The Durango Mall has lost another tenant, this time Kay Jewelers, which closed in late January as part of a larger corporate plan to shutter storefronts.

Signet Jewelers, the parent company of Kay Jewelers, plans to close 165 of its stores nationally and open 38 this year, said David Bouffard, a spokesman for the company. The company is targeting stores for closure in malls, according to Business Insider.

The closure of Kay Jewelers leaves at least six empty storefronts in the Durango Mall, including a prominent space in the middle of the shopping center, left by Sports Authority in 2016.

Shopper Sherri Libby said she is concerned for the mall. She hopes mall owners will keep rents reasonable for retail stores as more people shop online.

“Our brick-and-mortar stores are really hurting,” she said.

Nationally, malls are on the decline and need to refresh their model to compete with online retailers that can offer better selection, said Jack Llewellyn, director of the Durango Chamber of Commerce.

Malls need to find a unique draw for customers that is specific to individual communities, he said.

For decades, malls offered people-watching, and that has faded, he said.

“If there are no people to watch, it’s not as fun,” he said.

Those who purchased items from Kay Jewelers can take their items to the Kay Jewelers in Farmington for repairs and other services, Bouffard said.

mshinn@durangoherald.com

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