Forest Fair's reinvention is among hundreds occuring across the country as outdated malls struggle to meet changing consumer and retail needs. But this mall's story is a little different. Gator's involvement in Forest Fair represents a leap of faith, and a cautious development plan. It's a big fish to fry. Mr. Goldsmith contends that this new mix of value retail and entertainment should suit local, value-conscious consumers.
Some local shoppers agree.
If the price is right, I'll definitely come this far. Its unfortunate past was a matter of timing, he said, but it illustrates the significance of the mall's transformation. And it was within five miles of Tri-County Mall, which had just added another level of stores. Some critics think Forest Fair failed to define its market. But the mall's founder, Australian mall developer George Herscu, failed primarily because of money problems.