Nov 19, 2009 9:00 pm US/Eastern
Del. Mall Expands Amidst Holiday Shopping Drought
WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS 3) ―
At a time when malls are struggling to maintain occupancy rates and retailers are bracing for another challenging holiday season, the Christiana Mall in Newark Delaware is expanding.
Thursday, they celebrated the opening of an expansion including nearly 50 new stores, but officials say the expansion isn't over.
"At a time when the retail industry is bracing for frozen sales numbers this holiday season, Christiana mall in turning out to be well insulated," said Governor Jack Markel.
New stores at the mall are expected to be added until 2011, when Delaware's first Nordstrom store will open at the Mall.
National Retail Federation expects holiday sales to decline by one percent this year, with a recent survey finding sales, specials and general discounts being the most important factor for shoppers. In a time of financial insecurity, the Christiana Mall has been fairing better than most and today, Governor Markel told a crowd that's partially because the state does not have a sales tax.
"One of the advantages to Delaware is the fact that we have no sales tax and we know that it's a huge driver and it's something that really attracts people," Markell said.
It's an incentive that may make the difference this year as most people say they'll be spending a little less on family, but a lot less on friends and co workers.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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