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SALT LAKE CITY — The vacated stores at The Gateway are easy to spot. Banana Republic, J. Crew and Gap are among the dozen stores that relocated to the new City Creek Center.
"I've passed through here and it feels a little bit more empty," said shopper Ryan Kirk.
But new tenants are quickly moving in. Two women's apparel chains new to Utah have already opened: Francesca's Collections and Bettie Page. The store manager at Bettie Page said that the crowds at City Creek have increased business at Gateway.
"The day City Creek opened, we had no problem; I was actually busy on that day," said Andria Maloy. "So, I think it's brought a lot more people down. So, it's actually just helped."
Epic Board Shop serves the snowboard and skateboard crowd. Vintage toy store Blickenstaff's, located next to the fountain, will cater to kids and families. Two new eateries will also open this summer: La Jolla Groves and Malawi's Pizza. And unlike stores and restaurants at City Creek, those at The Gateway are open on Sundays.
The Gateway opened in 2001 and many of the 10-year leases came up for renewal this year, making it easy for stores to move down the street. But Gateway has advantages — restaurants, the movie theaters, a children's museum and planetarium.
"I'm excited to have both places, honestly," said shopper Liz Murphy. "To have the higher end stuff at City Creek but still have some of the nicer places here. So, it's nice that you've got both places downtown."
Gateway merchants believe that shoppers enjoying a day downtown will still have equally attractive options downtown.
