The latest power outage at Towne West Mall in west Wichita has left vendors once again in the dark, causing frustration for business owners. This is the fifth outage since September, and the latest one was caused by Kohan Retail Investment failing to pay their electricity bill on time.
Jennifer Garrison, owner of Passageways LTD, expressed her frustration with the lack of communication and reliability from the mall management. The outages have caused confusion among customers and disrupted production for vendors like Ken Smith of Steve’s Jams and Jellies.
Smith reported significant losses in product due to the outages, as well as challenges in storing inventory safely without power. Despite the setbacks, both vendors are exploring alternative locations to continue their businesses amidst the uncertainty at Towne West Mall.
While some vendors are considering moving out of the mall, others like Smith are hesitant due to the convenience and affordability of their current spaces. The management has not provided a timeline for when the power will be restored, leaving vendors in limbo.
Anchor stores like JCP, Dick’s, and Dillard’s Clearance Center have maintained power through separate accounts with Evergy. However, Towne West Mall continues to face issues with power outages, causing concern and inconvenience for businesses and customers alike.