Governor's Square has shopping with
community flavor
Mall located just around bend from Pine Ridge
May 4, 2013 |
The popular Apple Express train takes kids and adult-sized kids on a tour around the mall. / FOR THE LEAFCHRONICLE/ANDY-LEE FRY
Written by
Andy-Lee Fry
For The Leaf-Chronicle
The recently refurbished and expanded food court, as well as exterior restaurants, offer patrons a variety of dining
options. / FOR THE LEAF-CHRONICLE/ANDY-LEE FRY
CLARKSVILLE, TENN. — While malls nationwide have gained a reputation as a
meeting place for teenagers, Clarksville’s own complex on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard
has been seeking to develop into a hotspot that every member of the community can
enjoy.
Though commerce is a driving force, changes have nonetheless been afoot to turn
Governor’s Square Mall into something of far more than economic value.
“We’re always keenly attuned to what the community needs,” said Joe Bell, director of
corporate communications for Governor’s Square Mall’s parent company, Cafaro.
“We see this as a center that has to keep meeting the needs of a public that wants
variety.”
Certainly, the Governor’s Square complex – which includes not just the mall proper, but
also some 14 external buildings surrounding it – offers a variety to patrons.
For shoppers, familiar chain brands such as Toys R Us, Target, Gamestop and Claire’s
Accessories are present – not to mention being bordered on all sides by Sears, Dillards,
and J.C. Penney department stores.
But it also showcases smaller and local retailers – including T-Shack and Perfume
Paradise – providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs, as well as giving residents
the opportunity to obtain local goods.
“A lot of our retailers have been spending time freshening their look as well,” Bell said.
“We’re in the midst of an evolution.”
This evolution hasn’t gone unnoticed with the mall’s patrons.
“There are stores we go to all the time, like Maurices and Rue 21,” said Britney, who
was out for a day’s retail therapy with her friend Casey. “But we keep seeing changes,
and it’s exciting when we see a sign that a new store is coming.”
Entertainment and eateries
Of course, getting blisters while spending the day shopping isn’t everybody’s idea of
fun, and the Governor’s Square management continues to go to great lengths in order
to ensure there’s something for everybody.
Carmike Cinemas’ Governor’s Square 10 is right by the food court, and the kids can
bounce around on the Monster Spider Jump. There’s also the ever-popular Apple
Express train, which tours the length of the mall.
Nearby the mall is Chuck E Cheese’s, which offers a whole array of fun for kids.
Then again, if one’s looking for a kid-free period of rest and pampering, Governor’s
Square also features Elite Nails & Spa, and Nail Trix.
Alongside the regular fixtures, mall management plays host to a variety of events
throughout the year.
“We have a baby and kids show coming up in May, and that’ll be a lot of fun,” said
Andrea Sherman, Governor’s Square director of marketing. “There’ll be activities for the
kids, character appearances. We also have auto shows involving the local dealers.”
When the stomach growls after a full day’s activities, one can head to the recently
expanded and refurbished food court, or go outside to find Golden Coral buffet, IHOP or
Steak n Shake.
Focus on community
Much of the emphasis of the evolution of Governor’s Square Mall in recent years, and
where it’s headed in the future, remains squarely toward the community.
“We’re always trying find new ways to get the community involved,” Sherman said,
adding that many of their events include local businesses or artisans. “More than
anything it’s letting people know that Governor’s Square is here for the community and
not just another shopping location.”
The importance of keeping the mall a community space reaches out to not just the
retailers and shoppers. Even the security staff are making strides in the same direction.
“I like to make sure I’m approachable, that I’m always available,” said Sgt. David Moore,
assistant site supervisor, who had just wished good luck and safety to a pair soon-todeploy military personnel.
“The best part of the day is speaking to people, and that they know that when they leave
at night they don’t need to look over their shoulder.”
Future plans
Perhaps reflecting much of Clarksville, Governor’s Square is in an almost constant state
of change, as they reach out to attract new business to the area.
“We’ve had more than 60 years experience in building relationships with retailers,” Bell
said, adding that this means they can not only bring in established chain stores, but also
help to educate newer businesses and help them thrive. “We want to keep the mall
vibrant and relevant to the community’s lives.”
Upcoming changes that visitors will see toward the summer include the addition of skate
and snowboard store Zumiez, Best Buy Mobile and Ross Dress For Less.
A little further down the line, expected in 2014, construction will be under way on a
property that will include Vitamin Shoppe, and an 11,040-square-foot Petco store.
But while new stores may come and go, the people behind Governor’s Square seem to
be constantly striving to integrate the mall into the community.
“We’re not just our own community of retailers,” Sherman said.
“But part of the whole Clarksville family as well.”