TEMPLE, Texas — The City of Temple has officially closed the Temple Mall after the property owners failed to fix fire code violations by Friday’s deadline. This decision has left many small business owners and their employees grappling with uncertainty as they face temporary closures.
Celeste Coleman, owner of "The Fae's Bounty," has been a part of the mall community for 15 years. When the closure was announced, she prepared to open her first store in just a few weeks.
"Because of that, you see a lot of the smaller people that want to come in and open here and be part of what kind of seems like a close-knit family," said Coleman. "So it's, it's just, I don't know, I'd hate to see some of these people leave."
Rob Brandenburg, who operates three small businesses within the mall, "Peggy's Coffeehouse," "Under My Skin," and "Candy & More," stressed the importance of community support during this challenging time. He encouraged residents to engage with local businesses through social media, stating,
"That's gonna be important to see that communication, and you have to actively seek it because it's not always gonna pop up in your feed," said Brandenberg.
The city has indicated that the length of the mall’s closure will depend on the property owner's compliance with the necessary safety regulations. As the situation develops, local business owners hope for a quick resolution, but uncertainty remains a question.
Many business owners and their employees are left navigating a path as they await updates from the city and property owners. Community members are encouraged to follow their favorite local businesses on social media to stay connected and support them during this challenging period.
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