Crabtree Valley Mall to Add a ‘Major Retailer’

RALEIGH, N.C. — A new “major retailer” is on its way to Crabtree Valley Mall, but just what store or stores will replace the former Lord & Taylor space on the mall’s first floor remains unknown.

The mall is expected to announce shortly the retailer that will replace six existing stores on the lower level near Macy’s, according to mall spokesperson Sandra Geist.

Meanwhile, construction continues on a new mall entrance where Lord & Taylor was once located. The entrance is expected to be complete around July 1.

Last weekend, Hudson Belk opened a new men’s store on the second floor of the former Lord & Taylor location.

The mall is negotiating with several different potential clients to fill the remaining vacated Lord & Taylor space.

“No leases have been signed,” Geist said.

Construction also is proceeding on the new parking deck stretching between Hudson Belk and a nearby complex containing a Barnes & Noble and Best Buy.

Three restaurants are planned to open on the third level of the deck.

News could be made soon about linking the new deck and the Barnes & Noble. The mall is in negotiations with the bookstore chain to possibly link the deck with a B&N store that would be remodeled to add a second floor, Geist said.

“We are in discussions,” she said.

If an agreement is struck, Geist said completion probably wouldn’t be “until 2009 or so.”