Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, March 13, 1995 TAG: 9503140081
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: DALE CITY LENGTH: Medium
Potomac Mills Mall, the state's largest tourist attraction, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year as an East Coast mecca for bargain hunters. Its off-price stores draw 14 million eager shoppers annually. For local residents, it has brought some conveniences, some headaches and a bit of notoriety.
``It's a great way to give directions to our house,'' said Christine McElwee. ``I ask, `Do you know where Potomac Mills is?' and I tell them I live right behind that.''
The mall has changed the county dramatically over the past 10 years.
Where two-lane roads once wound through open fields, the just-completed, six-lane Prince William Parkway carries thousands of cars each day.
Where trees once stood, there are now scores of retail, service and food outlets.
The shopping mecca has more than 9,000 parking spaces on 52 acres of pavement. Its 5,000 employees sell $350 million worth of wares every year.
The mall also has meant easy jobs for teen-agers and a place for senior citizens to walk during the winter. Each year it provides almost $20 million in revenue to the state and county.
But it also has increased traffic, especially on weekends, when many nearby residents say crowds make shopping unbearable.
``Initially, it was fantastic, because there was nothing here,'' said Angie Scuderi, 46, a county resident. ``But we avoid it on the weekends because you can't find a parking space. And their discounts aren't so great. I can find better bargains at Hecht's on sale.''
Memo: NOTE: Shorter version ran in Metro edition.