CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin announced Tuesday plans to assist individuals affected by the upcoming closure of Macy’s at the Charleston Town Center mall.
Macy’s Inc. said Monday the Charleston store will close in the early months of this year; a clearance sale is set to begin in February and last between eight and 12 weeks.
Regular, non-seasonal employees unable to be placed at other Macy’s stores will be eligible for severance from the company. Macy’s Inc. is keeping its Barboursville location open.
Macy’s will leave the Town Center after 36 years; Kaufmann’s opened in 1983, and the store became Macy’s in 2006. J.C. Penney will be the only anchor store of the shopping complex.
“While the news was disappointing, it was not unexpected,” the mayor said in a statement.
Goodwin added she has spoken to WorkForce West Virginia’s Rapid Response Team about making resources available for employees impacted by the move. She also announced the city will partner with the office of U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to hold a job fair at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on March 22.
Goodwin added she is creating a task force that will focus on economic growth as it relates to the mall and the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
“Developing long-term solutions for the Charleston Town Center Mall is among my top priorities,” she said. “Whether it is a mix of retail, entertainment, housing or lodging, we must grow this vital commercial and economic driver to create jobs in our city and our region.”
The mall’s location is included in an opportunity zone, an investment plan which encourages long-term private investment through providing tax incentives. Private investors create funds for investments, and after a decade any sale of the fund would be free from capital gains taxes.
The Town Center is set to be up for public auction Thursday. Goodwin said her administration is hopeful the sale will be a positive first step for the property’s future.