An anchor store at The Mall at Steamtown shut its doors this week. Its competition wasted no time trying to win over customers in hopes that it will keep people in the struggling downtown mall.
Most of the foot traffic you will see going in and out of The Mall at Steamtown in Scranton is confined to only one of its stores and employees at Boscov's said it's often busy on a weekday afternoon.
"We love the fact that right now we're the only game in town, but obviously the sooner we have a partner at the other end of the mall the better it's going to be. It's going to generate additional foot traffic," said store manager Steve Vituszynski.
Boscov's shared the downtown mall with Bon-Ton, the mall's second anchor store that is now shut down. Boscov's is offering a 25 percent discount to Bon-Ton shoppers for the next month. Managers hope to keep those shoppers in the mall while rumors swirl over what the new anchor store will be.
"We're hearing a lot of rumors, we have no idea what it's going to be. Hopefully, whatever it's going to be it's going to be announced very soon," Vituszynski added.
The Bon-Ton signs are down along Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton, the store shut its doors this week. Mall at Steamtown officials still have not said what if anything will be filling its spot.
Newswatch 16 met several shoppers planning on using the Boscov's discount.
Shopper John Sasz of Clarks Green said discounted prices may be why Boscov's is succeeding and others aren't.
"Very good idea, very good idea, yes, they know what they're doing here," said Sasz.
Other shoppers said the busy Boscov's store is a sign of hope that the mall will stay busy for now even with one big store front shuttered.
"I think for a while, but it would be great to have another anchor store, a little competition," added Jane Peet of Lake Ariel.
Officials with The Mall at Steamtown said stores are interested in the Bon-Ton space but a lease has not been signed yet.