The Woodland Mall: Shopping Center or Money Pit?

University students often refer to the Woodland Mall as the "small" because of its size and lack of major retailers to attract shoppers. There was a very popular Steve & Barry's clothing chain in one wing of the mall until it closed last year, taking with it many shoppers who brought business into the mall. Until we showed up one Saturday and found it completely packed with shoppers and dance show audience (which you'll see), we weren't sure this place ever got busy, aside from the folks who come to be able to walk for exercise in doors (mall walkers).

This audio slideshow was produced by both of us. Daniel and I both did reporting at the mall, with the photos being taken by myself. I captured and edited photos and produced the final product, while Daniel wrote the script and narrated the audio for this story. We hope you enjoy it.

Seasonal Business Approaching

Nothing can stimulate the American economy quite like holiday shoppers. Chances are you know someone who's gone crazy for a sale. The most glaring example of this is the deals that will come two weeks from now.

Black Friday has become the biggest shopping day of the year. Stores will give you incredible deals, like flatscreen televisions for $300. But to get them, you usually need to jump through some hoops. Bowling Green surely won't have problems as severe as those you'll see in national headlines, but Black Friday's obstacles usually include massive crowds, limited supplies and lines, potentially in abrasive elements. Walmart usually has people wait outside the store until the specials take effect, barring instances when people could pose a threat to themselves by waiting in the weather. Shoppers run on caffeine and adrenaline to attempt to beat each other out for the discount they seek.

Unfortunately (depending on how you look at it), BG's commitment of protecting small businesses interferes with an event like Black Friday. Many businesses that choose to participate, at least fully participate, open very early and offer massive markdowns, neither of which are very conducive to the small business mindset. National chains most likely experience wider profit margins, can afford to lower prices for a short time, have bigger locations that can hold more shoppers inside their doors and more employees to make it work and expand their hours to do so.

Thus, many Black Friday shoppers leave Bowling Green to find the best deals. However, you could definitely check out Meijer and Walmart this year for substantial savings, if you're willing to fight for them (not literally; well, maybe). All kinds of websites (blackfriday.info, bfads.net) allow you to sort through the deals that might be exclusive to your area, or look at ones that might appeal to you. If it's not your thing, steer clear. I hope most people have enough of an understanding of Black Friday at this point that they should know if it seems like a good idea or not.

A Holistic Approach

Nowadays people tend to rely on pharmacists whenever they become ill.  Natural remedies are not as prevalent in our society as they used to be. 

Asherah's Garden is a local holistic health center ran by Lia Ricci-Sons.  She is a certified Holistic Health Practioner and Holistic Life Coach.  If you're interested in herbs more than potentially harmful chemicals, this place is a great alternative.

What is Holistic healing?  Holistic health is a concept in medical practice where all aspects of people's needs, psychological, physical and social, and mentally are taken into account and seen as a whole.  The holistiic view on treatment is widely accepted in medicine.  Treatment methods include accupuncture, Reiki, and herbology.

There are free workshops every Monday from 7-9pm at 175 N.Main St.  She is also available for appointments. 

I went to a workshop last year and it was real refreshing.  We meditated as a group and Lia definitely knows her stuff.

Here is some schedule information:
  - Monday Nov. 1

• No Workshop

• Herbs for the Cold & Flu- Monday Nov. 8 - Monday

• Defeating Negative Self

Talk

- Monday Nov. 22

• No Workshop

- Monday Nov. 29• Crystals

All Saturday workshops are

$15.00

(covers instruction and materials)

& require an RSVP.

• Immune Booster Syrup

- Saturday Nov. 6

from 5-7p.m.

- RSVP by Oct. 30

• Aromatherapy Bath Salts

- Saturday Nov. 13

from 5-7p.m.

- RSVP by Nov. 6

• All Natural Lip Balm

- Saturday Dec. 4

From 5-7p.m.

- RSVP by Nov. 23- Monday Dec. 6

• Stress Management for

Happy Holidays

Nov. 15

Season

Mesmerized on Monday

Mesmerize- 1.  To spellbind; enthrall 2.  To hypnotize

Mesmerize is a head shop located in downtown Bowling Green, Oh.  The store is one year and two months old and is owned by a family who lives in Columbus.  Prior to it being a retail business the location was a small club named Plan B.  Plan B was shut down because alcohol was being sold to minors, and they had no liquor license.  So I guess Mesmerized is Plan C.

In this establishment bottles have been replaced with bongs.  A large portion of this store’s inventory consists of smoking instruments, incense/oils, and clothes.  Attire is mostly emblematized with enigmatic art and figures like Bob Marley.  Mesmerize is the red-headed step-child of Main St.  Surrounding businesses take the safe route by serving coffee, tacos and such.  This store on the other hand prides itself on providing the best smoking pipes in the area.  Mesmerized manager Mike Husaim rates the popular items as:  1. Clothes, 2. Incense, 3. Detoxifying drinks, 4. Pipes (for tobacco of course).

Along with the success of serving the Bowling Green community, people from Toledo and Findlay are also regular consumers of subculture.  The store has also experienced its share of turmoil since the store opened its doors.  It was raided in April on the account of suspicion of illegal activity.  According to Husaim, the raid was a result of another local business being caught practicing some type of undisclosed wrong doing.  But to aid their defense, it is store policy that all customers show their state identification card upon entering.  The most recent problem they have faced is the forced removal of detox drinks from their shelves by Bowling Green authorities. 

Husaim said there is no statute forbidding the sale of such dietary drinks.  He alluded to the fact that they are sold in GNC and outlets such as Wal-Mart, which is a valid point.  After nearly five months of deliberation, Mesmorized has not been found guilty of any crimes and continue to improve as a smoke shop.     

Another interesting tidbit is that they plan on switching the store’s name from Mesmerize real soon.  The change is based upon the notion that the store’s name is exacerbating the relationship between the business and the non-BGSU community.

Manager Mike and I talked about El Presidente’ Obama’s small business aid plans.  Mike is already convinced they have one of the best variety stores in the country, but he expressed with great fervor how “awesome” it would be if the private sector is truly given some allowance to expand their enterprise.  This store adds some diversity to the downtown area.  Give them a break.

Small Biz BG Slideshow

Bowling Green's downtown is comprised of a nice variety of small businesses.  No skyscrapers or colosseums, just a bunch of blue collar families trying to make a few dollars.  Enjoy the slideshow.