TTC Charlotte’s To Close End of January

By chris on January 14, 2007

Longtime local favorite Charlotte’s has decided to pull the plug on their Triangle Town Center location and will close at the end of this month. Of course, this should worry no one as their two
other area stores will continue to feed any and all jewelry and gift addictions in Raleigh.

Personally, I am not too surprised by this as TTC just hasn’t become the kind of mall I had hoped it would be. When a mall visit is in order after exhausting my favorite local retailers, I am definitely among the droves of Raleigh residents who either hit Crabtree (due to its proximity) or make the trek over to The Streets of Southpoint in Durham. Many will go on about the demographics of the such-and-such mile radius around the North Raleigh mall, but I don’t think that’s it at all. I mean, come on, they pretty much have all those who have moved up to the Wake Forest area as a captive audience. And one drive around that formerly sleepy little town will quickly reveal there is a whole bunch of money to be spent… unless everyone is house-poor or something. Anyway, my opinion is that the TTC folks immediately shot themselves in the foot before even clearing the first tree from the property. The design of the mall is as bland and energy-sucking as I have ever seen. Not only is the whole dang thing beige inside and out, but the 2^nd floor is carpeted which turns the already spooky-empty ambience and deadens it completely.

What’s funny is that every time I’ve been in Saks, you’d think the mall is rather bustling. The place is vibrant and there always seems to be clientele in there. But as soon as you step out of Saks into the mall… poof! It’s all gone. I’ve talked to many a person who freely admits to shopping in Saks but never venturing into the mall itself.

The outside shopping area is nice and I think a few along that corridor are pulling their weight as well. If the developers had taken one hint alone from Southpoint, they would have built this part of the mall first, made it much more interesting than just a simple straight shot, and varied the offerings out there a lot more.

Anyway, this really wasn’t supposed to turn into an evaluation of TTC. That’s a much longer article that needs quite a bit more fleshing out of these opinions with more constructive recommendations. Hrmmmmm, maybe that’ll be coming soon.

Posted in North Raleigh, Retail | 56 Responses

Rob

Agree with the accessment of the mall. Visited once, ate in the noicy food court, then walked through the mall which appeared about as interesting as the large lobby of a Class B office building. I have not been back. When I feel like a major mall experience, I drive from downtown Raleigh to Crabtree or Southpoint (usually Southpoint).
Rob

Agree with the accessment of the mall. Visited once, ate in the noicy food court, then walked through the mall which appeared about as interesting as the large lobby of a Class B office building. I have not been back. When I feel like a major mall experience, I drive from downtown Raleigh to Crabtree or Southpoint (usually Southpoint).
150

Wow, I actually strongly disagree with both assessments of TTC. I live in downtown Raleigh, and even though driving up Capital is a pain, I find TTC to be much superior to Crabtree. Crabtree is crowded, it’s a pain to park, and I find it to be dark. TTC has easy parking, is clean, has nice places to eat on the outside strip (why would you choose the food court, Rob?), is very bright, and I like the carpeting. I find it reduces the noise of the crowd. I’m not a big shopper, but I just find TTC to be a more pleasant experience that Crabtree.
Even though Southpoint is good, it’s just not worth it for me to drive to Durham.
150

Wow, I actually strongly disagree with both assessments of TTC. I live in downtown Raleigh, and even though driving up Capital is a pain, I find TTC to be much superior to Crabtree. Crabtree is crowded, it’s a pain to park, and I find it to be dark. TTC has easy parking, is clean, has nice places to eat on the outside strip (why would you choose the food court, Rob?), is very bright, and I like the carpeting. I find it reduces the noise of the crowd. I’m not a big shopper, but I just find TTC to be a more pleasant experience that Crabtree.
Even though Southpoint is good, it’s just not worth it for me to drive to Durham.
Rob

