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A manager at the Christmas Tree Shops store in Syracuse said Tuesday that the retail chain plans to set up shop in the Salmon Run Mall in the spring, moving into the 11,000-square-foot space now occupied by Glowgolf.
Mall employees said while rumors about the plan are circulating, they are unaware of the stores plans.
A Glowgolf employee said Christmas Tree representatives have made several visits this winter to express interest in the location. But he said a formal agreement has not yet been made by Christmas Tree Shops with Glowgolf to move in.
Glowgolf, which features a 36-hole indoor golf course, signed a one-year lease when it was launched last May.
Christmas Tree Shops announced this winter that it would open a location here in March and has been recruiting employees on its website; sources at the mall said that timetable will likely be pushed back to April.
Owned by Bed Bath & Beyond, the retail chain offers discounted prices on holiday home decor, gifts, housewares, food, paper goods and seasonal products year-round.
A call Tuesday to Michelle Watkins, the companys marketing director, was not returned.
The Glowgolf employee working Tuesday afternoon, who declined to be named, said its now common knowledge among mall employees the company is seeking the location.
Someone from the company stopped by in February, and weve been wondering if were going to stay here, he said. This is now a big rumor thats been going back and forth in the mall. But Ive been told there are no definite plans in place yet.
Its a rumor that also reached the ears of Diane F. Habeeb, an employee at Dannys Coffee. She has heard from mall employees the store will likely open in April. The coffee stand is at the front of the food court outside Glowgolf.
I would love to have a Christmas Tree Shop here because we have nothing like it in the mall, she said, adding she makes trips to the Syracuse store with her husband.
Its diverse mix of inexpensive merchandise is what keeps her coming back.
Mall manager Mary P. Dudo did not confirm the franchises interest in moving to the mall but said customers are talking about it. Particulars about the companys plan likely wont be made public until a lease is signed.
If they looked at Glowgolf, they didnt come here, she said. Weve had customers come here and talk about the plans. But they are going to release the information when theyre ready. I dont find the company different than any other major employer.