SYDNEY, N.S. — One of North America’s most popular clothing stores will not open as scheduled in the fall at Mayflower Mall.
Old Navy, known for basic, affordable clothing for men, women and children, was forced to move its opening at the shopping mall to spring 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayflower Mall general manager Greg Morrison confirmed the delay in opening with the Cape Breton Post on Tuesday. He said he isn’t disappointed with the move.
“Because of the environment of business throughout North America, we’re happy that they’re still opening,” said Morrison. “It will definitely drive business, both locally and across northeastern Nova Scotia.”
In January, Mayflower Mall announced the addition of Old Navy at its Grand Lake Road facility, marking the first-ever Cape Breton location for the Gap Inc. owned store.
Old Navy will be located at the former Urban Planet location. Work has taken place in recent months at the store in anticipation of a fall opening.
Old Navy was founded in 1994 by Mickey Drexler, an American businessman and investor. The company currently has 1,106 locations including five in Atlantic Canada including two in Dartmouth as well as single locations in Halifax, Moncton and Charlottetown.
The San Francisco-based company reported $4 billion in revenue in 2019.
Earlier this month, Alberta placed two orders for 1.7 million masks for students as they return to the classroom in the fall. Old Navy was one of two companies given contracts, valued at $4.2 million.
Locally, the Mayflower Mall reopened to the general public on May 22 after being closed for two months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re pleasantly surprised that the majority of our businesses are doing well,” said Morrison.
Although the majority of businesses have reopened at the 70-store facility, some have not been as lucky.
DavidsTea has not reopened as the retailer recently announced the closure of 82 stores in Canada at 42 locations in the United States.
Meanwhile, GNC, a business that sells health and nutrition-related products including vitamins and supplements, will close its doors at the mall in the near future, Morrison confirmed.
“I think there’s an opportunity there that we can build off of for the future,” said Morrison, when asked if being in mall business is challenging these days. “You just have to change your plan.”
Morrison said leasing is part of the centre’s plan moving forward.
As for Old Navy, the company will take possession of the location after Christmas. The company will build the store and Morrison believes it will take approximately three to four months to complete.
No official opening date could be confirmed at press time.
