MALL MANAGER: COMMERCIAL GROWTH ELSEWHERE BENEFITS WESTFIELD

Mall manager Jim Govro loves the commercial development that has mushroomed on the west side of Interstate 55.

Govro manages Westfield Shoppingtown West Park, the 20-year-old mall on William Street, a few blocks east of Interstate 55 in Cape Girardeau.

Much of the retail development west of I-55 has occurred in the last several years, but Govro doesn't have a bad attitude about all that competition.

He said the commercial growth helps draw more shoppers to the city, and many of them will visit both the Cape West Business Park stores and the mall.

"When Cape Girardeau grows, my business grows," said Govro.

With 504,000 square feet under roof, the mall is one of the largest covered structures in the area.

West Park's anchor stores include JCPenney and Famous Barr. It also is home to 84 specialty stores, food shops and restaurants. The mall also leases kiosk and pushcart space to a number of businesses.

Govro said out-of-town shoppers typically visit several commercial areas in Cape Girardeau.

"They will visit us," he said. "They will go to Wal-Mart, Target. They will spend the whole day here."

The mall remains a busy place.

"Last year, 6.6 million people came through the doors," he said.

West Park stores generated $102 million in gross sales in 2000 or a 10th of retail sales in Cape Girardeau County, Govro said.

"Business is really very wonderful here," he said. "I think we are just hitting our stride."