Southridge gaming store forced to move/close to make room for national chain



GREENDALE (WITI) -- The Boardgame Barrister store has two locations -- one at Bayshore Mall, and another at Southridge Mall. The owner has been told the Southridge location must be moved, or the store will close. This, to make room for a temporary Victoria's Secret location.

At the Boardgame Barrister store at Bayshore Town Center, business is doing very well, according to Executive Manager Gordon Lugauer.

"We've been here a long time. It's a great store and we're really part of the community here," Lugauer said.

At Southridge Mall in Greendale, Lugauer's store is also thriving.

"Compared to the first February at Southridge to the first February here, we're doing better at Southridge," Lugauer said.

It's the store at Southridge that is being uprooted, to make space for a temporary store for a national chain: Victoria's Secret.

"There's not place for us to move to that we can still operate in Southridge," Lugauer said.

Christopher Dick, a loyal customer and gamer is worried about what that means for the gaming community.

"Now to be forced out just because another chain is remodeling is disappointing. Gaming groups that go there are going to have no where to go now," Dick said.

Southridge Mall released a statement that reads, in part: "Southridge Mall continues to expand and welcome new and exciting retailers following our successful renovation. We're always looking for ways to enhance this mix and are excited for what 2013 will bring for the center."

Lugauer is looking at a three-week window to find a new location.

"If that doesn't happen, then we close -- and I lose about half my staff," Lugauer said.