I find it quite ironic that just four days after sending this letter, one of the Mall's "Anchor Stores" is going BK...

FYI: Sports Authority's days are most likely numbered as well, they will be having severe problems before the end of  2009, and it would not surprise me to see Macy's begin to close locations as well.

March 26, 2009

Valley River Center Management Office              

293 Valley River Center Drive

Eugene OR 97401                            

To Whom It May Concern,

On Monday March 23 2009, at approximately 12pm, I parked and locked my bicycle in the racks with a 3/8 inch cable lock near the West entrance (near Gottschalks) of the Mall. I entered the store, went directly to Sports Authority to look at some portable basketball equipment I was interested in, was in the mall for approximately 20 minutes, and upon leaving I discovered my bicycle was stolen.

Needless to say I was shocked  that this could occur in such a short period of time, and upon further consideration I have several questions.

1.       Why is there no security surveillance equipment or signs in the area?

2.       Why is there no signs posted alerting customers of the potential dangers ?

 Valley River Center is obviously being “cased” by thieves, and I refuse to believe this to be an isolated incident. I also do not believe it to be a quantum leap for me to assume Mall Management fears that by alerting customers and/or installing security cameras and/or signs warning thieves, that this would destroy or jeopardize the false image the mall has portrayed as being a “family friendly environment“ into what it really  is, which is a haven for thieves and hoodlums that prey on legitimate consumers.

In case you hadn’t noticed “American Consumerism” is in a dire situation at present and the days of “shopping till you drop” are over. Paying customers just may be a bit more of a valuable commodity in the future and you can rest assured Valley River Center or its merchants will not receive another penny from my household.

Regards,

Name Withheld

Eugene OR

Cc: KMTR News Director

      KEZI News Director          

      KVAL News Director

      Eugene Register Guard News Director