Northlake Mall is becoming a ‘mecca’ for black businesses

Perhaps things will change at Northlake Mall in Charlotte, North Carolina, because of Black business owners.

Seeking a fresh start after financial troubles and rising crime rates, Northlake is supporting black-owned businesses in hopes of turning things around. Entrepreneurs like Danyell Butler, co-owner Modified kicks, he said, many negative rumors have been silenced. Like many other business owners, Butler says it has been tough, but he’s grateful for the space. “If we go back a few years, I was a homeless guy sleeping in my car,” Butler said.

But because of paints and brushes, his creative area of interest with shoes and garments modified things. “To reach the level we are at now is a bit unrealistic. It is becoming more and more of a black mecca. “It becomes a smorgasbord of companies with unique styles,” Butler said.

Butler’s business is just considered one of several recent Black-owned additions to a mall within the Queen City. From November 2023 Northlake welcomed some Charlotte favorites including Charlotte’s Nails, Vixen Ready Art Factory, 3Six92, D. Williams Suits and Destination Sweets, by. The additions confirmed the healthy development of the space – raising the mall’s occupancy to 85%, which is higher than the 2022 holiday season, which was 74%.

Mall officials say the mall currently has 19 Black-owned businesses, representing 17% of all businesses there. From bakeries to nail salons to sharply tailored suits, the overall manager of Northlake Mall. Adam Kamlet says he is excited to present such a diverse offer. “We are thrilled to welcome these unique retailers to Northlake Mall. Thanks to a diverse offer, including offers from local corporations, our customers will find something unique for every occasion,” Kamlet said in a statement.

As the love of online shopping has won consumers’ hearts within the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, small businesses are on the right track to rekindle relationships with customers and brick-and-mortar stores. LaToya Evans, owner Charlotte’s nailssays he doesn’t think it’s a coincidence that violence has declined with the presence of Black-owned businesses.

He believes that by investing in Charlotte entrepreneurs, others can witness a culture change, giving them the chance to pursue their dreams and create generational wealth at the identical time. “Being able to have more Black-owned businesses is not only great for the economy in the Black community, it’s also great for the local economy,” Evans said.

“It’s great that our city can say that anyone can come here and everyone can thrive.”

The problem of crime should still be present. March 19, worker was murdered in a nearby restaurantbut security measures have been beefed up with the addition of gun-sniffing dogs, cameras and an increased police presence.