Paid parking at Cherry Creek Mall has been hurting businesses and frustrating many regular shoppers.
Ever since paid parking began at Cherry Creek mall on Tuesday, January 17, business has declined according to Cherry Creek store owners. Mike Murphy, owner of Steve Madden, says "People really want to boycott the mall. They're so upset about it. It's not about the money. It's about the principle." [gallery ids="10134,10135"] Unfortunately, due to the parking situation, businesses have seen a decrease in sales. Murphy recorded that at his Cherry Creek Steve Madden location's business has fallen by 20% since paid parking began. If you are unfamiliar with the new parking charges, Cherry Creek Mall allows one free hour of parking, and then $3 for the second hour, $4 for the third hour, and then $2 for every hour after that at a maximum of $16. Customers pull a ticket at the parking gate and then when you are done shopping you can pay at any one of the 27 kiosks located inside the parking garages prior to getting in your car. About 20 restaurants and shops have started validating tickets including Boulder Running Company, The Container Store, the movie theatre, and Elway's.
Mall management is well aware of the concerns business owners and shoppers are experiencing, however they believe that "the parking system will outweigh any short-term disruptions that may be evident to our tenants and customers now." According to the mall management, we are just in an adjustment period.
Mall management states:
We’re sensitive to the fact that some of our merchants are struggling with this, but over the long term, this will prove out to be a wise decision.”
Nick LeMasters, general manager, comments that “When we implemented our smart parking system, we expected and are seeing what we believe is a temporary shift in consumer behavior.” Many business owners and current shoppers feel otherwise. According to a "Cherry Creek Free Parking" Facebook page that was anonymously created, many are going to take their business elsewhere.
Time can only tell how this new parking system will affect Cherry Creek Mall and business owners. How do you feel about paid parking at Cherry Creek Mall? Let us know in the comments!
