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SALT LAKE CITY — As City Creek Center approaches its one-year anniversary, The Gateway Mall is announcing some major renovations to stay competitive. It will now undergo a $2 million makeover.
The Gateway General Manager Scott Bennett said the mall plans to invest the money sprucing up the place a bit.
"We're looking at some ambiance, community, and some green areas; to put a lot of money into refurbishing some of the existing facilities — our concrete, creating more seating areas," Bennett said.
But a year after City Creek to the downtown shopping scene, many wonder if there is still competition for shoppers with The Gateway.
When City Creek opened in March 2012, The Gateway lost 16 stores to the new mall. Right now, there are 14 more stores and restaurants planning to join the more than 100 already at City Creek.
"We think that they can have a great experience coming to Downtown. It's ultimately going to draw more people into the Downtown district, and we're excited about that. That's a win for everyone," said Linda Wardell, general manager of City Creek.
Downtown shoppers at City Creek Monday said they agree — they like both malls.
"There's different stores, and they're super close. So, if people need to go to another store, that's not (at City Creek), they just take TRAX or walk (to The Gateway), because it's not very far," said Hillary Terrell, who works at City Creek.
The Gateway also boasts unique businesses, like the Clark Planetarium, Discovery Center, as well as movie theatres and different restaurants and stores.
"I was here last week and saw a lot of sales, so I thought I'd stop by here instead of City Creek or some of the Downtown stores," Gateway shopper Amy Novoa said.
"The Gateway is a gathering place. It's the shopping, entertainment and dining destination," Bennett said. "What we want to do is to create more reason for people to come and stay."
Managers at The Gateway just hosted the St. Patrick's Day Parade Saturday and are planning a summer concert series.
Meanwhile, City Creek managers plan to celebrate the shopping district's one-year anniversary with a party on Friday, March 22.
