The Dead Remains of Metro North Mall |
For years, the lonely Macy's at Metro North Mall stood as a haunting relic of retail's heyday, surrounded by a desolate expanse where a bustling mall once thrived. Now, the end is near for the department store that has endured long past its prime. Macy's has confirmed the location at 400 NW Barry Road is slated to close next month, marking the final chapter for one of Kansas City’s most iconic but beleaguered shopping landmarks.
A Struggle to Survive
The Metro North Mall was once a jewel in the crown of Kansas City’s retail scene. Opened in 1976, it featured a skating rink, movie theaters, and dozens of stores that catered to the city's northern suburbs. For decades, it thrived as a community hub. By the 2000s, however, the mall struggled to compete with newer shopping destinations like Zona Rosa, coupled with the rise of online shopping.
As the mall fell into decline, stores shuttered one by one, until it was finally demolished in 2017—except for Macy's. Like a loyal pet waiting for its owner to return, the department store stood solitary in an empty field, an odd remnant of a bygone era.
Empty Promises of Revitalization
The land around Metro North has seen a string of redevelopment proposals over the years. From grandiose mixed-use projects to promises of bustling retail hubs, none have lived up to expectations. While the surrounding neighborhoods hoped for a renaissance that could restore the area’s vibrancy, the results have been underwhelming.
Macy's closure marks another setback. Although the store soldiered on as a convenient option for loyal customers, it had long been seen as an underperforming location, struggling to attract foot traffic in an area left economically stagnant.
What’s Next?
Macy's departure leaves Kansas City’s Missouri side with no remaining stores from the department chain, marking a significant shift in the local retail landscape. While Zona Rosa and other developments in the Northland continue to adapt, the departure of Metro North Macy's is a somber reminder of the challenges brick-and-mortar stores face in the age of e-commerce.
It's all bittersweet to this lil rock who spent much of his young days rolling around Metro North Mall learning how to talk to lady rocks behind the retail counters. But it was time to go. That building looked so out of place—like a ghost in the middle of a prairie.
As the final clearance sales begin, Metro North Macy’s is both a memory of what once was and a symbol of what could have been. Its closure may not bring the economic revival the area hopes for, but it certainly marks the end of an era.
For now, Kansas Citians will watch as the lone Macy's follows the rest of Metro North into history, its absence another chapter in the story of changing times.
Comments