It’s not even Black Friday yet, and already shoppers are in full swing in the Manatee/Sarasota counties area.
All are hitting the new stores at the Mall at University Town Center.
The new mall has been open for a week. The new shopping center is bringing more traffic and extra people.
Nearby businesses owners say they welcome the extra crowds.
“The mall is going to be good,” said Lynn Janning, who works at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue Adoption and Retail Store. “We have more traffic and people venturing out here more and checking out all of the shops.”
Located across the street from the mall sits the Shoppes at University Center.
Janning, who works at the animal adoption and retail store there, said she hopes the crowds at UTC leads to new customers.
“You’re out shopping and you find us and this is what brings you in,” she said.
The folks at GiGi’s Cupcakes of Sarasota are also happy to see the new mall.
Owner Jodi McGaharan said she’s not worried about the mall taking away any business.
“It’s a wonderful new neighbor,” said McGaharan. “I feel we are going to partner really well. We’re individual, but sort of all together. We’re looking at the same demographic of customers, so we’re happy. I think everyone in this mall is happy to have the new mall.”
She thinks now that the new mall is open, things will only get busier.
“I know we’re going to see a huge amount of business, just because of amount of people who are driving by here every day,” said McGaharan.