Two more stores say goodbye to The Plaza with no update on new owners

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Not one, but two more stores are saying goodbye to the Country Club Plaza.

Forever21 and Amy’s Hallmark Shop announced they will be closing their doors.

These recent closures come after Dallas-based company, Highland Park Village, was in talks of becoming the new owners.

“It’s a little worrisome,” said Nicole Mongkhoune, who works at The Plaza.

“It’s really disappointing,” said Carolyn Wyrick, a shopper.

Big, red “everything must go signs” fill the windows at Forever21, while a few blocks down Hallmark now have signs that say, “Store closing April 26th.”

A place that used to be the highlight of Kansas City is now looking dim with more and more stores leaving.

“Honestly, I think it’s just the lease agreements, the price of the leases, things like that is starting to scare business away,” said Mongkhoune.

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Back in December, KCTV5 drove around counting just how many stores shut down. At the time there were around 18. With more recent closures that number is now even higher. Shoppers said they’re worried about the path the entertainment district is going down.

“I keep hoping that something is going to happen to reinvigorate the plaza,” said Wyrick. With the sale still up in the air, other shoppers said they are uneasy about the fate of The Plaza.

“There’s not going to be anywhere if this place isn’t bought to another company, we’re not going to have anything, anywhere,” said Nancy Rose, a frequent shopper.

KCTV5 reached out to the current owners of The Plaza, as well as the general manager asking for an update on the sale talks that took place at the end of last year but did not get a response.

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