Turning Lemons Into Lemonade | Driftwood Market Gets New College Park Location

In life, we have a choice to let unfortunate circumstances define us, or rise above them and use them as the inciting incident to fuel bigger and better things. This choice is one, that can define us as human beings and one that also allows others a glimpse into our souls. All too often, it's far easier to give up, cry out against the injustice and remain unchanged for the better, despite the opportunity that exists.

As many of you have heard, we were just given a two week notice of Artegon's impending closure. Yes. a. two. week. notice. For so many of us, there were indelible blood, sweat and tears poured into our stores at Artegon. And in addition to the heart that went into building each and every one, there were large monetary investments. Driftwood Market completed our build out and opened at Artegon on November 18th, 2016, at which time mall execs gave absolutely no indication that in just 2 short months, the mall would be ceasing operations completely. In fact, at that time, it was 'sold' to us that the mall had plans for expansion, bringing in an artisan food wing in 2017 and by the end of the year, would rival the Chelsea Market in New York. The ceasing of operations on January 26th, was never uttered.  When tenants were given notice on January 12th, to vacate by January 26th, absolutely no reason was given for the closure. It was said that, at that time, the property had NOT been sold. A potential sale we were all aware of, but assured that Artegon would remain in operation despite any sale. Shame on you, Lightstone Corporation and Paragon Outlets. Shame on you. These are people's lives. Not to be confused with pawns in your corporate game of chess. Many of the losses from this act of extremely poor business are far greater than those of Driftwood Market, and for them, my heart breaks. Despite the losses we've suffered as a result, I can't and won't let this define me or the business I have worked so hard in creating over the past few years.  I am simply choosing to see this as a blessing in disguise, paving the path to bigger and better things for Driftwood Market. Holding onto the anger and dwelling on the injustice of Lightstone's actions, I simply cannot.