OKEMOS - Shoppers at Meridian Mall will soon be able to read a book before they head to another wing to try rock climbing.
The mall, 1982 W. Grand River Ave., is adding two new stores it hopes to open by the end of October.
Galyan’s Trading Company, a sporting goods store, will occupy 80,000 square feet and be two stories.
Claudia Bleil, marketing director for the mall, said groundbreaking for the store will be in August.
“It’s a two-story super adventure sports store with soccer, hiking and kayaking,” she said. “They have a rock-climbing wall that will tempt a lot of folks - it is one of the stores that makes you drool.”
Also moving into the mall will be Schuler Books. The store, which is now located at 2075 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos, will move across the street and almost double its size with 24,000 square feet.
Cecile Cave Fehsenfeld, owner of the bookstore, said the decision to move came because more space was needed. But she said even with the growth, Schuler’s will remain the comfortable, “homey” bookstore customers have grown to love. She said the store is even planning on bringing the gas fireplace that sits in its current location and is frequented by customers and their books.
“We want to keep the ambiance,” Fehsenfeld said. “We are going to make every attempt we can to maintain the character of the store.”
The store will expand its music section to include more than 50,000 music titles, as well as a service where customers can listen to the music before they buy it.
Lisa Soave, a sophomore at Lansing Community College, is excited about visiting the bookstore and sports store while shopping at the mall.
Soave said she usually only goes to the mall to buy gifts for friends but with the new additions, she will probably visit more frequently.
“I love bookstores,” she said. “And the (rock-climbing) wall sounds really cool.
“There are already a lot of sports stores, but if the new one has an outdoor sports theme, I think it will attract students.”
Chuck Bechara, senior leasing manager with CBL & Associates Properties Inc., the company that owns the mall, said the sports store will be an integral part of the community.
“If you are an outdoor enthusiast of any kind you’ll love this store,” he said. “It is an entertainment destination that ties into high school sports and outdoor organizations - it is an exciting place to be.”
Bechara said the two additions to the mall will be beneficial to all customers.
“They will work well with the shopping center and what we are trying to achieve here,” he said. “It is a great opportunity to find what you want.”