150, must be my bad first impression when the mall first opened. They didn’t have the outdoor area developed yet. My mother now calls it ‘her mall’, so it must have something good going for it. I’ll have to revisit and update my opinion. I still like the visual appeal of Southpoint (Crabtree’s close by…that’s the only good thing about it).
Rob

150, must be my bad first impression when the mall first opened. They didn’t have the outdoor area developed yet. My mother now calls it ‘her mall’, so it must have something good going for it. I’ll have to revisit and update my opinion. I still like the visual appeal of Southpoint (Crabtree’s close by…that’s the only good thing about it).
Mike

I live real close to TTC, and have been waiting for 540 to finish (at least to knightdale) to clear up some congestion on Perry Creek…
My impression are these:
1) It was not a high traffic area when the mall opened, it is now a high traffic area.
2) 540 will definitely help, as it opens up the whole knightdale area to TTC especially for those commuting to RTP.
3) It has gotten a lot better – the outdoor area in the over towards Dicks’s is complete, but they need to fill all the space.
4) The ABC store just moved across the street.
5) They are working to get more restaurants in the area.
PLEASE OPEN A STEAKHOUSE (Ted’s almost counts, but they need something darker and more spacious)!!! AND MAKE IT GOOD!!!
6) Either you like the shops or you don’t. The variety has improved, but my family are not big shoppers and my daughter simply likes Claire’s…
Mike

I live real close to TTC, and have been waiting for 540 to finish (at least to knightdale) to clear up some congestion on Perry Creek…
My impression are these:
1) It was not a high traffic area when the mall opened, it is now a high traffic area.
2) 540 will definitely help, as it opens up the whole knightdale area to TTC especially for those commuting to RTP.
3) It has gotten a lot better – the outdoor area in the over towards Dicks’s is complete, but they need to fill all the space.
4) The ABC store just moved across the street.
5) They are working to get more restaurants in the area.
PLEASE OPEN A STEAKHOUSE (Ted’s almost counts, but they need something darker and more spacious)!!! AND MAKE IT GOOD!!!
6) Either you like the shops or you don’t. The variety has improved, but my family are not big shoppers and my daughter simply likes Claire’s…
MikeB

I find TTC handy when I need something like from Williams-Sonoma or Macy’s and don’t want to mess with Crabtree. However, there are simply not enough good stores there. Heck, Crate&Barrel; alone is enough to make my wife and I choose Crabtree 95% of the time (throw in JCrew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and its a lock for her). I love the fact that the mall is relatively dead (compared to Crabtree and SoSP) simply because it makes the shopping much less stressful.
Traffic is a nightmare there though. If there is modest traffic at TTC then it will backup severely at the exits simply because of the lack of streetlights (talking of the main road along Dick’s). There will easily be 15-20 cars backed up trying to find spot to get out.
MikeB

I find TTC handy when I need something like from Williams-Sonoma or Macy’s and don’t want to mess with Crabtree. However, there are simply not enough good stores there. Heck, Crate&Barrel alone is enough to make my wife and I choose Crabtree 95% of the time (throw in JCrew, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and its a lock for her). I love the fact that the mall is relatively dead (compared to Crabtree and SoSP) simply because it makes the shopping much less stressful.
Traffic is a nightmare there though. If there is modest traffic at TTC then it will backup severely at the exits simply because of the lack of streetlights (talking of the main road along Dick’s). There will easily be 15-20 cars backed up trying to find spot to get out.
jason

i used to live near ttc, and every time i was ready for a trip to the mall, i drove right past it and went to crabtree. sometimes southpoint. i agree that the inside is dull, but dull in a mall-ish way. that is, i don’t find crabtree exciting. but its their lack of good stores that kept me away from it. if zgallerie moved out, there never would have been a reason to go there at all. the outside section is terrible. even after getting most of it open, its still nothing even close to southpoint. i work in a hotel in the area and every time someone asks me about malls in the area, ttc never even gets a mention from me. they need to do something to make it pop.
jason

i used to live near ttc, and every time i was ready for a trip to the mall, i drove right past it and went to crabtree. sometimes southpoint. i agree that the inside is dull, but dull in a mall-ish way. that is, i don’t find crabtree exciting. but its their lack of good stores that kept me away from it. if zgallerie moved out, there never would have been a reason to go there at all. the outside section is terrible. even after getting most of it open, its still nothing even close to southpoint. i work in a hotel in the area and every time someone asks me about malls in the area, ttc never even gets a mention from me. they need to do something to make it pop.
EllaR

