Aj Jemison, General manager of International Plaza, Tampa.
By STEVE HUETTEL
Published September 22, 2003
Q. With all the talk about the economy turning around, have you seen any signs of a recovery at the mall?
In our first year, people were purchasing things for the home. TVs, stereos, home furnishings - things they buy because they're staying home more. Now, retail (apparel) is coming back. When the economy is down, people don't buy for themselves as much. They're less likely to buy that blouse or slacks. Now, they're doing that.
Q. How do you see the competition with WestShore Plaza evolving?
People always looked at that shopping center as the upscale shopping center. They were the only one with a Saks. They had FAO Schwarz and the Disney Store, which are gone. They replaced Dillard's with Sears. That changed the complexion of the center. They're still a great center. Now, WestShore and International plazas are the upscale plazas in the market. No one competes with us. They have longevity, and we're the new kids on the block. We've brought in stores that no one else has.
Q. What kinds of things are mall security doing - that you can talk about - to look out for people who might commit an act of terrorism?
Even before 9/11, we didn't allow photography or videos in the shopping center, because stores would have a great window (display) and competitors would steal designs or copy windows. So do we let people stand in front of Neiman Marcus with a camera? No. Now, when people use cameras, there's a heightened level of awareness. Why would someone need to tape the operation of elevators? We'll ask, "Can I see your film or video?"
