The Mall Exodus: Empire and Rushmore Shrink
Perhaps the most visible sign of the 2026 shift is occurring in South Dakota’s premier shopping centers. The mid-market apparel sector is seeing a significant retreat as consumers pivot toward either extreme discount or high-end luxury.
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- Francesca’s: The trendy women’s boutique, a mainstay for nearly 25 years, has flagged its South Dakota locations for closure this spring. This affects both the Empire Mall in Sioux Falls and the Rushmore Mall in Rapid City, as the brand struggles with declining foot traffic in traditional mall settings.
- Lane Bryant: The plus-size retail giant recently…