Richway as a whole was rather limited in its presence outside of Atlanta. In its early expansion years, it expanded to Charlotte and Columbia, later expanding into South Florida taking over former Gold Triangle locations and Chattanooga in the former Gibson's/Miracle City stores. Gastonia, however, was a fluke because despite its proximity to Charlotte, it was not actually Charlotte itself making it not a typical market for Richway to open in. One store was opened there close to then-new Eastridge Mall. It was also distinct in that it opened as a standalone store adjacent to a strip mall in lieu of anchoring an enclosed mall.
Today, that Richway store is the last in the Charlotte region still operating as a Target. The signature wedge skylights are still there, and the store is going strong. However, its future days may be numbered since a new Target is planned as part of the redevelopment of the former Gaston Mall just to the east. How much longer is unknown, but this store is the only other former Richway still operating as Target. The other is located in Smyrna, GA north of Cumberland Mall on US 41. Let's hope this one sticks around awhile longer much in the way I wish that Richway had.
The Richway on US 41 north of Cumberland Mall is a store I really miss. It was my favorite store to look around in when my parents would go there, and it may have been the biggest store they visited at the time. It was the only Richway they ever went to, though, and I never saw any others, although I recognize any old Richway by those wedge skylights.
ReplyDeleteIt's very funky to see those skylights rising above an otherwise conventional looking Target.
ReplyDeleteI went to this Target, intrigued by recollections of the Targets in Columbia with those skylights (which are ugly). It's completely the same as a regular Target in all respects, other than those skylights.
ReplyDeleteI used to frequent the Richway and later Target in Roswell Mall. When they converted to Target, Target lit the place up like a Christmas tree. The skylights were barely noticeable inside. Back when it was a Richway, they actually incorporated the skylights into their lighting scheme.
ReplyDeleteAs an aside, if you want to see some interesting skylight design, look for pics for Forum 303 mall in Arlington, TX. I always loved their skylights and thought they did a good job of accenting the center court without clashing with the building the way the Richway skylights do.
As Richway the stores were more striking due to the use of multi-colors on the skylights. The original light brown brick work has been covered by Target's dark brick work which doesn't work well with the skylights, nor does painting them dark brown. Without the skylight's the buildings look like a typical Target. The ceilings were lowered in these stores and the skylights covered up, also making them more generic inside.
ReplyDeleteThis store is going to close soon if it hasn't already when they relocate to Gaston Mall.
ReplyDeleteToday is likely the last day this Target will be open, as the new Target in Gaston Mall is opening tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteNow it is a Gabe's and Conn's .
DeleteI like the old store the best
ReplyDelete