Columbia Mall looking to expand consumer options beyond retail stores

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Mall is looking to expand itself beyond its current shopping experience by adding entertainment and other businesses into the mall.

Discussions of the malls future retail and infrastructure plans were discussed during the Regional Economic Development Inc. meeting on Wednesday.

Rusty Strodtman, senior manager of the Columbia Mall, said infrastructure is one of its major investments into the 38-year-old building, including electric lines, roofs and sewers.

The mall is currently at around 90% store occupancy, and it is looking to turn the mall into a place for people to "hang out," rather than just shop.

"One of the main things that can be purchased off the Internet is clothing and apparel items," Strodtman said. "So, we're obviously trying to find things that are maybe not found on the internet as much so entertainment services, food just different things that are not as easily found on the internet.”

Columbia Mall currently has Level Up, an arcade with bowling laser tag and a ropes course. Strodtman says they are looking to add similar businesses.

Stores that are soon-to-be open at the mall include Sola Salon, Luminous Fashions, Fillogic, Animates and Takumi.