WYOMISSING, Pa. – As a developer says he plans to close the Berkshire Mall and tear it down next year, one business owner is planning to open.
“We’re shooting for Saturday,” said Robert Kahn.
For Kahn, the man behind new high-end clothing store Sindy North in the former Gap space, this is an expansion.
“We have men and women apparel. We are gonna be adding kids maybe at a later time. Maybe 2026. But a lot of nice fashions. Name brands and so forth,” Kahn explained.
Meanwhile, developer Peter Abrams with Abrams Realty and Development tells 69 News future plans include leveling much of the existing building and starting over with an open-air concept.
The news has stirred up a lot of nostalgia and strong reactions among shoppers and current store owners alike.
“None of it is finalized. The mall is in contract, but it’s been in contract many times before. Only now we’re hearing this because people wanna talk. Go on social media. Spreads like wildfire,” he said.
Kahn says the current perception of the mall is not accurate.
“Don’t come in here shooting videos at 10 o’clock Tuesday morning and expect it to be packed. Come on a Saturday, Friday afternoon, Thursday afternoon, and you’ll see how a lot of this mall is very active,” Kahn said.
As this business owner is prepping to open Saturday, he says many store owners here at the mall remain optimistic as the holiday season approaches.
“I was here last year. I started my business in November, and I signed the lease to stay on because the mall is very active, and I’m doing pretty good here,” he said, referencing the fragrance kiosk he operates at the mall.
Only time will tell if the plans for the long-standing mall will come to fruition, or something else will happen before March arrives.
“There’s many times we’ve been told the mall’s being sold. It fell through, so we’re just hanging on, riding it ’til the wheels fall off,” added Kahn.