NEW CASTLE TOWNSHIP -- The Schuylkill Mall is getting a late Christmas gift.
In January, a new business will move into a vacant store front inside the mall near Frackville.
"This is going to be TruBridge, which is going to be a call center that services the business healthcare needs of the community," said Elaine Maneval, the real estate manager at Schuylkill Mall.
TruBridge managers said the new location will bring about 100 new jobs to Schuylkill County.
Mall managers said the business may not be a store, but it shows how malls in Pennsylvania and across the country are changing.
At the other end of the mall, a long-time department store is leaving. Sears is preparing to close in mid-January and has started a liquidation sale, almost everything at this Sears is 20 to 40 percent off.
Shoppers said they're sad to see this anchor store leave, but they also said you can beat those deals right around the holidays.
"I bought a pair of sneakers that I didn't need, but they were on sale, so I couldn't pass up the bargain," said Patti Reczis from LeVelle.
One customer says the liquidation sale is helping her own business.
Louise Morgan bought clothing stands from Sears at 80 percent off for the thrift shop she works at in Lavelle.
"The manager has my card! I'm looking for other items as well."
Reczis said, "I remember when this mall was built. I was in high school and I remember how exciting it was for the entire area."
Mall managers hope that with the addition of TruBridge and new jobs that excitement can come back to the Frackville area.
"We hope it will cause a spring board effect because when one opens, more usually follow, so we're really excited," said Maneval.
