Eastway Crossing Shopping Center

[PACMAN]

Ross Dress for Less just had it's grand opening March 2010. The parking lot was swarming on Friday night. The building fascade looks great! How many years have we watched the big boxes wither away? And although it is a discount clothing retailer, they attract a diverse customer base from various income levels. So it is perfectly suited for working class and middle class families. East Charlotte has lost almost all services catering to the middle-class so this is a big step forward.
The Wal-Mart across the street is expected to close in mid 2011 when the new Wal-Mart on Independence Blvd. opens. In talking with city staff, they have told me that the property mangement company does not seem to be concerned that Wal-Mart is leaving. The staf I talked to felt that the propery manger may see this more as an opportunity for the shopping center to head in new direction.
I believe that the revitlaization that has occurred along central from center city has created the potential for focus on a more affluent democraphic and a return to businesses that cater to the middle-class. Eastway Crossing was originally the home of a predominatly middle-class clientele when it was developed and well into the 80's. It would seem that property management is aware of the changing demographics and sees this as an oppotunity to shed the run down dirty image of the old grey Wal-Mart and start attracting a more affluent eclectic clientle.
Crossing my fingers. We need balance