Will Malone became the general manager for Providence Place in late April. He was most recently the Northeast region vice president for mall owner/operator General Growth Properties. Before that he held management positions at a number of malls across the country. He recently took some time to speak with Providence Business News about his new job.
PBN: How are you enjoying Providence thus far?
MALONE: Since my arrival in late April, I have found Providence to be a vibrant, exciting city with tremendous diversity. I, along with my family, am beginning to enjoy all that Providence has to offer, from the fantastic WaterFire events to all the various dining and entertainment options. Being originally from Tennessee, I look forward to continuing to explore the Renaissance City, the state of Rhode Island and all of New England.
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PBN: You’ve been a manager at malls across the country. What do you see different at Providence Place, if anything?
MALONE: I feel that Providence Place is very connected to and involved with the city on many levels. Being a newly sworn in trustee with the Providence Foundation, I am being afforded the opportunity to meet many of Providence’s business and community leaders. I have been warmly welcomed by many people and companies within Providence and look forward to continuing introductions and developing relationships within the community. Since we are discussing managing at different malls across the country, I feel compelled to mention that while I have worked with some of the best teams in the industry, the Providence Place team performs at an extremely high level and has made me feel right at home since Day 1.
PBN: What projects do you anticipate undertaking at Providence Place?
MALONE: As you may have read, or possibly even seen first hand if you have visited the mall since Sept. 9, we recently began a carpet replacement project for the entire property. We anticipate completing this 22,000-square-yard project by Nov. 1, prior to the start of the holiday season. In concert with the carpet project we have also embarked on a handrail refurbishment for the center that should be complete in the next four weeks or so. And while those two projects are enough to keep everyone busy leading up to the holidays, we are also in the middle of a total garage cleaning and relamping project that started in July. We have a couple of other updates coming in late 2009/early 2010 that will hopefully be announced soon.
PBN: As you are well aware many malls across America are struggling today, including the parent company of Providence Place. What sets Providence apart from the competition?
MALONE: The current issue facing our parent company has had no impact on the continued success or operations of Providence Place. Retailers express tremendous interest in Providence Place, with occupancy continuing to be above the ICSC average. Any shopping center will remain successful as long as reinvestments are made and the needs of both the shoppers and retailers are met. We pride ourselves on both these variables. As mentioned, we’ve recently undertaken a major carpet replacement project throughout the center; this is a great re-investment in the commitment to providing an inviting and pleasant environment in which to shop, dine and work. Our commitment to providing an unparalleled shopping experience will never diminish.
PBN: When you enter other malls do you find yourself thinking about their management rather than enjoying yourself?
MALONE: Very interesting question. Whereas I conscientiously try not to be completing a “mental checklist” as I visit other places, I do find myself observing operations, marketing/advertising and overall management of the facility. Often times it is not even a shopping center but rather an airport, a theater or even a restaurant. While there are many vital pieces to operating a successful public business, it is interesting to me how other venues are operated with regard to security, janitorial and even lighting/HVAC. My family will usually bring me back to reality very quickly as I start to take written notes, reminding me that I am there to enjoy the day with them and that yes, it’s OK to be “off duty” at times.
