Sierra Vista Mall adds new stores, farmers' market

Seven businesses opened in past three months, more expected by year's end

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The Sierra Vista Mall is a happening place these days.

Seven new stores have opened in the Clovis mall in the past three months. Shoppers can buy Japanese swords, watch a space show, munch on freshly baked bread and browse through an old-fashioned candy store.

The Rue and Gwen Gibson Market from California State University, Fresno, sells fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, flowers, wine and olive oil during a twice-a-month farmers' market at the park outside the mall's theater. Shoppers can buy fresh Valley produce and listen to live music 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursday of the month.

Marty and Samantha Martinez listened to a jazz quartet during a recent farmers' market. The southeast Fresno newlyweds were about to see "Iron Man," but paused on a park bench to enjoy the music.

"Just the fountains out here are enough to get me to come and sit down," Samantha Martinez said.

The mall recently opened the Community Park in the 8-acre expansion area just east of Gottschalks. Shoppers can pause on a bench or have a picnic on the grass next to fountains and columns topped with bowls of fire.

City officials hope the foot traffic will bring more business to the mall's stores.

"With this economy the way it is, everything helps," said the city's finance director Robert Woolley.

During the last six quarters, the city has received flat or declining sales-tax revenue, according to Woolley. More sales-tax revenue from the mall's expansion would help, he said.

"Our goal is to keep shoppers home and bring in shoppers from outside of Clovis also," Woolley said.

Eric Dreaden's two children played in the fountains before ordering bubblegum ice cream at Maggie Moo's Ice Cream and Treatery.

"Everyone's going to Fashion Fair so hopefully people can come here now," the Clovis resident said. "There's a lot of empty buildings, though, that need to be filled."

About half of the new stores are waiting to be filled. Geanie Silva, the mall's event coordinator, said the stores will have tenants by December.

In 2007, the Sierra Vista Mall completed a 110,000-square-foot expansion that included a 16-screen theater and space for more than 25 new stores. Recently added stores include Panera Bread, Charley's Grilled Subs and Powell's Sweet Shoppe. Inside the mall, new stores include Silk Road Gallery, which sells Japanese items such as swords, art and plants; LaVion Boutique; Metro Star Liquid Assets, a swimwear store; and Heavens, a space-themed gallery that includes a lounge and theater. By August, the mall will complete an inside remodel complete with new planters, lighting and seating.

"The inside will be just as beautiful as the outside," Silva said.

By September, Rio Churrasco Brazilian Grill will open next to the theater. The restaurant will have a full bar, lounge, two patios, live entertainment and Brazilian-style dining.

E-mail Gabriel Alexander at galexander@clovisindependent.com.