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Regency Square Mall May File for Bankruptcy

 Jackelyn Barnard     Created: 3/31/2009 4:28:38 PM    Updated: 3/31/2009 8:20:03 PM
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JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Another store is going out of business at the Regency Square Mall. This time it is Boater's World.

It is the latest in a string of stores that have left the shopping mall in the last year.

"It's changed a lot. The stores, they are not there and people are very few," says Deanna Nixon, who is a regular shopper at the mall.

Nixon is not the only one who has noticed more store fronts are empty. "I know Wilson's is gone, that's one of my favorites. I know a lot of kiosks are empty, that's where I did a lot of my Christmas shopping at," says Pamela Wertenbaker.

But empty stores are not the only problem. Now, there is a new concern, and that is how to pay off debt.

The Chicago-based company General Growth Properties, which owns the mall, says because of the credit crisis, it is considering filing for bankruptcy.

"I honestly wish they didn't have to, but I know in our economy that's probably the only alternative they have to stay afloat," says Wertenbaker.

A spokesperson for GGP says the company will, "Continue to be in discussions with lenders and bond holders. We have indicated there is a possibility that we may have to file for protection under chapter 11."

"If the mall leaves, where are we going to go?" asks one shopper. The company says not to worry. Shoppers will not notice a change at the mall.

The company says its debt will not affect the great experience Regency Square has offered to shoppers since 1967.

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