Local

5 changes redefining Fresno’s retail and dining landscape

Stories by Fresno Bee journalists, with AI summarization

The curated articles describe changes in Fresno's retail and dining landscape, highlighting store closures and potential opportunities for new businesses in 2025. Common themes include the impact of economic pressures, the closure of well-known establishments, and the exploration of new possibilities in vacated spaces.

Fresno's Fashion Fair mall prepares for the closure of its Forever 21 store, marking an end to a significant retail presence. The Joann fabric store in the River Park area faces a similar fate as part of a broader downsizing effort. Moreover, potential business opportunities emerge as residents express their desires for new stores or restaurants to open in vacant spots. While these closures impact Fresno, a neighboring area like Merced seeks development with projects like Campus Parkway Plaza, aiming to attract high-end vendors and create retail destinations. This underscores the potential for new ventures to reshape retail landscapes in nearby regions.

A closure sign is seen at Sandwich Works on Ashlan Ave. near Fresno Street Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Fresno. By ERIC PAUL ZAMORA

NO. 1: THESE RESTAURANTS AND BARS CLOSED QUIETLY AT THE END OF 2024 IN FRESNO AND CLOVIS

Not every place closed because of financial struggles. | Published January 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

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NO. 2: FRESNO JOANN FABRIC STORE TO CLOSE AS PART OF 500 LOCATION CLOSURE. WHAT ABOUT CLOVIS?

The company is closing 500 of its 850 stores. | Published February 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

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Forever 21, the clothing store that resided in the old Gottschalks space at Fashion Fair mall in Fresno, is closing. By CRAIG KOHLRUSS

NO. 3: FOREVER 21 IN FRESNO’S FASHION FAIR MALL QUIETLY HANGS ‘STORE CLOSING’ SIGNS

It took over the former Gottschalks spot in 2011. | Published February 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

What stores or restaurants would you like to see open in Fresno? An IKEA? A new little mom-and-pop restaurant? By Special to The BEE

NO. 4: WHAT RESTAURANTS OR STORES DO YOU WANT TO OPEN IN FRESNO AREA AS CLOSURES FREE UP SPACE?

What should move into Joann fabric store, Forever 21 or Sequoia Brewing spaces? | Published February 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Bethany Clough

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A diagram showing the Campus Parkway Plaza development at Highway 99 and Campus Parkway in Merced. By City of Merced/Colliers

NO. 5: CAN MERCED CREATE A RETAIL DESTINATION ON SOUTHEAST SIDE? HERE’S WHAT WE KNOW

“We want to create that missing element that we don’t have in Merced.” | Published April 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Merced Sun-Star staff reports

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.