Casabella to Lose Marietta Retail Lease in 2027

The longstanding merchant will vacate its space at the Merchant's Exchange Shopping Center by September 2027.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of a vacant, clean-lined retail storefront with large empty windows, representing commercial property transition. — Casabella will vacate its longtime retail space at Marietta's Merchant's Exchange Shopping Center by September 2027 following a lease non-renewal. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Casabella, a staple at the Merchant's Exchange Shopping Center, will lose its lease in September 2027. Owner Cathy Linton is currently considering options to relocate or sell the business as the landlord seeks a national chain tenant.

Why it matters

The retail vacancy reflects a broader shift at the shopping center as it pivots toward larger national brands. This move follows recent departures of other long-term tenants from the local retail hub.

Casabella has operated in its 13,004-square-foot space for 24 years. The shopping center previously saw the departure of LA Fitness from its 48,420-square-foot anchor unit and the closure of the 12,875-square-foot Dance Stop Studios.

The players

Cathy Linton

She is the proprietor of Casabella who has managed the retail business since 2014.

Merchant's Exchange Shopping Center

This is a commercial retail hub in Marietta that is currently transitioning its tenant mix toward national chains.

The details

The owner, Cathy Linton, announced the non-renewal of the lease through a Facebook video. The 13,004-square-foot location is already featured as available space in the Columbia Property management brochure, marking the end of the store's two-decade residency.

May 2026: Dance Stop Studios closed after 50 years of operation.
June 2026: LA Fitness vacated its anchor space at the center.
November 1, 2026: Final sales period begins for the store.
November 6-7, 2026: The store hosts its final holiday open house.
September 2027: The lease for the current retail space expires.

Market Landscape

The transition reflects a wider trend of commercial real estate operators favoring large national tenants over long-term independent retailers. This shift effectively thins the local character of shopping centers like the Merchant's Exchange as they rebrand to attract corporate brands.

Local shoppers should note that all store sales will become final starting November 1, 2026, as the business prepares for its future. Customers can still visit for the final holiday open house events scheduled for early November 2026.

The takeaway

The store will celebrate its final holiday season at this location before the 2027 closure. Residents are encouraged to shop early if they wish to support the local business before the final sales policy takes effect in November 2026.