Amarillo’s Westgate Mall Faces Another Vacancy

One of the main shopping hubs in Amarillo is Westgate Mall. Since it opened in the 1980s, many businesses have come and gone. The mall has changed with the shopping trends over the years.  However, more and more longstanding businesses are shuttering their doors.

Another prominent storefront will soon be saying goodbye to Westgate Mall. Francesca's. Francesca's is located in a well-trafficked area in Westgate Mall just off the center court.

Francesca’s Is the Latest to Go Out of Business

According to Retail Dive, the company filed a document in Texas per the Federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act stating that the retailer plans to close the business permanently. They plan to close their stores progressively. That process began the week of January 23, 2026.

Currently, Francesca's operates 457 boutiques in over 45 states and employs 3,414 associates. It began in Houston in 1999. This year would have marked 27 years in business.

Read More: Westgate Mall is the Most Cursed Building in Amarillo

This store will join a long list of stores that have closed in Westgate Mall, including Rue 21, Forever 21, Sears, Payless, Bealls, and countless more. This doesn't include the many restaurants that have disappeared from the food court.

What Stores Still Remain at Westgate Mall

The anchor stores that remain in Westgate Mall include Dillard's, Dillard's Men's and JCPenney. Other stores remaining include Bath and Body Works, James Avery, and Victoria's Secret.

Read More: Westgate Mall Has A Special Hack

Why Francesca’s and Similar Stores Are Closing Locations

Retail experts say several factors are driving these closures, including:

• More shoppers are choosing to buy online instead of heading to the mall
• Mall foot traffic keeps shrinking, which hurts stores that depend on walk-in customers
• The cost of doing business keeps climbing, from rent and payroll to shipping and inventory
• Many chains opened too many stores years ago and are still paying for it
• Past bankruptcies and restructuring attempts left little room to recover
• Fast-fashion chains and online-only brands are pulling shoppers away
• Buyers are shifting toward resale shops, social media shopping, and secondhand finds

As the closing moves forward, keep checking Francesca's at the mall for closing sales.  If they carry an item you buy over and over again, now is the time to stock up before it is unavailable.