1-21-2025 4:53am

Local Residents React To Loss of Retail Outlet

Lesley Misko Editor

by Lesley Misko

“Under performance” is the reason cited for the announced April closing of the Kohls department store at what remains of the Coventry Mall in Pottstown.

It appears that much as the advent of malls destroyed downtown shopping areas, the advent of internet shopping has destroyed malls, leaving shoppers fewer choices for where they can purchase items.

News agency Axios has reported that the plan to close 27 stores is an effort to avoid bankruptcy for the chain. While further announcements of closures may be forthcoming, the Pottstown store is the only Pennsylvania location currently on the chopping block. The announced closures account for only 3% of the total number of stores.

Originally called the Norco Mall, the shopping facility opened in 1967; in 1973 it became an enclosed mall. In April 2022, the progression reversed with a return to open air stores and a new name, The Shoppes at Coventry. Nearly two years later, business does not seem to be booming, and the loss of anchor store Kohls will give shoppers one less reason to visit the location.

Members of local groups on social networking sites are expressing dismay at the news. “That place is screwed without anchors like this. Boscov’s will be next. They should’ve just bulldozed that site and started over when they had the chance a few years ago,” says Ian A. He further adds, “We saw they have pickleball there now and were excited maybe our kids could play there in cold/bad weather, but the rules are asinine and it’s stupid expensive. That place is not going to make it.”

Shopper Brenda D. offers a specific example of internet prices undercutting local stores: “Online shopping ruined this store $38 for a bra and I can buy the same bra for $20 on Amazon.”

M. S. Lewis suggests that factors besides the internet are responsible for the shopping facility’s downturn blaming the weather-- “It sucks when 75% of Pottstown weather is crappy with snow or rain to enjoy outdoor shopping,” the store selection—“It doesn't help when they had four jewelry stores and five different earring/cheap jewelry stores and four different cell phone stores and islands of junk run by people who are seldom there or are glued to their cell phones, no arcades, or no substantial food choices. It’s a recipe for disaster,” Lewis summarizes.

A more upbeat writer offers a constructive solution. “The mall is over. The Boyertown YMCA should take the site and build a big beautiful new facility with an outdoor pool too,” suggests J. Tomasetti.