As expectations for the mall on East State Street rise, Ohio University students are weighing in with their hopes for the now financially dormant structure.
Topping the list was the retail giant Target. Although overshadowed by its monstrous competitor, Wal-Mart, its familiar red circles and brand name have been sprouting in cities across the nation.
(I would like) a Target; seriously
that's it freshman Olga Kooi said.
Tom Parfitt, co-owner of the site, said he does not think the small size of Athens demographics would interest Target.
If we can get one we want one
he said.
Other students, however, said they would like to see a variety of stores open, including Kohl's, Nordstrom, Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, Macy's and Hollister, as well as myriad restaurants to add to the cuisine variety Uptown. Students named off Olive Garden, Chipotle, Outback Steakhouse and Applebee's. Parfitt said he talked to student-favorite Chipotle personally, but representatives of the company fear the loss of profits when students leave for summer months. He said he will announce the sale of a slot next week.
Roughly half of the mall's square feet, 145,000, is open space for development.
Jamie D'Attoma, an OU sophomore, said the mall should have the essentials of shopping.
(The mall needs) stuff that kids don't have to go to Columbus for
he said. That would get students to go there.
Athens needs some entertainment stores such as Best Buy or Circuit City, said David Eselgroth, an OU sophomore.
There's always clothing in malls
too
he said.
Sophomore Margo Nash said she just wants an alternative to Wal-Mart, but also said that she would like to see more locally owned shops open instead of national chains.
Colin Donohue, owner of Bali Karma, 22 E. State St., said a mall could attract people to the city.
I remember looking for a heavy bag (for excercise)
and there was nowhere around I could find it
he said.
Donohue discussed using the East State Street mall as a portal to Uptown and the other local businesses. I definitely agree with the idea of supporting local business
he said. One thing I was thinking would be interesting is an Uptown showcase. He described the showcase as a store, or part of a store, in the mall where Uptown shop owners could display a sample of their products.
That idea has been kicked around, Parfitt said, adding that the great number of local artists would lend itself to such an enterprise.
We're trying to bring people to town that will benefit everybody
Parfitt said. We don't want to be competition
