Big changes coming to Findlay Mall: Small businesses urge customers to shop while they still can

FINDLAY, Ohio (WTVG) – The Findlay Mall is open for business, but multiple store owners are asking shoppers to come out and support while they still can. Big changes are coming to the shopping center as soon as January.

Marcus Gabel, owner of Gabel’s Garage: Cards and Collectibles, said he received a letter from mall owners last week informing him his last day open would be Jan. 31.

“It’s a little unfortunate that we are leaving at the end of January but grateful that we’re able to at least stay through the holiday season to get money saved up, banked up to find our new location,” Gabel said.

Multiple store owners told 13 Action News they received letters notifying them their stores would close in January.

The news came after the Findlay Planning Commission recommended to approve the mall owner’s requests to demolish part of the mall for a 131,000 square foot big box retail store with a parking lot. A map of the proposed building shows it will be built at the front of the mall facing Tiffin Avenue in between Michaels and Runnings. That map is shown in the image at the end of this story.

Gabel encouraged shoppers to come out and support stores in the mall while they still can and check out the holiday sales and everyday deals.

“We live on every sale that we get. We super appreciate it, from one dollar to a hundred dollars, that’s what keeps our business afloat,” Gabel said.

Mall shoppers shoppers said they heard rumors about a big box store.

“It’s cool to see something new, but it’s mixed feelings,” Lyanna Mendoza, a mall shopper said.

Gabel doesn’t know what the future holds, but said he’s determined to find a new home for his business.

“It was a journey from the start for me, obstacles to deal with. So it’s just another one. We’ll find a new place, for sure, I’m not gonna give up. Just another speed bump to overcome,” Gabel said.

The name of the big box store has not been publicly released.

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