10 Businesses Including Petco Could Close in South Portland, Maine

When it comes to the Maine Mall area in South Portland, it always feels like something new is being built or something old is being developed.

Typically, when a building or land is being redeveloped, it's because it has been vacant for a long period of time. However, there are exceptions to the rule.

That seems to be the case with the Mall Plaza, which is currently home to more than 10 businesses including big retailers like Petco and Dick's Sporting Goods.

Joe Dionne

According to WMTW, if a developer has their way, the entire plaza will be torn down and turned into hotels within the next 3 years.

Petco and Several Other Businesses in Danger of Closing Permanently

New ownership took over the Mall Plaza last year and the plans for the shopping center seem crystal clear. Tear it all down and rebuild with something new.

The plan is to construct two new hotels where the shopping plaza currently sits. The estimated timeline is 36 months which means all of the current businesses that call the Mall Plaza home will need to vacate.

Joe Dionne

One of the businesses in the plaza, House of Nails, has vowed to fight the forced eviction. However, any legal battle will be costly.

Other businesses in the Mall Plaza already have initiated plans to move or are resigned to closing their business permanently.

Dick's Sporting Goods Will Move to The Maine Mall in South Portland

What has already been in the works is Dick's Sporting Goods moving out of the Mall Plaza and into the former Sears location as part of the Maine Mall.

It's believed that Dick's will transform that Sears and former auto center into a Dick's House of Sport. That will offer customers a more experiential visit to shopping with hands on activities and several unique features most Dick's stores don't have.

What Will Happen to Petco in South Portland, Maine?

If national trends tell us anything, it's that when the Mall Plaza closes, Petco is unlikely to find a new home.

The company has been closing dozens of stores over the last couple of years and it seems like the South Portland store could be the next to fall.

Maine Gold & Silver will be moving out of the Mall Plaza to a new location at 264 Gorham Rd in South Portland.

If the Mall Plaza closes, it appears the Mister Bagel location may shut down with it.