Revamping the Commercial Landscape: Former Sears at Galleria Mall in Rock Hill Embarks on a New Chapter

In a significant turn of events, Broad River Retail, one of the largest and fastest-growing independently owned and operated Ashley Store licensees, is taking over the site of the former Sears at Galleria Mall in Rock Hill. This new development will house the Ashley Store, marking Broad River’s 32nd location in its expanding network.

Catering to the Community’s Furnishing Needs

According to Charlie Malouf, Broad River Retail President and CEO, “Rock Hill and York County present a promising market for us. We are excited to introduce Ashley to this community. Notably, this store will be our first in the South Carolina submarket of the greater Charlotte metro region,” he expressed.

Malouf further noted the convenience this new establishment would provide to the local residents, many of whom used to travel to Ashley Stores in North Carolina. He emphasized Broad River’s eagerness to service the thriving Rock Hill community.

An Innovative Store Concept

The newly-developed Ashley Store will showcase a 35,540-square-foot showroom, featuring Ashley’s 7.0 store concept. This innovative design elevates traditional retail spaces with contemporary open floor plans, an enhanced sleep gallery, and modern interior design elements.

Strategically located adjacent to Interstate 77, on the eastern side of downtown Rock Hill, the Ashley Store will be impossible to miss. Its prime location, alignment with other retail outlets, and proximity to the highway make it a lucrative addition to the commercial expanse at Galleria Mall.

Elevating the Retail Landscape

Manny Rodrigues, Broad River Retail’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the venture. “The retail corridor on Dave Lyle Boulevard continues to evolve and presents an incredible opportunity for our growth. We look forward to offering a variety of quality home furnishings and sleep products to this market at exceptional values while striving for the industry’s best customer service,” he said.

Broad River Retail, collaborating with the Warren Norman Co., which currently manages Galleria Mall, has made over $1 million in upgrades to the building’s interior and parking lot.

Boosting Local Employment

The new Ashley Store will create jobs for 15 ‘Memory Makers’, contributing to the local economy and community. Warren Norman, broker-in-charge, shared his excitement about Ashley becoming a tenant in the Galleria Mall. “Furniture is a great addition to the tenant mix, and we think it will add great synergy to the mall,” he mentioned.

The Anticipated Grand Opening

Broad River Retail aims to open the Ashley Store by late summer 2024. The store’s arrival marks the beginning of a new era for the Galleria Mall, previously grappling with a vacant space after Sears’ closure. The official grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration are set to follow shortly after the initial opening, introducing the Rock Hill community to a refreshed, contemporary shopping experience.