Starbucks closing store at “The River at Rancho Mirage”
One of the busiest stores at “The River at Rancho Mirage” will serve up its last latte Sunday, March 24th.
A letter posted on the front door at Starbucks indicates the store will close permanently at 12 noon.
“Starbucks is on so many corners. I think they have to do their own demographics on what’s good for them, and people will come to Starbucks no matter where they are at,” said customer Mikki Underwood.
The letter does not indicate why Starbucks is moving out.
A newer Starbucks opened right across the street in May, 2016, in the recently refurbished “Rancho Las Palmas Shopping Center”.
“Well, I think it’s new, it’s inviting. As I say, their parking is a lot better,” said desert visitor Mary Ann Bruce.
Starbucks is the latest business to call it quits at the complex, following other relatively recent closures including Midici Pizza, Coachella Winery and Baja Fresh.
We walked around the complex and counted at least six storefronts that were empty, or mostly empty.
Long-time desert resident Leslie Shuffleton says she and her son visit “The River” to watch movies and eat dinner.
“There is just more variety of things to do there, between the food, and the shopping, and the movies,” said Shuffleton.
In February, at “The River,” Jadabug’s Kids Boutique also closed its doors for good, after the store opened in November 2017. The Jadabug’s store in La Quinta remains open.
The owner, Heidi McArthur told News Channel 3.her business at “The River” was hurt by “poor parking. lack of other retailers, and the summer heat.”
One positive sign at “The River” was one sign posted in the window at one empty store, which read, in part, “Coming in 2019 .. Mirage Cigar Lounge”.
“I think it’s a nice setting, a beautiful setting, but a little difficult parking, and, I noticed a lot of the stores are closing, so there is not as much available, but there are some restaurants we really enjoy,” said Bruce.
Starbucks has not responded to our requests for comment, and management at “The River” also has not returned our call.
