Another Spot Inside the Auburn, Maine, Mall Has Closed Permanently

Outside of the Maine Mall in South Portland, most of the decades-old shopping malls in the state are hanging on by a thread.

One of those malls is located in Auburn, Maine. What was once a thriving retail hub in the 80's, 90's and 00's, the Auburn Mall is now clinging to what they have left.

What they have left includes an anchor tenant in JC Penney and a few recognizable mall standards like Spencer's, Books A Million as well as Bath & Body Works.

But much of the mall is now comprised of local businesses, not chains. And one of those local businesses has announced their departure from the Auburn Mall.

Nutty Netties Cafe is Leaving the Auburn Mall Permanently

Just about four years ago, a new spot opened in the Auburn Mall to rave reviews. It was called Nutty Netties Cafe and it served breakfast, lunch and an array of delicious treats.

Nutty Netties became so popular within a couple of years that the owners decided they needed another location.

According to the Sun Journal, Nutty Netties opened a second location at 34 Court Street in Auburn. The Cafe and gift shop will continue to operate there.

There is Still Hope For The Mall in Auburn, Maine

While the departure of Nutty Netties Cafe could be looked at as a negative, there's also some hopeful reminders mixed in there.

Nutty Netties Cafe was an Auburn Mall success story.

While the mall teeters on 'zombie' status with old decor, visible spots that need repair and many closed storefronts, it would only take one committed investor to potentially turn the mall around.

With shipping delays proving costly and underwhelming, customer habits could be shifting back to brick-and-mortar stores.

Could the Auburn Mall have another life in the future?