In a troubling sign for local shopping, another store at Orillia Square mall is set to close this month. Showcase, which has been a staple in the mall for over a decade, has notified its customers via email about the imminent shutdown.

A representative from Showcase revealed the stark reality: the mall is in decline, prompting the brand to focus its efforts on larger, more successful malls. This announcement marks the second store closure in just three months at Orillia Square. GameStop also exited the mall in July, leaving behind an empty storefront that further highlights the mall's struggles.

Long-time mall patrons are expressing their concerns. "It’s sad to see all of the stores closed," one shopper lamented. She noted that the only reason she frequented the mall was to visit Northern Reflections, which she described as a rare gem amid the mall's emptiness. Most visitors on a weekday afternoon seemed to be there for specific appointments rather than leisurely shopping, with businesses like Pearl Vision and Cali Nails catering mostly to booked appointments.

Disappointment echoes throughout the mall. "I’m a dude, so I shop wherever," said Kane St. Germain, who visited for various reasons, only to be disheartened upon discovering the closure of GameStop. Reflecting on the changing landscape, he emphasized the importance of the mall's remaining stores like Griffin’s and Joseph’s, which have remained steady for years.

As the holiday shopping season approaches, the decline of retail options at the mall raises questions. Many are left wondering if the diminishing number of open stores will impact festive shopping. Shoppers had hoped the season would prompt a revival, but the trend seems to indicate otherwise.

While the management and staff at Showcase have remained tight-lipped about the details, they confirmed plans for a major focus on larger destinations and expressed optimism about their growth, including e-commerce opportunities across Canada and the U.S.

The future of Orillia Square mall seems uncertain, prompting discussions about what needs to change to attract both shoppers and retailers back. Will the holiday season breathe new life into the fading mall, or is it too late? Only time will tell, but for now, it remains a poignant reminder of the shifting retail landscape that many malls are facing across North America.