Dutch Square Center Manager Talks Events, Economy

Manager Liz Krejci started working at Dutch Square in 1999 under Phillips Edison & Company, the real estate company that owns the mall. Dutch Square was the first enclosed mall built in Columbia. It opened in 1970. 

The mall has seen a lot of changes over the years, but that's just the natural flow of things, Krejci said. Dutch Square is still a place where the community comes together, she said. Patch sat down with Krejci to take a look at what's coming up at the mall.  

How long have you been manager?

"In September, it'll be 11 years that I've been manager, but I've been here 12 years." 

Is there anything going on at Dutch Square that you want the community to know about? 

"This Saturday, in addition to , The Glass Slipper is doing a here. I think Christmas in July is their theme. We seem to get a lot of beauty pageants here. We're a central location with I-20 and I-26 converging right here." 

"[July] 23 Dress Barn is having a fashion show down in center court." 

Who does Dress Barn use as their models?

"A lot of times they'll use their customers, so you have real people as opposed to models who don't really represent the customers." 

Are there any new stores coming to the mall? 

"Planet Fitness opened earlier this year. I think the economy is still affecting new businesses opening all over this city. The banks just aren't lending yet. I think it'll turn around. It's still a good place to come. We've got a good theater and some good places to shop. Burlington Coat Factory is doing really well. Belk is doing well also. Our anchors are solid."