A large part of Capilano Mall is facing the wrecking ball as the owners plan to bring in more big box stores -- and the plan has many smaller stores searching for a new home.

"We want to stay here, business is doing well here. It's just that we are forced to move," said Holly Huynh.

Huynh has been selling gold and jewels at her store, Goldsmiths, for over a decade. But this year, her lease isn’t being renewed, which means she’s looking for somewhere else to set up shop.

"It's tough on everyone here actually because everyone is scrambling to look for a location for a new business. “

The mall’s owners, SmartCentres, will demolish most of the mall between Winners and Safeway. They plan to replace it with an “unenclosed shopping centre” where all the stores will face the parking lot.

A new stand-alone building is also planned.

SmartCentres has owned the mall since 2007. Company spokeswoman Sandra Kaiser says the renovation is needed, because the mall has had trouble attracting new tenants recently.

"Once [we] made the decision [that] we are going to be demolishing that section and building an unenclosed shopping centre, we had a great deal of tenant interest,” she said.

She says the company is investing $11 million in the renovations.

The idea brought out mixed feelings in many of the current customers of Capilano Mall. Some said they liked having the mall indoors, especially during the winter, and that the smaller stores will be difficult to replace.

However, others, like Ida Giesbrecht, think the area is due for a change. "I actually think that's a good idea. We need more selection around here,” she said.

“We actually have to go elsewhere to buy things and if there was more here I would stay, I would like to shop here."

Construction is set to begin in June.