co-op Mall have been swirling for some time, especially following the closure of one of the Co-op Mall’s main staples, Doug’s Cafeteria, last year.

Rumours about changes at the St. Paul & District Co-op Mall have been swirling for some time, especially following the closure of one of the Co-op Mall’s main staples, Doug’s Cafeteria, last year. Even still, news of the mall’s plans to overhaul the facility came as a shock to some of the business owners that have called the building home.

There is no doubt that many people are excited about the mall’s plans, including those who run the mall, and the $16.9 million that is estimated to be injected into the aging building will benefit members in the long run, while the construction of such a big project should see positive spin-offs for the local economy.

Seeing businesses grow and flourish, just like the Co-op has in St. Paul, is something to celebrate. And having a business inject over $16 million into its facility is no doubt a boon to the area.

But with the good comes the bad. The news has resulted in some of the businesses having to make some tough decisions – relocate or close their doors.

Two of the businesses have confirmed they will in fact close their doors, which is not a good news story for the business community. But, other businesses will be relocating, which in turn fills up other vacant spaces that exist in St. Paul.

Three of the tenants are hopeful they will be able to relocate as a group, sticking together and continuing to work together, like they did in the mall, but this could be a difficult task with the limited options for relocation in town.

Despite the difficulties and challenges ahead for these businesses, a core of dedicated customers no doubt exists, and as long as those customers’ focus remains on shopping locally, and keeping dollars close to home, these businesses will hopefully continue to find success in town and keep their doors open for a long time to come.




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