WASHINGTON — In another blow to the nation’s struggling shopping mall industry, Capital Teas is closing its store at the Westfield Annapolis Mall.
The company said sales over the past year are down 40-to-50 percent.
Capital Teas joins anchor Lord & Taylor in deciding to close its Annapolis Mall location this year.
The mall location is being folded into the company’s flagship store in historic downtown Annapolis at 77 Main Street.
Ten other stores in Maryland, Virginia, D.C. and Florida are unaffected.
“We have conducted an extensive review of our market presence, and we believe in the long-term vibrancy and success of our store in the historic district of Annapolis while being forced to address the reality of the dramatic slowdown in our store’s sales at the Annapolis Mall,” said Capital Teas chief executive Peter Martino.
Capital Teas, founded in 2007, is also transforming its overall business with investments in e-commerce and wholesale channels. It said physical retail stores remain an important part of its business model, where customers can experience the tea firsthand.
Capital Teas’ stores carry more than 200 tea varieties and also sell tea-brewing accessories. Washington-area stores include Bethesda, Dupont Circle, Fairfax and National Harbor.
