 "Photo: Evan Davis ~ Daily Egyptian")
Total sales for University Mall have increased this year despite a five-day closure for the May 8 storm and similar customer traffic from last year, said General Manager Debra Tindall.
The mall hasn’t had a store close since last December, and Tindall said there are indications it could be in for a decent holiday shopping season, despite national projections.
Southern Illinois has always been an insulated market relatively unaffected by national trends, she said.
“We don’t see major highs and we don’t see major lows,” Tindall said.
Managers and owners of mall stores said they have had at least steady business, even when traffic has been light.
Stephanie Black, manager at American Eagle Outfitters, and Shannon Underdown, manager at Victoria’s Secret, said their stores have recorded increases in sales.
Underdown said profits for her store are up 12 percent from last year, and Paul Cleary manager of Journey’s, said his are up 6 percent.
“I know back-to-school was a little rough,” Cleary said. “But other than that it’s been pretty steady.”
Fred Morris, owner of Fred’s Casual and Urban Wear, said his business has been at or slightly above average despite light customer traffic.
Brent Jokisch, manager of Garfield’s, said his guest count for this past week has surpassed that of last year’s.
“I don’t know if it has anything to do with all the kids being back and settled in and being financially OK to come out and eat at restaurants — that would be my opinion,” Jokisch said.
Tindall said one of the reasons business has remained steady is the mall continues to have strong national tenants and stores customers want.
“I think all stores in mall, if you review inventory and sales staffing, are still being aggressive in meeting the consumers’ demand,” she said.
Nick Johnson can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 263.
