One of Fashion Valley’s larger storefronts is closing by the end of the month.
Crate & Barrel, which occupies a large space across from Macy’s, will shut its doors on Sunday, Jan. 27, according to an email sent out to customers. The email also said the University Town Center location in La Jolla will remain open.
Calls to the Crate & Barrel corporate office were not returned. It is unclear at this time why the home furnishing store is closing.
"Places like Best Buy, Crate & Barrel, they’re reducing the number of stores. In many cases they’re trying to be much more strategic, in terms of their location, in many cases they’re downsizing the stores," said San Diego State marketing professor George Belch.
He also said closing stores doesn't mean a business is unsuccessful.
"It means you are adapting to a changing environment and you’re trying to, in many ways, getting meaner and leaner," he said.
Right now it is uncertain which business will go into the space vacated by Crate & Barrel.
Fashion Valley spokesperson Francine Miley said there's a lot that goes on behind the scene when "identifying the proper retail mix" to best compliment the mall.
"[It's] very strategic in how we go about bringing the certain retailers to Fashion Valley," she said.
In the meantime, the Fashion Valley store is having a sale to empty its shelves.
