Do retailers want a younger demographic?
We're constantly told that young people spend money and retailers are doing everything they can to bring them to their stores. Conversely, my age group -- baby boomers -- is reportedly losing favor with retailers. Maybe they figure we're going to die off soon and the young people have many more years to buy stuff.
So it strikes us as odd that the River Park shopping center in north Fresno doesn't want teens hanging out there. Aren't they alienating a lot of future customers? Here's our editorial on the subject. What do you think?
The River Park folks say they had to take this action because of disturbances caused by the young people, and they had no choice other than banning those under 18 who aren't accompanied by a parent or guardian.
They also wrote a letter to the editor responding to our editorial. It will run in the paper tomorrow. I'm posting it here right now:
You aren't the only one who is confused. It seems there is quite a bit of confusion surrounding the new Six/18 policy at River Park. Allow me to clarify:First and foremost this idea that anyone will be detained or that there will be some sort of "Holding pen for "violators"" is ridiculous. This idea seems to have originated with some of the broadcast media and been perpetuated in print. Please let the public know that you have made an error on this point. I think it is serving to create a lot of unnecessary angst.
While we have no objection to a difference of opinion about this new policy we would like to have a discussion that is based on the facts as they exist and were disseminated.
River Park will simply have a phone available and chairs to wait in should a teen choose to use it to call a parent to join them or pick them up from the Center. Please don't add sinister overtones where there are none.
This new policy is intended to maintain River Park as the safe, fun, family-friendly venue that it has always been.
Amy Glines
Publicist/River Park
Comments
The River Park issue is one that many high schools have to deal with on a daily basis. There would not have been a curfew if incidents were not happening.
Rules are made for a reason. It is my understanding that there are drugs available, teens are having sex in hidden areas, and fights have occurred. I do not want my young kids seeing such things and I will not go there if this is happening.
As with high school situations, it is probably 10%, maybe less, committing these acts and the other 90% there to have a great time and hang out with there friends. If you are upset with the new curfew, talk with those who are acting inappropriately. They are to blame for your new curfew, not the owners, patrons, or people running River Park.
There is nothing wrong with wanting an awesome family friendly place to go in Fresno. Remember, rules are made when a problem arises.
Posted by: Cindy Bitter | July 20, 2007 1:40 PM