The manager of White Oaks Mall says the loss of two major anchor tenants isn’t a setback, it’s an opportunity. Clay Emerich tells the Springfield City Council that opening up that space gives the mall the chance to add more entertainment, service and restaurant options.
Emerich acknowledges that the closure of Bergner’s was a surprise, although the shutdown of Sears was less unexpected. Emerich says the mall is now focused on increasing foot traffic and in keeping Springfield dollars in Springfield, instead of seeing them go to shopping centers in St. Louis, Chicago or elsewhere.