The local shopping center known as the West Springfield Shopping Center is always busy, and it’s not because of more shoppers.
People are now using that shopping center as a place to hang out.
“I’d say it’s getting more crowded. A lot of people are hanging out there more,” said senior Josh Coplin.
This causes issues for the people who go to the Plaza just to shop, and not to hang around there. The increased people there causes an increase in the number of cars there, which makes parking difficult.
“The main thing I noticed is how difficult it is to maneuver that parking lot. There’s a lot of cars and not so much space,” said senior Riley Welch.
Other problems emerge from the sheer crowdedness of the center, including issues like walking past and around people. For people who don’t like being in crowded situations, it can cause serious stress.
“It’s stressful in there because you’re having to push through people and they bring their kids and they walk on the wrong side of the walkway. Stuff like that,” said junior Kaitlyn Brown.
With all the extra people shopping there, security against theft has also become something of an issue, but it has increased to compensate. And this is not unlike other places in populated areas.
“I know some stores have had some issues with stealing, but that’s everywhere. Security keeps it under control,” said senior Adriana Trujillo.
One thing on which not everyone agrees is which place is the most crowded. Some say Whole Foods, and others say Panera.
“The Whole Foods [is the most crowded]. A lot of people like healthier food. It has the best business right now,” said Coplin.
Not everyone agreed as to which one was the most crowded. Some others said Panera.
“The most crowded is definitely Panera. Everybody loves Panera,” said Welch.
No matter which store or restaurant is the most crowded, many can agree that that the shopping center being crowded causes issues for all, whether it’s the car traffic or foot traffic. Unfortunately, new additions like Chipotle will likely only increase the amount of people going to the center.
“I don’t really realize [the increased business] that much, because I’m used to busy places, but definitely with the new Chipotle and the new Popeye’s people are going there more,” said senior Elise Roberts.
Despite all these hurdles, however, the shopping center is still quite popular, even to those who admit the drawbacks of shopping there. Which is probably why it’s so crowded in the first place.
“Overall, it’s a great shopping center. I like going there. The one problem is it’s too crowded,” said Welch.