I visit Triaagle Town because who needs the crowded mess of crabtree? No one wants to be in a huge throng of people. What a headache.
EllaR

I visit Triaagle Town because who needs the crowded mess of crabtree? No one wants to be in a huge throng of people. What a headache.
EllaR

Agree that Crabtree is one huge nightmare to try and park in too. Who needs the hassle after a long day at work, or when trying to relax on the weekend?
EllaR

Agree that Crabtree is one huge nightmare to try and park in too. Who needs the hassle after a long day at work, or when trying to relax on the weekend?
Debbie

I find TTC to be a decent mall. It’s not the best mall ever, but it works for what I need. The only reason I go to Crabtree is for Crate & Barrel. TTC is right off 540, and parking is easy. I can not stand the parking at Crabtree. I like the carpet at TTC. It’s nice to walk on something with a little cushion. I’m sorry to see Charlotte’s go. I like that store, but that particular location was horrible. The store was way too small and cramped. I will continue to go to their Cameron Village location.
Debbie

I find TTC to be a decent mall. It’s not the best mall ever, but it works for what I need. The only reason I go to Crabtree is for Crate & Barrel. TTC is right off 540, and parking is easy. I can not stand the parking at Crabtree. I like the carpet at TTC. It’s nice to walk on something with a little cushion. I’m sorry to see Charlotte’s go. I like that store, but that particular location was horrible. The store was way too small and cramped. I will continue to go to their Cameron Village location.
Todd

What’s so bad about Triangle Town Center? The only thing I find lacking about it is its lack of a movie theater or Barnes & Noble to give it that extra draw. That’s pretty much what makes Southpoint more attractive to me.
On the down side, Sak’s and Macy’s are pretty on the inside, but I tried going in those stores to actually shop and I was quickly driven out by the inflated prices. I’ll stick to the Prime Outlets, where hardly anyone ever goes and everything’s inexpensive (except the Sak’s outlet).
On the whole, however, driving halfway across town is ridiculous for those of us who live east of 540, so I’ll stick with Triangle Town Center for my mall rather than dark, waterlogged Crabtree. And when I want a Southpoint-style experience, I’ll hit North Hills, the best shopping center I’ve found in Raleigh.
Todd

What’s so bad about Triangle Town Center? The only thing I find lacking about it is its lack of a movie theater or Barnes & Noble to give it that extra draw. That’s pretty much what makes Southpoint more attractive to me.
On the down side, Sak’s and Macy’s are pretty on the inside, but I tried going in those stores to actually shop and I was quickly driven out by the inflated prices. I’ll stick to the Prime Outlets, where hardly anyone ever goes and everything’s inexpensive (except the Sak’s outlet).
On the whole, however, driving halfway across town is ridiculous for those of us who live east of 540, so I’ll stick with Triangle Town Center for my mall rather than dark, waterlogged Crabtree. And when I want a Southpoint-style experience, I’ll hit North Hills, the best shopping center I’ve found in Raleigh.
MikeB

Todd, there is a Barnes&Noble; at TTC (the entrance where the restaurants like Champs and Twisted Fork are).
Another great thing about TTC area is that you can usually count on items to be in stock if there is a big sale going on, since not many go there.
MikeB

Todd, there is a Barnes&Noble at TTC (the entrance where the restaurants like Champs and Twisted Fork are).
Another great thing about TTC area is that you can usually count on items to be in stock if there is a big sale going on, since not many go there.
Tay

