OTTUMWA —
If you knew the owners of the Quincy Place Mall would listen, what would you tell them? Courier readers had a lot of suggestions after the new owners said they really did want to know.
Courier Facebook user Rachel Davis said, “If they’re successful in bringing in some new shops, maybe more Ottumwans will spend their money here as opposed to going to Des Moines!”
People in Ottumwa responded when asked which businesses they’d like to come to Ottumwa. Many Facebook users like Jessie Clarahan Greiner requested two shops, but those two were the “big winners” in the unofficial Courier poll: Hobby Lobby and Gordman’s.
Spencer’s Gifts got a few mentions, as did the Apple Store as well as Barnes and Noble
Food received less attention but wasn’t ignored. Linda Keasling-Pool thinks an IHOP would be great, and Monica L VanGalder said she knows lots of people who drive to Des Moines just to eat at Hu Hot.
Micah R Sheheen had a wish list: TGI Friday’s, Denny’s, any food place open 24 hours, Best Buy, a “real pet store” and a fabric store, too.
On Facebook, Rachel Davis really wants some new stores — and apparently clicked the “thumbs up” on the stores she wants to see: “Dear new owners, please take note of the store names with the most ‘Likes’ [on Facebook] and actively pursue them!”
Michelle Hamann suggested a play place for children.
For years, that idea has been “one of the biggest suggestions from female shoppers,” said Terry McNitt, now the executive director of the Ottumwa Area Chamber of Commerce.
McNitt should know. Before running the chamber, he was the mall manager.
The new owners have actually talked about enhancements like free Wi-Fi for computer users, nicer landscaping and yes, a children’s play area.
McNitt said he feels working for a very large corporation with a vast number of properties was much different than having a hands-on, interested owner. There were positives that the old mall owners brought to the table, but the new company has those strengths, plus quicker response time.
McNitt said that when a potential tenant “wants to talk to you, they want to talk to you now, not weeks or a month from now.”
And while they wait, they’re looking around for other places, other shopping areas or even other towns.
In the past, a corporate representative visited the Quincy Place Mall once every six months. Alan Retkinski, president of Lexington Realty International, said someone from the firm will visit as often as every six weeks.
“I have the feeling with these owners it would just take a phone call or email to get a lease deal [starting] to move,” McNitt said.
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