Fairfield County malls seek to adapt in light of retail’s ‘Amazon effect’

A number of stores at the Stamford Town Center have closed within the past few months, but the four-floor mall’s general manager said their exits aren’t cause for concern, the Daily Voice Plus reported. Stores such as Armani Exchange, Charlotte Russe, Gymboree, Payless ShoeSource and Williams-Sonoma have all shuttered, but general manager Dan Stolzenbach maintained that “tenant vacancies create an opportunity to bring in new merchants that will better connect with our customers.” He noted that several new businesses either will be opening at the mall soon. One, Bedford Hills-based Custom Candle, has already opened. Other malls in the area are also working to adapt to the new landscape created by the so-called Amazon effect, according to the outlet. Norwalk’s SoNo Collection, which is set to open sometime later this year, earlier this month confirmed that Chicago-based Pinstripes will bring its beer, bowling and bocce concept to the complex. [DVP]