This Mall Just Banned ‘Mall Walkers’ From the Food Court
A new rule at WestGate Mall caught visitors off guard this spring. Management suspended mall walking at the food court entrance and posted a notice outlining the dates of the ban. The change pointed to deeper concerns inside Spartanburg’s only enclosed mall and set off a wave of frustration among people who had treated the space as part of their daily routine.
The suspension also startled longtime shoppers like Steve and Rita Motter, who came in with plans to buy gift cards and grab lunch. Their route happened to mirror the usual walking loop, which led a guard to question them. The interaction left them confused, then annoyed, especially after decades of supporting the stores inside the mall.
What Mall Management Said About The Change
Image via Canva/Michele
The general manager explained that the decision came after repeated issues with certain walkers. Security had reported a list of behaviors that created problems for both employees and guests. Walkers had unlocked the entrance doors for others before opening hours. They moved the wet floor caution signs. Some brought pets that were not service animals. A few pieces of exercise equipment were introduced into the hallways. Others formed patterns that forced people to dodge abrupt movements.
The concerns centered on safety and control during hours when only a skeleton crew staffed the building. The mall wanted clear rules, and management viewed the suspension as a reset.
A Serious Incident Added Pressure
Local reporting highlighted another aspect of the situation. A disturbance inside the mall earlier in the year raised alarm beyond routine safety complaints. A man named Christopher Antwan Price faced charges after an incident that involved attacking patrons and attempting to take a police vehicle. The event occurred in the afternoon, outside of walking hours, but it brought security concerns to the forefront.
In a place that already struggled with vacancies and shifting retail trends, the fear of any repeat event added urgency to tighten procedures. The walking crowd became part of the conversation, even though most had no connection to the incident.
This Hit A Nerve In Spartanburg
Image via Wikimedia Commons/LittleT889
WestGate Mall opened in 1975 and was once a central spot for local families. Changes in shopping habits have impacted malls across the country, with research indicating that a significant number may close within the next decade. Losing foot traffic only deepens the challenges. That is why the Motters and others reacted so strongly. They believed their presence kept the place active.