It might look like blank walls and closed stores taking over Millcreek Mall, but behind-the-scenes, there's actually a flurry of activity. At least four new stores are in the works and about a half dozen more are relocating.

"It's a lot of hustle and bustle, so if you walk past a barricade, there's probably a lot of noise coming out of them," said Nicole Adwell, marketing director at the Millcreek Mall.

That's certainly the case at the old Gap, where now a Forever 21 is under construction. Passerby can hear drilling and hammering all throughout the day. A peek inside reveals a huge space - 19,000 square feet to be  filled with trendy clothes and accessories for both men and women.

"Younger demographic is always something we're trying to hit on. And just bringing in the fresh, new stores that will also bring other stores to the market. So it's nice to see Forever 21 because then other stores might hop on board and come to Millcreek too," Adwell said.

"It's a different style than your Hollister and Abercrombie, more diverse," said Nick Elkovitch, an Erie shopper. "It's really exciting. PI'm pretty pumped about the Forever 21 and it would be really cool to get an H&M in here," he said.

Rumors are circulating about a large H&M to be built in the Bonton concourse, right next to center court. Five stores, including Icing, Journey's, Mastercuts, and a shore store have already relocated to make room for a new store, though officials say they can't officially confirm that it will be an H&M. 

Shoppers seem to be looking forward to the change.

"Forever 21 or H&M, we order online or we go to Buffalo or Pittsburgh at the Robinson Mall. I'm crazy excited that they're going to be here. I love, love, love their clothes," said Davonalee Hamp, another Erieite at the Millcreek Mall on Monday.

"I think it'll be good, giving us more options instead of always having to buy online. It'll give us a place to go here with more "younger" stores," said Rebecca Mattis, another Erie shopper.

Other confirmed stores include Pandora, a jewelry store in the JC Penny complex that will open within the next two months.

Two other new stores in the new stores will open in the Millcreek Pavilion by Old Navy.

Five Below, a store that sells knick knacks where everything is five bucks or less,  and Carters, which sells clothes for babies and kids. Both are under construction and are set to open sometime this summer. 

And American Eagle and Arie are merging, forming one large store next to Sears.

"Everything's starting to fall together all at once and it's kind of the calm before the storm, so now there's barricades and lots of activity going on," Adwell said.

"With this already being a shoppers district, these stores will drive more business. I see only good things in the future," Elkovitch said.

 

 

IN MILLCREEK, DEEDEE SUN REPORTING