David Rocha is one of many people being laid off from stores closing their doors at Valle Vista Mall.
Assistant Mall Manager Denisse Sanchez confirmed the closures.
"Stores are closing across the nation, we have Limited Too, Rex, The Avenue, and Marshall's closing," Sanchez said.
But Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell assured Action 4 News that it shouldn't affect the city's economy.
"The stores that have closed like Mervyns and Steve and Barry’s they’re everywhere in the country it doesn’t have anything to do with this mall," Boswell.
The mall has spent millions of dollars in renovations but many are asking will the investment pay off?
Sanchez said there is a plan.
“It’s just a reality of the economic situation that our country is currently facing," she said.
With the number stores dwindling and rumors flying about Dillard's and other stores closing, the Mayor stepped in to ease concern.
"I spoke to the mall managers as recently as last week," Boswell said. "There is no word from Dillards that they are closing."
Mayor Boswell said the mall may be going through a transition, but it isn't all the city has to offer.
"Harlingen is not completely dependent of the mall," he said.
Valle Vista Mall administrators are simply optimistic with the “someone's loss, is someone else's gain” attitude.
"We do view this as an opportunity to enhance our retailer mix by bringing in new retailers as we did with Circuit City, Aeropostle and Perfumania," Sanchez said.
They're banking on these stores and the newest leaser Forever 21, who will assume Mervyn’s lease come spring to help them meet the city's quota.
In the end it will be up to the shoppers preference if the made-over Valle Vista Mall will last another 25 years.
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