With the first major chain to enter the mall, I know Charlottesville residents have mixed feelings about Urban Outfitters. Local retailers generally seemed initially pleased with its presence, local media is scared to bash it for fear of losing advertising dollars and most of us are just confused.

Sure, having an Urban Outfitters brings increased foot traffic, but once the chains start a’ comin’ they don’t stop a’ comin’. Having Urban Outfitters on the mall essentially validates the downtown mall and we can rest assured that other major retailers will start popping up downtown. Some will say this is good for the local economy, others will say this destroys the local feel of the downtown mall. Eventually with more big name retailers, rents will rise and this will squeeze local retailers who can’t compete with major chains. That’s just a theory.

Personally, I don’t like it. I think it looks out of place and touristy, but oh well. Things have to change.

The Real Question: Did they hire professional hipster shoppers to stand around and look interested in the merchandise?

Our birdies were spot on about Urban Outfitters leasing the old Hardware Store space.  We heard this rumor back in August of last year. We love the birdies WCAV confirms it after talking with a spokesperson.  There are no more details at this time. 

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We’ve heard from a reliable birdie that the former Hardware Store location is being converted to an Urban Outfitters. It makes sense given the store’s size and the standard size of U.O. shops.

If you recall, one of our other birdies told us in September that a clothing store was in the mix for a possible lease of the once famous restaurant. This does conflict with the rumor that the X-Lounge people were behind something.

We think this rumor has some wings and it looks like the cat is finally out of the bag. Thank you birdie! I’m sure mall people are not happy about this.

Update from danpri…possibly not finalized, due to a lack of official inking.

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