Exciting news for Meridian Mall shoppers: a massive, long-vacant space is finally getting a new tenant, and it’s one that promises to transform your home decor game. But here’s where it gets interesting—after seven years of sitting empty, the 95,340-square-foot storefront once occupied by Younkers is set to become the new home of Ashley Furniture. And this isn’t just any store opening; it’s a grand event scheduled for 11 a.m. on November 8, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marks a significant revival for this anchor space.
For context, Younkers closed its doors in both Meridian and Lansing malls back in 2018 when its parent company was sold to liquidators. Since then, the space has remained unused, leaving many to wonder what would fill such a large void. Ashley Furniture, a well-known home furnishings retailer, is stepping in to breathe new life into the mall. This will be their second location in the area, joining their existing Delta Township store on West Saginaw Highway—one of 20 locations across Michigan.
And this is the part most people miss—while Ashley Furniture’s arrival is undoubtedly a win for the mall, the adjacent space, once home to Schuler Books, remains vacant. Schuler Books relocated earlier this year to a spot previously occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond, leaving another gap in the mall’s lineup. As of now, mall management has no updates on who might fill that space next.
Adam Hodges, the Meridian Mall’s general manager, expressed enthusiasm about Ashley Furniture’s arrival, stating, ‘Ashley Furniture will be a wonderful addition to Meridian Mall. This new store will enhance the shopping experience by offering an extensive selection of furniture for every room—living, dining, bedroom, and home office. The opening reinforces our ongoing commitment to providing a diverse retail mix that meets the needs of our community.’
While the exact number of jobs the new store will create remains unclear, its presence is expected to boost foot traffic and revitalize the mall’s atmosphere. But here’s a question to ponder: In an era where online shopping dominates, does the opening of a large brick-and-mortar furniture store signal a shift in consumer behavior, or is it simply a strategic move to fill a vacant space? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Mark your calendars for November 8 and join the community in welcoming Ashley Furniture to Meridian Mall. For more updates, follow Reporter Rachel Greco on X @GrecoatLSJ or reach out to her at rgreco@lsj.com.
