‘Messes up your whole day;’ Walking group pushes back after business hour changes at local mall
Recent adjustments to operating hours at the Mall at Fairfield Commons have some upset.
The mall said in a statement it has decided to begin opening mall doors at 10:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday.
Some retirees have been walking the floors of the mall before stores opened since the 1990s.
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One walking group meets at the mall to exercise early so they can have a safe and accommodating space.
When the group saw the post on the front doors of the mall saying they can no longer come inside until at least an hour later than usual, it was upsetting for them.
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“Impacted some of my appointments, they know that I have you know, medical appointments to send out so I have to change,” said Jane Finkey. “That kind of messes up your whole day.”
A worry is walking alongside others when some people in the group need more space.
“It’s flat for the walkers, you know, the mobility devices,” said Mary Standridge.
As a pushback to the time change, Standridge started a petition and got nearly 50 signatures in one day.
“Then a guard said you can’t do that on property. So you have to stop,” Standridge said.
News Center 7 received the following statement from the mall, saying in part “New mall walking hours more closely align with our retailers’ hours in order for us to maintain the highest quality standards.”
“It’s a lot of jargon,” Standridge said.
Her concern is the close-knit community that has been built up for decades is going to break apart.
“It’s like everyone’s gonna scatter,” Standridge said. “My biggest fear is somebody gets left out. Because this has been perfect.”
