Mall stores on the move in Western New York

Rally House, a national retailer selling official sports merchandise from major college and professional sports franchises, has opened at the Walden Galleria.

It will be Western New York’s first location. The 4,500-square-foot store will be located on the mall’s upper level near the food court.

The store carries apparel, hats, gifts and home decor from NCAA, NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and MLS teams, as well as such brands as Nike, ’47, Mitchell and Ness, Adidas and New Era, and locally inspired apparel and gifts. It also will carry official Buffalo Bills, Sabres, Bisons, UB Bulls and other local team merchandise.

The Kansas-based company has more than 180 stores in 18 states. Now, the closest Rally House is located in Allentown, Pa.

Cinnabon opened at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls in the food court. In addition to cinammon rolls and baked goods, Cinnabon sells cold brew beverages, lemonades and blended drinks.

Premier Gourmet, a retailer of fine foods, Buffalo-themed gifts and housewares, has left the Walden Galleria after losing its lease. The store will condense its operations to its main store at 3904 Maple Road. The Walden Galleria has not yet announced what tenant will replace it.

And, in a sign of the retail times, American Eagle will open a store at the Boulevard shopping center on Niagara Falls Boulevard in Amherst.

Traditionally a mall brand, American Eagle will take a 5,400-square-foot space between L.L. Bean and J. Crew Factory. Following changing shopper habits, American Eagle has since vacated the McKinley, Boulevard and Eastern Hills Malls. It has another location at Walden Galleria.

Macerich, the California-based real estate investment trust that owns Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA, said it is ready to sell or hand over some of its properties to investors to help settle some of its debt, the company said in an earnings call Tuesday. It did not say which properties it would cut loose.

Macerich also announced it has closed on a three-year extension of its $85 million loan on the Fashion Outlets, bearing a fixed interest rate of 5.9%, which will mature on October 2026.

The extension eases the financial pressure on the mall by giving it a three-year financial leeway, rather than face a big balloon payment.

The company lost nearly $127 million in the first quarter of this year, more than twice what it lost in the first quarter of last year. Macerich shares fell 8% after the earnings call.

After 21 years in business, Amy’s Fine Jewelry at 5870 Main St. in Williamsville will close its doors in the summer. As it sells through its remaining inventory, it is offering discounts of up to 70% off on some merchandise.

The company said it will complete all special orders, sizings and repairs before it closes, which will not be until mid-June, at the earliest. Jewelry warranties purchased through the store are through Jewelers Mutual, and are honored at 30 different area stores, Amy’s said.

Skechers will continue its expansion in the Buffalo Niagara market with a new North Buffalo location.

It is targeting a fall opening in the former Party City space at 2141 Elmwood Ave. The footwear retailer has locations in Blasdell, Niagara Falls, Tonawanda, Cheektowaga and Clarence.

NAPA Auto Parts is expanding its footprint in Western New York, according to Donovan Real Estate Services. The company, which has eight stores in the Buffalo Niagara market, is looking for space for multiple new stores in the Western New York and Rochester regions.

Elador Rose Boutique, a new gift shop, has opened in the George Urban Plaza, 2102 George Urban Boulevard in Depew, near Supercuts and the Department of Motor Vehicles. The store sells gifts, jewelry, soaps, teas and some clothing.

Owner Rose Freeman, who is from Windsor, Ontario, said it was her dream to open a gift shop. She had to jump through many hoops to make her dream come true, and is making less money than she did in her previous career as a hairdresser, but she is happier than ever, she said.

“I didn’t know where to begin, sometimes I cried, thinking, ‘Maybe this wasn’t a good idea,’ ” she said. “Having people come in and say this is a beautiful store, it just fulfills my heart.”

October House, a vintage and consignment shop at 391 Olean St. in East Aurora, has moved. Its new location is at 1361 Hertel Ave. in the former Fuse Salon & Gallery.

SUNY is allocating a big increase in aid to state-operated schools – mostly to cover faculty pay.

Tesla is cutting more jobs in Buffalo after the company disbanded its Supercharging unit.

National Fuel expects natural gas prices to remain low for the immediate future.

J.C. Penney lost another appeal to keep its Boulevard Mall store.

43North’s business plan competition is entering its 10th year.

A Long Island developer has plans for the Byers Building.

Rising interest rates on deposits are hurting Evans Bank’s profits.

Why a research program is at UB to collect samples and health information from volunteers.

Why Tops is buying out its biggest franchise operator.

Tesla is reportedly cutting its entire Supercharger business – a key part of its Buffalo operations.

More homes are in the works for Clarence.

Tops is buying five local stores that are owned by a franchise operator.

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership is offering free memberships to small businesses and restaurants.

A pair of projects are getting more state funding.

A new Subaru dealership is opening in the region.

The New York Beer Project is being sued by the EEOC.

What was the solar eclipse worth to Buffalo Niagara tourism? $14.7 million.

Daemen University and Villa Maria College have partnered on new high-tech physical therapy institute.

Nostalgia reigns as the emptying Boulevard Mall inches toward demolition.

A downstate startup is moving to Buffalo.

The local unemployment rate went down in March.

A boutique hotel planned for Lancaster now is targeted for Clarence.

The Forge on Broadway project is adding housing.

Urgency ramps up for committee tasked with job oversight at new Buffalo Bills stadium.

Funding plans for Empire AI at the University at Buffalo were confirmed in the newly approved state budget.

Uniland is asking Lancaster IDA for tax breaks for its Eastport warehouse project.

Local housing pilot programs get funding in the state budget.

Why the Pegulas are looking to sell a minority stake in the Buffalo Bills.

A popular college financial aid program is getting its first increase in 24 years.

The state budget adds more penalties for illegal cannabis shops.

The worker shortage is easing across Buffalo Niagara.

With mortgage rates high, local homeowners are staying put.

Five reads from Buffalo Next:

1. The struggles facing the Factory Outlets of Niagara Falls.

2. How a Buffalo woman became a pioneer in the architecture field.

3. How Lake Shore Savings Bank’s new CEO is trying to get past the shortcomings cited by federal regulators.

4. If eating healthy is good for you, why don’t food-as-medicine programs get better participation? A pair of UB researchers aim to find out why.

5. A closer look inside Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center’s big push into cell therapy as a way to treat cancer.

The Buffalo Next team gives you the big picture on the region’s economic revitalization. Email tips to buffalonext@buffnews.com or reach Buffalo Next Editor David Robinson at 716-849-4435.