Last year ended with four Connecticut malls in Enfield, Meriden, Waterford and Waterbury losing tenants, a result of retailers either reducing their number of locations, going out of business or relocating stores. With high vacancy levels in those malls, retail and commercial retail experts have said 2025 could be the year that one of the malls shuts down or more likely, begins the process to redevelop for some other use. As malls like Waterbury’s Brass Mill Center, the Crystal Mall in Waterford, the Enfield Mall and the Meriden Mall struggle to fill vacancies and remain relevant, the idea of mixing residential and retail spaces, commonly known as mixed use development, continues to grow. By the end of 2025, the retail component of a mixed use complex in Cheshire, near the town’s border with Southington, will be open. The Shops at Stonebridge will be anchored by a Whole Foods Market, a Barnes & Noble bookstore, a Saybrook Home furnishings store, as well as a pet store, other retailers and several restaurants.
https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/ct-malls-mixed-use-lead-retail-growth-20018894.php