When you need a break from studying or a new outfit, in-person shopping might not be the first thing you think to do.
Many malls started to lose business during the pandemic and have suffered due to online shopping, according to Business.com. Fortunately, Greenwood Mall still has some popular stores and hidden gems that make it worth a visit.
After being at the mall for over 10 years, Bath & Body Works employee Jacob Glass has worked at four different stores. He said he has seen many changes. Glass said the new leasing company, Centennial, plans to update the mall.
“I think the stores we have now are fine; I like our stores,” Glass said. “The outside and inside could use new flooring, new looks, new plumbing.”
Hard Copies employee Katy Wilkins said she does not think online shopping can replace the mall.
“I think actually the company that just bought the mall is working a lot to revitalize it, which is really good,” Wilkins said. “They’re dumping a lot of money into the mall, trying to find more people who want to have a lease in here, too.”
Wilkins said she has been visiting the mall since the 90s. She said she thinks it has been doing better in recent years. The mall opened in 1979, according to WKNY40, so it’s definitely time for some renovations, but overall, employees are optimistic.
Wilkins said that when it comes to changes, the food court could use some adjustments.
“I have a lot of people ask me about sit-down restaurants here in the mall, Wilkins said. “Maybe like actually having one or building a nice restaurant.”
You can’t go wrong with getting pretzels at Auntie Anne’s. Wilkins, however, is right about the food court needing an update. Let’s just say I wouldn’t recommend going to the mall if you are looking for a decent place to eat.
So, which stores at the mall should you go to? My recommendations include Earthbound, Aerie and Hard Copies, but it all depends on your personal style and interests.
For example, freshman Rileigh Board said that her favorite stores were Aerie, Old Navy, Hollister and Ulta Beauty. She also said that she likes the selection of stores at the mall, but wishes that it had a Brandy Melville and a Sephora.
Tori VanMetre, an alumna and Rue21 manager, said she sees more college students working at the mall than shopping.
“My best friend and I would go to the mall on days when we felt like we needed to skip class, maybe like once a semester,” VanMetre said.
Currently, Hard Copies is offering a 10% discount for students and faculty with a WKU or Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College ID. This is a great option if you’re looking for room decorations. They have a large selection of vinyls and posters.
Other businesses could benefit from offering a student discount. Higher prices at the mall could be a reason people shop online or get clothes second-hand instead.
“I did have a lot of college kids wanting to shop at Boot Barn because cowboy boots are your number one go-to, especially for Western games,” Glass said. “Everyone wants their red boots for Western.”
Like Glass, Vanmetere said red, black and white clothes are Rue21’s best sellers during football season.
Next time there’s a rainy day or you need a break from a stressful class, the mall is a great place to have some retail therapy. With the upcoming renovations and current stores, I have hope for the future of the Greenwood Mall. We shouldn’t take for granted the mall’s importance in the Bowling Green community.
Opinion: Greenwood Mall shows shopping in-person isn’t overrated
When you need a break from studying or a new outfit, in-person shopping might not be the first thing you think to do.
Many malls started to lose business during the pandemic and have suffered due to online shopping, according to Business.com. Fortunately, Greenwood Mall still has some popular stores and hidden gems that make it worth a visit.
After being at the mall for over 10 years, Bath & Body Works employee Jacob Glass has worked at four different stores. He said he has seen many changes. Glass said the new leasing company, Centennial, plans to update the mall.
“I think the stores we have now are fine; I like our stores,” Glass said. “The outside and inside could use new flooring, new looks, new plumbing.”
Hard Copies employee Katy Wilkins said she does not think online shopping can replace the mall.
“I think actually the company that just bought the mall is working a lot to revitalize it, which is really good,” Wilkins said. “They’re dumping a lot of money into the mall, trying to find more people who want to have a lease in here, too.”
Wilkins said she has been visiting the mall since the 90s. She said she thinks it has been doing better in recent years. The mall opened in 1979, according to WKNY40, so it’s definitely time for some renovations, but overall, employees are optimistic.
Wilkins said that when it comes to changes, the food court could use some adjustments.
“I have a lot of people ask me about sit-down restaurants here in the mall, Wilkins said. “Maybe like actually having one or building a nice restaurant.”
You can’t go wrong with getting pretzels at Auntie Anne’s. Wilkins, however, is right about the food court needing an update. Let’s just say I wouldn’t recommend going to the mall if you are looking for a decent place to eat.
So, which stores at the mall should you go to? My recommendations include Earthbound, Aerie and Hard Copies, but it all depends on your personal style and interests.
For example, freshman Rileigh Board said that her favorite stores were Aerie, Old Navy, Hollister and Ulta Beauty. She also said that she likes the selection of stores at the mall, but wishes that it had a Brandy Melville and a Sephora.
Tori VanMetre, an alumna and Rue21 manager, said she sees more college students working at the mall than shopping.
“My best friend and I would go to the mall on days when we felt like we needed to skip class, maybe like once a semester,” VanMetre said.
Currently, Hard Copies is offering a 10% discount for students and faculty with a WKU or Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College ID. This is a great option if you’re looking for room decorations. They have a large selection of vinyls and posters.
Other businesses could benefit from offering a student discount. Higher prices at the mall could be a reason people shop online or get clothes second-hand instead.
“I did have a lot of college kids wanting to shop at Boot Barn because cowboy boots are your number one go-to, especially for Western games,” Glass said. “Everyone wants their red boots for Western.”
Like Glass, Vanmetere said red, black and white clothes are Rue21’s best sellers during football season.
Next time there’s a rainy day or you need a break from a stressful class, the mall is a great place to have some retail therapy. With the upcoming renovations and current stores, I have hope for the future of the Greenwood Mall. We shouldn’t take for granted the mall’s importance in the Bowling Green community.