I like TTC as well. I personally have only been to Crabtree once in the past year and only because my job had a dinner there at Kanki. The only fault with Triangle I have is that there could be one or two more resturants. “I suspect, A big regional resturant will move into the former Bamboo Resturant Space, maybe Magiannos or Cucina Italiana. And when you think of it several stores made TTC there first option when choosing a triangle location such as ORVIS, THE ARCHIVER STORE, and the DICKS SPORTING GOODS is the biggest and best in the whole area. With 540 opening today and unlocking the rest of Wake county and adjoining Johnston county and eastern north Carolina expect this area to really take off. For instance the areas first Mimi’s Cafe will open in March and Circuit City this week.
Tay

I like TTC as well. I personally have only been to Crabtree once in the past year and only because my job had a dinner there at Kanki. The only fault with Triangle I have is that there could be one or two more resturants. “I suspect, A big regional resturant will move into the former Bamboo Resturant Space, maybe Magiannos or Cucina Italiana. And when you think of it several stores made TTC there first option when choosing a triangle location such as ORVIS, THE ARCHIVER STORE, and the DICKS SPORTING GOODS is the biggest and best in the whole area. With 540 opening today and unlocking the rest of Wake county and adjoining Johnston county and eastern north Carolina expect this area to really take off. For instance the areas first Mimi’s Cafe will open in March and Circuit City this week.
Dick

Triangle Town wins hands down over Crabtree (Craptree?) every time. Nobody revels in large crowds, impossible parking, and the stress that comes with it all. No thanks.
Dick

Triangle Town wins hands down over Crabtree (Craptree?) every time. Nobody revels in large crowds, impossible parking, and the stress that comes with it all. No thanks.
Matt

“Nobody revels in large crowds …” I mostly agree, but there is just something depressing about an empty mall. And, generally, that’s what TTC is.
However, my wife and I have found, like Mike B, that you can find more stuff there (especially at places like Gap) on sale than the other malls — since fewer people shop at Triangle.
Matt

“Nobody revels in large crowds …” I mostly agree, but there is just something depressing about an empty mall. And, generally, that’s what TTC is.
However, my wife and I have found, like Mike B, that you can find more stuff there (especially at places like Gap) on sale than the other malls — since fewer people shop at Triangle.
AW

I guess since I grew up going to Crabtree that it isn’t difficult for me to get in and out of so I generally go to that mall. They also have everything there and more that I would shop at TTC. I am not a fan of that mall b/c as was said before there is nothing to make it stand out from the others. I don’t get the carpeting either. If I go to another mall besides Crabtree I tend to go to Southpoint. It’s an easier drive by far.
For the people who live within a close distance to TTC I guess it is a nice mall to have out there so you don’t have to go all the way over to Crabtree. It will also be nice for all the new arrivals to Eastern Wake to have a nice mall to go to without going so far.
AW

I guess since I grew up going to Crabtree that it isn’t difficult for me to get in and out of so I generally go to that mall. They also have everything there and more that I would shop at TTC. I am not a fan of that mall b/c as was said before there is nothing to make it stand out from the others. I don’t get the carpeting either. If I go to another mall besides Crabtree I tend to go to Southpoint. It’s an easier drive by far.
For the people who live within a close distance to TTC I guess it is a nice mall to have out there so you don’t have to go all the way over to Crabtree. It will also be nice for all the new arrivals to Eastern Wake to have a nice mall to go to without going so far.
Jason

I’m glad I’m not the only one that finds the 2nd story of TTC spooky. Theres just something about the carpet, smell, and lack of people that creeps me out. However, I live very close to Crabtree but usually go to TTC if I need some mall gifts. The lack of people make it easy to get in and out of quickly.
Jason

