Mall stores are finally making a comeback after years of steady closures, according to a new report.
After COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, people began shopping at malls again. In 2022, more mall stores opened than closed, marking the first time this has happened since 2016, according to The State of the American Mall report. The influx of customers has led to store sales growing by more than 11% in 2022 to nearly $819 billion.
Here in Massachusetts, the Natick Mall is seeing stores pop up left and right, too. Some offer high-end fashion and others feature the latest in eyewear.
Here is a full list of the stores opening in the Natick Mall this year, according to Ali Phillips, the senior specialist for public relations and social media, for Brookfield Properties – the owner of the Natick Mall.
The Natick Mall.
Puttshack will open in February, according to Phillips.
Puttshack offers patrons an indoor, tech-infused mini golfing experience for people of all ages. No need to keep score. Puttshack’s nine-hole course uses its “Trackball” technology, which keeps score as you play, according to the company website. The mini-golf company has locations in major cities such as Boston, Philadelphia and Houston.
Glasses USA will open this summer, according to Phillips.
Stylish glasses from name brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley and Muse can be expensive, but Glasses USA offers the same name-brand specs at an affordable price, according to its website.
Akira will open this fall, Phillips told MassLive. The women’s clothing boutique offers a unique blend of urban Chicago fashion with bold colors and styles, according to its website. Sparkly sequin dresses, tweed bomber jackets and thigh-high boots are just some of the clothes patrons can expect to see at Akira.
Mango will open this summer, according to Phillips.
The high-end fashion company based in Spain is opening its newest store in Natick this summer. Get ready to wear some of the trendiest outfits this year, from double-button trench coats to Manteco wool coats, this store aims to offer its customers quality dress wear.
Bosse will open in late 2024 or early 2025, Phillips wrote to MassLive. Sports enthusiasts and athletes will enjoy Bosse’s indoor athletic facility, which will include a track, a pickleball court and a turf field, according to its website. Visitors looking to enjoy the facility with several friends can make reservations and/or host a birthday party at Bosse.
Craft Zone Studio is opening this summer, Phillips said. Visitors of all ages can enjoy making arts and crafts at Craft Zone Studio. The establishment offers materials for people to create gifts and trinkets. People can even plan birthday parties and events there, according to Craft Zone’s website.
Hot Doogy will also open this summer, according to Phillips. Hot Doogy is a Brazillian-style hot dog eatery. The restaurant offers a fusion of flavors with its inventive hot dog creations, such as the Chicago Doogy, the Linguiça Doogy and BBQ Doogy, according to its website. Enjoy milkshakes like the Reese’s Delight Shake and the Acai Smoothie.
The Natick Mall is located at 1245 Worcester St., Route 9, in Natick. The mall is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
