by David Chapman
Staff Writer
It’s the season for packed stores, ringing cash registers and busy shoppers finding last-minute gifts for the holidays.
Everyday consumers, especially those deadline shoppers, might dread the situation, but for Helen Ciesla, it’s a good sign.
Ciesla, Regency Square Mall general manager, knows the holiday season is a big boost for the more than 130 businesses within the walls of one of Jacksonville’s longest established shopping locales.
Generally, the holiday season, beginning Black Friday and ending Christmas Day, brings out triple the number of shoppers, said Ciesla. While foot traffic has remained flat from prior years, sales are up.
“They’re having a very good Christmas season,” said Ciesla, referring to both the mall’s anchor tenants and many of the smaller vendors.
Ciesla has been the mall general manager for 12 years, coming from a similar position in Sarasota, and she has seen the market become saturated with competition, forcing Regency Square to shift into a more value and entertainment-oriented destination.
“Value is definitely the key,” said Ciesla. “And we definitely offer an entertainment element not often found.”
Regency Square continues to find its niche, said Ciesla, and will continue to do so.
She said discussions continue regarding the use of the mall’s west end, which has experienced a number of vacancies.
Rumors have circulated about the space, from it being torn down to it being used by local colleges and universities. She said talks are under way with office brokers.
While Ciesla handles lease negotiations, she can often be found walking the mall with radio in hand, talking to customers, vendors and business owners, adjusting signs, picking up litter, helping the security detail and doing just about anything needed.
“The word ‘general’ is a good term,” she said. “It’s a position where you never, ever, ever end up not doing something. You keep track of everything and help take on whatever needs to be done.”
Ciesla stays hands-on, which she considers critical while the mall continues to reposition itself as a niche destination.
“We have many loyal customers and businesses,” she said. “We’re going to continue to be here for them.”
356-2466