Leaders at local malls remain confident that sales will pick up and say new stores continue to open.

"We are still seeing a lot of interest from a lot of retailers," said Catharine Pangratz, marketing director for Hamilton Place mall.

In 2008, Aldo, Charlotte Russe and Red Robin Gourmet Burgers opened at the mall, and Barnes & Noble expanded, she said.

At Northgate Mall, Hamilton County's other major shopping area, many stores have remodeled lately, including J.C. Penney, Victoria's Secret, Kay Jewelers and Zales, according to Joe Janosko, the mall's senior general manager.

He also mentioned Shane's Rib Shack and Panera Bread, two relatively new restaurants that have opened in or adjacent to the mall.

Northgate, built in the 1970s, continues to keep pace with strip malls and shopping centers that have sprouted up around the county, he said.

"It's weathered the competitive storms over the years," he said.

Ms. Pangratz said part of Hamilton Place's strength comes from its location along Interstate 75. The mall routinely draws shoppers from a 16-county area in Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia, she said.

Mr. Janosko said Northgate has a smaller area to draw from.

"Northgate Mall is more localized to Hamilton County than Hamilton Place," he said.

Ms. Pangratz said Hamilton Place offers stores that shoppers would otherwise have to drive to Nashville, Knoxville or Atlanta to visit.

"Really, what drives traffic to any shopping center is the merchandise mix," she said.

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