CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A letter is in Apple’s inbox from state lawmakers after the tech giant made the announcement that it was shutting down its store at Partridge Creek Mall in Clinton Township. Lawmakers are urging the California-based company to reconsider its decision.
“I am deeply disappointed by Apple’s decision to turn its back on Macomb County,” Republican state Rep. Joe Aragona said in a social media post. “We are both a growing community and economic powerhouse in southeast Michigan.”
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The Apple store, which has been part of Partridge Creek along Hall Road since it opened in 2007, was confirmed in July to be closing as the company chooses not to renew its lease. The closure coincides with Apple’s launch of a new downtown Detroit location, reportedly on Woodward Avenue near the Shinola Hotel, occupying three storefronts.
Macomb County legislators from both political parties signed a letter addressed to Apple’s corporate leaders, requesting the company keep the Macomb County store open.
“We are writing to ask you to reconsider your decision to close the Apple store located at The Mall at Partridge Creek in Macomb County,” the politicians said in the letter.
The letter emphasizes that over the past 15 years, Macomb County has seen one of the state’s most consistent population increases, growing from 841,350 residents in 2010 to over 875,000 today. The letter, endorsed by 16 lawmakers, highlights the area as one of the few in Michigan and the Midwest that continues to experience growth.
16 lawmakers signed the letter saying the region is “one of the few” locations in Michigan and the Midwest “that are actively growing.”
The letter goes on to point out Apple was one of the mall’s first tenants and since then, Partridge Creek has “continued to evolve and serve the community.”
Earlier this year, Apple announced that residents of Macomb County would still have access to support and services through other Metro Detroit stores, including their Somerset Collection location in Troy, as well as via the company’s website and Apple Store app.