MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Bath & Body Works has opened in a new exterior location at Uptown Hutch Mall, marking another step in the transition away from the mall’s interior storefronts.
The national fragrance and personal care retailer relocated from its previous space inside the mall to a new storefront along the mall’s exterior. The move comes as remaining interior tenants prepare to shift locations or close as the interior portion of the mall begins to be remodeled.
Krista Johnson the manager for Bath & Body Works tells us that she hopes that the outside exposure brings a lot more foot traffic.
Johnson said the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Buckle and Maurices are also relocating to exterior-facing spaces at the mall.
Buckle has announced plans to open its new location March 9. Maurices will close its interior store March 21 and reopen March 28 in a new exterior storefront located between Buckle and Bath & Body Works.
However, one retailer will not be making the move.
Famous Footwear will close as a result of the interior mall shutdown. The store’s final day of sales will be March 21. Store management said they were unable to reach an agreement for a new location at the mall. The closest Famous Footwear location for area shoppers will be in Newton.
Another interior tenant, Selectel Wireless, is relocating outside the mall entirely. The business plans to move downtown to 325 N. Main.
The changes reflect a broader reconfiguration of Uptown Hutch Mall as they transition retailers from traditional indoor mall spaces to exterior storefronts or other locations within the community.
Hutch Post has reached out to mall management for more details but have not heard back.