Targeting black Friday shoppers

Convenience is driving shoppers to online merchandisers and retailers that are typically located outside the mall.

"You drive up to a Kohl's, you do your shopping, you get back in your car and you're done," Davidowitz said. "You go to a mall and it's a huge pain in the a-- with the parking and everything. You can drive right up to Wal-Mart and do your shopping and leave. Drug stores are performing best in recent years. Who's more convenient than the drug store?"

Malls like Muncie's -- which is a regional center that draws shoppers from several counties -- are strong enough to attract other retailers. When Target relocated its Muncie store in 2003, it chose a spot across the parking lot from Muncie Mall. An out-of-town developer who recently built a strip center, including a Qdoba, near the mall told The Star Press that proximity to the mall was desirable.

Nance said the relative strength of Muncie Mall doesn't make Simon Property Group complacent, however. Mall stores will compete with big box stores by opening as early as 4 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving. For the first time, the mall will coordinate specials and coupons with mall tenants.

"We want to drive traffic in here early," Nance said. "Last year [opening early] was successful and this year we have more partners on board.

"We know people will be going to the Best Buys and Targets and Wal-Marts, and we're letting them know we have specials here."

Source: The Star Press, 11/18/07