I’m glad I’m not the only one that finds the 2nd story of TTC spooky. Theres just something about the carpet, smell, and lack of people that creeps me out. However, I live very close to Crabtree but usually go to TTC if I need some mall gifts. The lack of people make it easy to get in and out of quickly.
jason

i guess everyone loves the fact that ttc is always empty but me. i don’t go to a mall to be by myself, i like being around other people. ttc is creepy because its always so quiet. the store selection is bad, the outside section is bad. its just bad.
jason

i guess everyone loves the fact that ttc is always empty but me. i don’t go to a mall to be by myself, i like being around other people. ttc is creepy because its always so quiet. the store selection is bad, the outside section is bad. its just bad.
150

Again, I guess I’m just surprised by some of the comments about TTC. The description of the mall being so empty that it’s “creepy” seems to me to be a bit of an exaggeration. It’s not crowded, but it’s not as if you search for other people, either.
It’s always good to hear different opinions. This conversation has certaninly been interesting to me.
150

Again, I guess I’m just surprised by some of the comments about TTC. The description of the mall being so empty that it’s “creepy” seems to me to be a bit of an exaggeration. It’s not crowded, but it’s not as if you search for other people, either.
It’s always good to hear different opinions. This conversation has certaninly been interesting to me.
jason

one thing i will give a positive comment to is the carpeting. i like it because its different, makes the mall feel more upscale. its kind of nice not always walking on the tiled (or whatever they use) floors. thats still not enough to make me go there but……………
jason

one thing i will give a positive comment to is the carpeting. i like it because its different, makes the mall feel more upscale. its kind of nice not always walking on the tiled (or whatever they use) floors. thats still not enough to make me go there but……………
Kathleen

The access to TTC, because of the anchor store pods, with multiple entries, make one stop shopping quick and easy. The carpeting is easier on the feet when serious shopping is planned and you are lugging several packages. Macy’s, Z Gallerie, Williams-Sonoma, Barnes & Noble, Orvis, Saks and Dillards(with Dick’s, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Bed Bath and Beyond across the street) this area offers some of the best shopping in the Triangle. Crabtree has great stores, but easy access is always an issue. Until Streets of South Point can get their crime under control, I won’t be going back.
Kathleen

The access to TTC, because of the anchor store pods, with multiple entries, make one stop shopping quick and easy. The carpeting is easier on the feet when serious shopping is planned and you are lugging several packages. Macy’s, Z Gallerie, Williams-Sonoma, Barnes & Noble, Orvis, Saks and Dillards(with Dick’s, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Bed Bath and Beyond across the street) this area offers some of the best shopping in the Triangle. Crabtree has great stores, but easy access is always an issue. Until Streets of South Point can get their crime under control, I won’t be going back.
Kathleen

The access to TTC, because of the anchor store pods, with multiple entries, make one stop shopping quick and easy. The carpeting is easier on the feet when serious shopping is planned and you are lugging several packages. Macy’s, Z Gallerie, Williams-Sonoma, Barnes & Noble, Orvis, Saks and Dillards(with Dick’s, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Bed Bath and Beyond across the street) this area offers some of the best shopping in the Triangle. Crabtree has great stores, but easy access is always an issue. Until Streets of South Point can get their crime under control, I won’t be going back.
Kathleen

The access to TTC, because of the anchor store pods, with multiple entries, make one stop shopping quick and easy. The carpeting is easier on the feet when serious shopping is planned and you are lugging several packages. Macy’s, Z Gallerie, Williams-Sonoma, Barnes & Noble, Orvis, Saks and Dillards(with Dick’s, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Bed Bath and Beyond across the street) this area offers some of the best shopping in the Triangle. Crabtree has great stores, but easy access is always an issue. Until Streets of South Point can get their crime under control, I won’t be going back.
http://profile.typekey.com/captainx/ Bryant

