More than just the appearance of Santa Claus at Meadowbrook Mall signifies that the arrival of the holiday season is at hand. Along with its regular near full roster of businesses that are gearing up for the Christmas shopping blitz, the mall has already added six new businesses that are in place primarily for the holidays.

 

According to Meadowbrook Mall Property Manager Marcello Lalama, the businesses that are in place for the upcoming weeks of holiday shopping include Hickory Farms, Glass Gallery, Go Calendars!  Go Games!, CP Gifts, Personalized Ornaments and RC Toys. Lalama there is one more business expected to arrive that is currently in negotiations. Although he couldn’t confirm who it was, he did say it was a familiar name.

 

The amount of new businesses that are arriving at the mall is actually down in numbers. Lalama said it has nothing to do with businesses having a lack of interest in coming to Bridgeport.

 

“We typically have around 10 new businesses added and this time of year,” said Lalama. “We reach that number usually depending on the size of the stores wanting to come in and location of the stores. We only have so much room.”

 

What that means is that business is doing very well at the mall. In years past, some of the businesses would locate in vacant store fronts. With the mall at nearly 100 percent capacity, that space simply isn’t available and businesses that need a larger location simply have no place to go.

 

“What you’re seeing with the businesses we have this year are those utilizing carts and some using full size kiosks,” said Lalama. “ … Some of the kiosks are large 10x20 kiosks and some are smaller, more standard size kiosks.”

 

Lalama said with space at a premium, it’s difficult to balance between finding space for potential businesses and not cluttering the space for shoppers. He said it’s a nice issue to be dealing with, particularly in a mall that is more than 30 years gold.

 

“You certainly don’t want to interfere with the shopping experience,” said Lalama. “But, we’re in the business of leasing space so we try to maximize what we can to provide as many options as possible for the upcoming season. We think everyone will be able to find what they need.”

 

While the Christmas shopping season is aided by decorations, larger crowds and even Santa himself, Lalama said the temporary businesses also add to the experience. He said he often is asked about certain businesses that always have a holiday presence at the Meadowbrook Mall.

 

“They all bring that season impulse buy that kind of makes it unique to the holiday,” said Lalama. “The calendar, the crafts, the items from Hickory Farms; our shoppers know that those are items you don’t get the entire year and they look forward to it. We look forward to seeing as many people visit as possible to take advantage of the new businesses and our existing business base.”

 

Editor's Note: Pictured above is Personalized Ornaments and below is Hickory Farms. Photos courtesy of the Meadowbrook Mall.