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SFOS' changes include new mall manager
SIKESTON - Zipping around the Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores in her golf cart emblazoned with the SFOS logo, Laurie Romas stops in the stores to chat with workers, check on visitors and keep a watchful eye as the traffic moves in and out of the parking lot.
Romas, who became the mall manager for the Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores earlier this year, smiles broadly and acknowledges the new job is a challenge. "But I love the work at the mall and the people here," she said.
Even before she took her job with the Sikeston Factory Outlet Stores, Romas was already a familiar face there. Prior to accepting the manger's position, she served as manager of the Kitchen Collection for five years.
When the position opened, Romas said she talked with the mall's management about the job. She said she was pleased when their ideas meshed so well on how to continue to improve the 14-year-old shopping area.
Already there are numerous changes under way.
In an effort to improve the shopping experience for visitors, Romas pointed out the hallways are now air-conditioned and heated. Also a reading area was created for those who might want to rest from their shopping.
To make the entrance to the shopping area more visually appealing, the entry will be redesigned. According to Romas, the plans are just now being turned into sketches.
The 22nd store, C Bar K Western World, opened this summer. The store features specialty items ranging from saddles to tack to children's wear.
There are still three vacancies which Romas and the SFOS owners are striving to fill but in the meantime, she is seeing the space is put to good use. During October, Show-Me Rentals will take over one of the spots to create a Halloween House filled with costumes for sale. As a community service another empty space will be taken over by the First Responders for their second annual community haunted house, Spooky Space.
In November a large area will be used to create an indoor tent sale where merchants will display sale items Nov. 3-5.
A new slogan is being added to the SFOS campaign: "We are your road to savings." While this acknowledges the stores proximity to major interstates, Romas said it also reminds area residents the stores are just a short drive away.
"You don't have to go out of town to find good customer service, quality merchandise and reasonable prices. It is right here," she added.
The SFOS new manager noted the marketing and leasing aspects of her job are new territory for her. Offering praised for the local managers and her staff, Romas concluded: "It has been an easy transition from being a store manager to mall manager due to their support."