Shoppers return to SouthPark Mall after roof collapsed

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Shoppers were back at Southpark Mall Saturday after parts of the roof collapsed during storms Friday. Some anchor stores re-opened, but the majority of the stores were closed as workers evaluated their safety.

One business owner told Eyewitness News it couldn't have happened at a worse time.

"Things like this never happen on Monday," said Craig Cass. He is the owner of Tinder Box, a cigar shop at Southpark Mall.

An Eyewitness News viewer sent a picture of the damage in one part of the mall, which showed broken concrete and twisted metal throughout a room.

In other parts of the mall, customers shopped around, but weren't allowed past yellow caution tape.

Maintenance crews were seen cleaning the building alongside store owners.

"It's tough. We're gonna get in there and clean it up. We don't know how bad it is, but they're saying they're not gonna let people in for a few days," said Cass.

Chopper 9 Skyzoom flew overhead Friday, showing what caused the damage. Fire officials said concrete on the roof fell inside during the storms and caused two holes near the Gap Kids and Banana Republic stores. When the ceiling fell, pipes broke, sending water throughout parts of the building.

Shoppers who saw the damage for the first time Saturday said they were grateful nobody was hurt.

The list of stores that re-opened will also have their normal business hours Sunday. Fire and Police officials were also present in the mall to ensure safety Saturday.

The following stores will be open Sunday:

Nordstrom Wing:
7 For All Mankind
Anthropologie
Apple
Bare Escentuals
Chico's
Cole Haan
Lacoste
Michael Kors
Salon Cielo & Spa
Tommy Bahama
Rangoni Firenze Shoes
Vineyard Vines

Belk Wing:
Coach
Frontgate
James Avery
Kate Spade
Loft
Lululemon
Pure
Tiffany & Co.
St. John Boutique

Neiman Marcus Wing:
BCBGMAXAZRIA
Hermes
Juicy Couture
Louis Vuitton
Pottery Barn Kids
Ralph Lauren
Tory Burch

The Food Court wing will also open Sunday to include the following eateries & carts:

Auntie Anne's Pretzels
Baby Grocery Carts
Bistro 7
Chick-fil-A
Chinese Gourmet
Chipotle
Crunch Salads
Great Steak & Potato Co.
Haagen Dazs
Maki of Japan
Nestle Tollhouse
Showmars
Street Talk Cart
Subway
Villa Pizza
California Pizza Kitchen

The following stores and restaurants are also expected to open Sunday:

Belk

Dillard's

Macy's

Neiman Marcus

Nordstrom

Maggiano's

Cheesecake Factory

City Tavern

McCormick & Schmick's

The Village at SouthPark stores including:

Crate & Barrel

The Container Store

Dick's Sporting Goods