There are some stark differences from the early shopping centres in our society, but like the bazaars and markets that came before them, the modern malls in our cities provide a common centre for commerce and culture.
That commercial hub in Estevan began 40 years ago. The anniversary was recognized this past weekend with a celebration on Saturday afternoon, and stores took part through anniversary sales.
Mall manager Arlene Stebeleski has been working at the mall for about four years and took the post as manager earlier this summer, as the mall was purchased by Winnipeg's Artis Reit.
Those are just a few of the many and constant changes that the Shoppers Mall has seen over the past 40 years. As Stebeleski noted, a mall is always in a state of change and movement, with stores coming and going, and new faces walking through the door on daily basis.
"We've gone through some changes, all positive," said Stebeleski.
"Malls have so many beneficial things. You can come for the shopping. You can come to gather. A lot of people come for coffee and sit and meet with friends or you meet people you haven't seen in a long time, too," she added. "Malls really bring a lot into the community, whether they're big or small."
Cutting the cake on Saturday was Marilyn Ribling, who has been working in the mall since almost the beginning. She has worked at the Old Homestead for about 39 years and six months.
"She is my longest person who has been in the mall the longest," said Stebeleski. "She started in the Homestead six months after it opened."
Stebeleski said Ribling's longevity also shows that of the Homestead, and having long-term merchants is something a manager loves to see.
"When you can see businesses that are here as long as the mall is here, it means something to us. When you have a tenant that moves out, it's not only a hit on them as a business, but it's a hit on us, too. We've lost that merchant that has had the same customers over the years," said Stebeleski, adding that when those customers don't have that business to attend to, they are less likely to attend the mall.
But whenever a business leaves, a new business can replace it, and the mall manager said that's an opportunity to bring in new people and develop new relationships.
"It's nice to see our regulars come in and new faces come in. There are lots of ways at looking at it."
The anniversary included the farmers' market in the parking lot, local vendors in the foyers and draws in the evening with a number of sponsored goods. There was also a name the stores contest, with old photos of places that are no longer there. With the signs marked out, participants during the Saturday festivities had to identify a selection of places from the past.
Following the celebration, activity at the mall is expected to heat up as the holiday season approaches with Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas.
"As of Nov. 1, we will be full. We've got our regular vendors for the Christmas season, they will be joining us once again," said Stebeleski. "We're looking forward to working with both new and old merchants. The merchants are very nice people to work with."
