Lansing’s Fretail Store is Closing, Lansing Mall Responds

The Fretail Store is a nonprofit organization that provides free essentials to any and all who might need them throughout the greater Lansing area.

Currently, it resides inside the Lansing Mall. However, this community space will be shutting it's doors following a lease dispute with the mall.

Lansing's Fretail Store Closing After Lease Dispute with Lansing Mall

When given the opportunity to renew their lease, founder Mike Karl said they were given the option to renew "if they move to a smaller storefront and limit their clients from forming lines inside the building."

Typically, Karl says about 200 people are waiting for the Fretail Store open so they can come in.

WILX News 10 spoke with the owner of the store, Linda Karl, who said that the owners of the Lansing Mall "did not like" the clientele that were waiting for the Fretail Store to open. Mike Karl is claiming discrimination.

When is the Fretail Store Closing?

At this time, the Fretail Store plans to close at the end of March.

The closure of the Fretail Store has resulted in some pretty strong reactions from Lansing residents, with many expressing disappointment with the loss of such a valuable community resource.

The Lansing Mall has responded in a Facebook post, saying,

We have long been a strong supporter of the organization, and we value the positive impact it has had on our community. Over the past few years, we have proudly offered the nonprofit significantly reduced rent, contributing to its growth and success. However, as the organization’s services have evolved, it has become clear that the traditional shopping mall environment no longer aligns with its expanding needs. This decision is driven solely by the desire to support the nonprofit’s continued growth and the need for a space that better serves its mission—not by any sentiment regarding its clientele.

Below you'll find the Facebook post, for which the Lansing Mall has the comments turned off.

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