TOPEKA (KSNT) - Topeka's West Ridge Mall is making progress after changing ownership last year.
When Advisors Excel purchased the mall last September, the mall was 27% full. Less than a year later, it's up to 55% capacity.
Casey Richardson, West Ridge Mall's general manager, said the new ownership has flourished.
"It's all about who's running the mall," Richardson said. "The previous owners, they really just ran it into the ground because they were never here. They didn't come into the mall everyday and see the dripping faucets, or the leaking roof or the non-working escalators have to walk up the stairs everyday."
Since last year, multiple new businesses have opened up shop, and at least four more will move in next month. Kali Ahlin, the owner of Linked by AEA, moved her jewelry and clothing business into the mall seven months ago.
"More business helps other business. The more of us that can fill up this space, the better all of us will do," Ahlin said.
With new shops moving in, Richardson said the old fixtures need to go.
"There's some really cool things," Richardson said. "I already have a mannequin at home, so I don't need another one. But, there is a ton of mannequins. We've got kids mannequins, we've got women's mannequins, men's mannequins, plus size mannequins. So, if you're looking for mannequins, this is the place to be."
Richardson said other items up for sale include tables, restaurant items, clothing racks and hangers.
The sale is from 10 a.m. to noon next Saturday, July 20, in the old GAP store at the northwest side of the building. The garage-sale type negotiating will be cash only and first-come first-serve.
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