If the allure of a deal, bargain, bric-a-brac, vintage or collectable excites you, or if the old ticker beats faster looking for that special, one-of-a-kind item, it’s time to explore the Towne Square Mall in Spring Hill.
Located on US19 at 3021 Commercial Way, Towne Square Mall is a 60,000 sq. ft. space that’s home to numerous vendors ranging from computer repair to exotic birds to valuable antiques and repurposed furniture.
“Your money can go a whole lot further here,” said Richard Sanvenero Sr.
Sanvenero, hired in January 2015 to promote the mall and oversee its day-to-day operation, explained that vendors can focus more on developing their business rather than dealing with those extra responsibilities that go with running a building — things like security, air conditioning, health and safety and maintenance for example.
Towne Square Mall first opened in 2002 in a building that was vacated by Walmart.
Sanvenero, a confident, passionate talker and projecting an unmistakable air of leadership, said his mission for the mall is create an environment that will bring shoppers back time and time again.
“Towne Square Mall did fall into the doldrums a few years back, but we attract hundreds of customers who not only come to shop but also to attend the special events we hold,” said Sanvenero. “Like Operation Backpack — a backpack/school supplies giveaway for children in need,” he said.
Sanvenero said that particular event raised enough supplies to fill 1,100 backpacks for needy children in Hernando County.
That’s just one of many events that have been held at Towne Square Mall during the past year and half since Sanvenero was hired — from art auctions to professional wrestling and lots of music and dance events.
Sanvenero’s role at the mall includes introducing new ideas to draw businesses and shoppers and help promote individual businesses already at the mall.
“We hold monthly meetings with the tenants,” said Sanvenero. “And we will also continue to host events that appeal to families, singles, seniors and others, he said.
“One success we are enjoying is that we can now offer a dedicated meeting room, or “community room” as we like to call it, that can accommodate up to as many as 50 people,” said Sanvenero. “It’s designed especially for club meetings and seminars and is fully equipped with a computer, video equipment and microphones,” he said. “All you need to bring is a flash drive to get up and running and wow your audience.”
Rates for renting the community room is set to suit either nonprofit or for profit organizations: Two-hour sessions cost $30 (nonprofit) or $60 (for-profit).
The community room is a regular venue for the Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill for their weekly lunch meetings and the banquet hall is home to the Nature Coast Bridge Club. With over 300 members, the club offers bridge games at the mall three times a week. Games for all levels of players are offered as well as lessons for beginning to advanced players.
“And we’re thinking about our younger residents too,” Sanvenero pointed out. “If your kids aren’t already playing Pokémon Go, they soon will be.”
Pokémon is the free augmented-reality app that prompts players to look and collect the virtual creatures in their neighborhoods.
“Some of the Pokémon characters are coming to Towne Square Mall in September,” he said. “We got an opportunity to bid on the characters to appear here at the mall, and we jumped at it,” he said.
“We’re hoping to draw some highly engaged players to the mall so stay tuned to our Facebook page for more details.”
“Also coming soon is “The Lunch Box.” said Sanvenero. “It will feature homemade cooking with dishes like Southern Fried chicken, Chicken Parmigiana, sausage and peppers, hot dogs and more,” he said.
With color-coded paneling throughout the main area, the style throughout varies from aisle to aisle so a trip to the store, or to its page on Facebook, is never quite the same because of an ever-changing inventory of vintage and antique furniture, unique home décor, oriental and handcrafted items.
The exterior of the building too is soon to be revamped.
“We’re waiting for the rainy season to end and we’ll be painting inside and out,” said Sanvenero.
Casual shopper, JillAnn Hamilton, 48, who drove from Palm Harbor to check out the mall said it baffles her how many unusual, random things can be found here.
“I’ve run out of time today,” she said, “but I’ll be back next week to check out the oriental aisle. I like coming here because it’s air-conditioned,” she added.
Just like other retailers, Towne Square Mall has a strong social media presence where they regularly promote specials. “I want this to be a place where the community comes,” said Sanvenero. “We have plans in the works to reach out to other areas as well to help co-sponsor events and I’m exploring a lot of ways to partner.” “Businesses are flourishing here.” he said.
Upcoming events at the Towne Square Mall will include an RV show; the Marines Corps Annual Toys for Tots Drive; Trick or Treat for children; a Health Fair in November; regular blood drives and Santa Claus every Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
“Anyone who hasn’t been to Towne Square Mall in a while should come see what significant changes we’ve made,” he said.
“Come experience the convenience of shopping in a comfortable, air-conditioned environment and find that perfect item or forgotten treasure,” added Sanvenero.
Richard Sanvenero Sr. can be contacted at (352) 340-7579.
IF YOU GO:
Towne Square Mall is located at 3021 Commercial Way on US. 19 in Spring Hill, FL 34606 (Across from Timber Pines)
Hours:
Tuesday- Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: (352) 340-7579
email: info@townesquaremall.net
For a full list of vendors, visit:
townesquaremall.net