To summarize this post: The area has several different malls, and different people prefer different ones. Personally, I have been to TTC a few times, but the lack of stores with decent, affordable men’s clothing means I have little desire for that pain-in-the-ass drive up Capital Boulevard just to go there. That’s just my opinion, though.
I am confused as to why so many people find Crabtree so difficult to navigate or drive to, but I suppose some people haven’t figured out that turning at one of the main entrances from Glenwood isn’t a good idea. Crabtree is easy to navigate in all reality; at least they have stoplights instead of asking you to risk pulling out in front of speeding drivers at your own peril as you must at Triangle Town Center.
Perhaps most disturbing – but not surprising – is how many people mentioned living near one mall but driving out of their way to shop at another. Streets of Southpoint is fine, but driving an extra thirty minutes just to shop there? I think not. It’s truly indicative of just how addicted we are in this area to our cars. We have a lot of work to do if we are going to put down that dependency.
http://profile.typekey.com/captainx/ Bryant

To summarize this post: The area has several different malls, and different people prefer different ones. Personally, I have been to TTC a few times, but the lack of stores with decent, affordable men’s clothing means I have little desire for that pain-in-the-ass drive up Capital Boulevard just to go there. That’s just my opinion, though.
I am confused as to why so many people find Crabtree so difficult to navigate or drive to, but I suppose some people haven’t figured out that turning at one of the main entrances from Glenwood isn’t a good idea. Crabtree is easy to navigate in all reality; at least they have stoplights instead of asking you to risk pulling out in front of speeding drivers at your own peril as you must at Triangle Town Center.
Perhaps most disturbing – but not surprising – is how many people mentioned living near one mall but driving out of their way to shop at another. Streets of Southpoint is fine, but driving an extra thirty minutes just to shop there? I think not. It’s truly indicative of just how addicted we are in this area to our cars. We have a lot of work to do if we are going to put down that dependency.
Eric

Not that my wife and I do many marathon shopping trips (Thanks honey!) I rather enjoy the ease of getting to TTC, the ample places to sit and relax, and the more comfortable walking of the carpeted areas.
And to put a -1 on Southpoint last I checked they still had some gang trouble. Okay probably not that bad, but everytime I hear about mall trouble it is there.
Eric

Not that my wife and I do many marathon shopping trips (Thanks honey!) I rather enjoy the ease of getting to TTC, the ample places to sit and relax, and the more comfortable walking of the carpeted areas.
And to put a -1 on Southpoint last I checked they still had some gang trouble. Okay probably not that bad, but everytime I hear about mall trouble it is there.
Raleigh Born

Crime? I haven’t heard of any crimes at Southpoint Mall. Must be the ol’ Durham = crime stereotype thing for some of these posters. I read the paper every day and watch at least one news report a day and haven’t heard of any crimes at Southpoint.
I can tell you about a parking lot stabbing at Crabtree a few years ago when I worked at JCrew part-time (30% discount!) for extra cash. I can also tell you about a gang-related killing just a few blocks from Triangle Town Center about a year ago.
But crime in Southpoint? Must be your stereotypes getting the best of you…
Y’all are right about one thing…Crabtree is a pain in the ass to get to and park in…always has been.
Raleigh Born

Crime? I haven’t heard of any crimes at Southpoint Mall. Must be the ol’ Durham = crime stereotype thing for some of these posters. I read the paper every day and watch at least one news report a day and haven’t heard of any crimes at Southpoint.
I can tell you about a parking lot stabbing at Crabtree a few years ago when I worked at JCrew part-time (30% discount!) for extra cash. I can also tell you about a gang-related killing just a few blocks from Triangle Town Center about a year ago.
But crime in Southpoint? Must be your stereotypes getting the best of you…
Y’all are right about one thing…Crabtree is a pain in the ass to get to and park in…always has been.
150

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/114179/
I thought I remembered something about a Southpoint shooting. Looks like it was in a parking lot, so everyone can decide on their own about whether it was at the mall or not. Point being, Raleigh Born, Southpoint has previously been in the news for crime.
150

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/114179/
I thought I remembered something about a Southpoint shooting. Looks like it was in a parking lot, so everyone can decide on their own about whether it was at the mall or not. Point being, Raleigh Born, Southpoint has previously been in the news for crime.

>raleighing store

TTC Charlotte’s To Close End of January

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