For a little more than three months, one of the biggest non-anchor spaces at the Meadowbrook Mall has been vacant. It was back on Jan. 26 when Gap officially closed its doors at the three-decades-old-plus retail hub in Bridgeport. Since that time, many have inquired if the space Gap had filled since 1985 has drawn any interest.

 

According to Joe Bell, director of corporate communications for the Ohio-based Cafaro Company that owns the mall and retail space nationwide, there is interest. And it’s beyond just casual interest.

 

“We’re working on a deal right now with a national retailer,” said Bell.

 

Due to ongoing negotiations, Bell would not release specifics as the world of retail negotiation is often tenuous and can change on a moment’s notice. One thing he did say was that the retailer in question falls under the category of apparel.

 

“We think it’s going reasonably good,” said Bell after talking with Cafaro’s real estate leasing department. “You don’t want to say it’s going to happen for sure because negotiations are always subject to chance and you don’t want to characterize the situation inaccurately.

 

“What we think helps is that we’re also looking at the same group to be involved at another mall,” he continued. “At the same time, it also makes putting something together a little more complex. I can say that, as mentioned, we feel good how things are going and believe it is moving along.”

 

The space left by the Gap was sizable. Meadowbrook Mall Property Manager Marcello Lalama said roughly 10,000 square feet. While that’s good, for those continually craving anchor stores such as a Macy’s, it’s not big enough for that.

 

Bell said that he believes the retail outfit being negotiated with would take up a majority of the space available. It’s possible, they would take all of it if the deal is finalized.

 

“There’s a chance that if this goes through a small portion of the square footage would not be utilized,” he said.

 

Two other spaces that recently became open – West and Gordon’s Jeweler’s – both in the area of the Sear’s Court, don’t have any active negotiations taking place for new businesses. However, Bell said efforts continue to fill those two spots.

 

“There are things moving along, include looking at new tenants to fill the space. One of the spaces may actually go to an existing tenant that needs a little more space, but that’s not finalized or close to being finalized,” said Bell.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows the Gap space just prior to closing earlier this year.