Story Published:
Mar 3, 2008 at 8:38 PM MST
Story Updated:
Mar 4, 2008 at 7:31 AM MST
BILLINGS - As the U.S. economy struggles, businesses across the nation are closing their doors. On Monday, Ben Franklin Crafts in Billings' West Park Plaza began its going out of business sale.
Owners said they're closing partially because of sluggish sales and partly because of the state of the economy. Evelyn Broadus shops at Ben Franklin. She said she's sad to see the store closing. "It just makes me very sad that they're going out of business," she said. "It's been one of my favorite stores over the years."
Broadus took advantage of the stores going out of business sale. She picked up some fabric, scrapbooking supplies, and yarn. She said when the store closes its doors in may, she probably won't be coming back to West Park Plaza very often. "There isn't anything else here," Broadus said. "Anyplace else that I really shop."
Empty hallways throughout the plaza seem to indicate that many people feel the same way. Kent Messmer, owner of Illusions Plus said you can't judge a mall by the crowds, or lack there of. "Most all the stores in here rely on regular customers rather than people who walk by," he said.
As prom gets closer, Messmer sees more and more customers pouring in. "Our particular store is a destination location," he said. "If they want a costume or a tuxedo they're going to come here." Kent said the mall has new owners and they are looking to attract more businesses and update the front of the building. But he said, the mall is a great place to shop.
"The building's in good shape," Messmer said. "The maintenance people keep it up pretty nice and clean. So I think it's a nice place to come and if people remember that West Park Plaza's here. They'll find some nice stuff here."
West Park Plaza opened in 1963. Since then the mall has been open everyday except holidays. Officials said it will stay open for many years to come.
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