Wiggle Worms Pleased With New Space in Mall

Wiggle Worms is open for business in the , but in a different location that is in the connector hallway for the food court and Le Gourmet Chef.

Owner Chrissy Gibbs thought last month that she was going to have to close business when she got a lease termination letter from company that owns the mall, the Cafaro Company. . One parent even created a "Save Wiggle Worms" Facebook page.

Gibbs said she has about half the space than she did before but the floor area where the children play is about the same size. She thanked the parents for keeping her business in the mall.

"I was extremely nervous," Gibbs said during an interview Tuesday. "I was debating whether to go back to teaching or go back into accounting—one of the two. I really do like doing this. It combines everything I like."

Wiggle Worms does not require any contract or registration fees and provides parents an opportunity for a break to shop, see a movie, run errands, go on a date or just relax. The rates depends on the number of children ages 12 months to 10 years old and range from $8 per hour to $21 per hour for four children, with a small military rate discount.

Gibbs said she is happy with the new location, has seen a boost in business and believes the room is more functional for the services she provides. Her lease is for three years but there is a 15-day notice for Cafaro Company to issue a lease termination letter, which is common for most of the stores in the mall, Gibbs said.

"I think we have different foot traffic here," she said. "I think a lot of people have never been to the other side of the mall."

She is excited for the murals that Princess Parties of Virginia will be painting on the business walls. Gibbs put a call out for paint and other items and she said she got overwhelming support.

"Everyone has donated everything to keep the doors open," she said.

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