TOLEDO -- The Woodville Mall was a hot spot for more than just the regular mall walkers. Today they had to compete with the dozens of people who came out to take a look at the new local stores that have set up shop in the once booming, now struggling shopping center.
Sean Grindle grew up shopping in the mall, but admits in recent years Woodville has seen quite a bit of loss, but today it was all gain. “Oh its good to see the hustle and bustle here that's the first thing I thought when I walked in,” Grindle.
More than 25 stores are now open and operating, with several more opening up this week. Jackie Grey is one of the business owners that believed in Woodville enough to take a chance, “a lot of people don't know what were doing here they have no idea that there are so many stores in here now.” She co-owns In Process, a shop that showcases art pieces and designs from local artists. Her business partner Cindy Below convinced her that Woodville would be the perfect place to sell. “It’s the first mall we ever went to as kids. We grew up around here, this is the mall everybody came to it was booming back in the day,” Below.
Sherry Sutton was selling her baked goods from tables at events, now she's running her own shop. “They're really giving everybody a chance especially in this economy to make their own way,” Sutton.
Many of the owners here believe they can recapture the excitement that Woodville mall used to have. And longtime visitors like Grindle, who remembers what the mall was is optimistic about what it can be “I’m hoping they can bring that back.”
The mall now features toy stores, hair salons, dollar mart and other clothing stores.
There are also a list of new restaurants that feature a variety of food like Tex-Mex, sandwiches, deserts and catering.
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