Regency Square Mall "Not Going Anywhere"

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- The management of Regency Square Mall is first to tell you traffic is not what it used to be.

"Globally, foot traffic is down," says Helen Ciesla, the manager at Regency.

"We have unfortunately lost some retailers, through bankruptcy or slow sales; it is survival of the fittest," she said.

In a weak economy, retail is one of the last to bounce back, she said. "We have over 150 retailers, so the glass is still half full."

Lily LaLiberte is one of the retailers still in the mall. She owns Shoe Fixers Plus and just renewed her lease for a year.

"We've been making ends meet but it hasn't been as good as in the past," said LaLiberte.

She blames competition from newer malls and the economy, but she remains optimistic.

"It is going to improve, it is improving already," says LaLiberte.

The signs are there. This week a new store opened in Regency Mall, and last week A&D Buffalo restaurant opened in the food court.

"We've been here 42-years and we're not going anywhere," said Ciesla. She is aggressive in finding renters and anyone looking for space can get a good deal.

Ciesla says the mall owner, General Growth Properties, is committed to the First Coast. "We are strong and those vacancies will be filled."

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