Columbia Closings   What's not in Columbia anymore

Just a reminder that Saturday is Free Comic Book Day 2017. Click the link or image to find local stores participating.

They're still crabs, and it will be a tough interview. Prepare accordingly.

Interesting article on Bloomberg:

Desperate Malls Turn to Concerts and Food Trucks

Malls are fighting for shoppers with one thing their web rivals can’t offer: parking lots.

With customer traffic sagging, U.S. retail landlords are using their sprawling concrete lots to host events such as carnivals, concerts and food-truck festivals. They’re aiming to lure visitors with experiences that can’t be replicated online -- and then get them inside the properties to spend some money.

“Events draw people to come to the shopping center,” said Craig Herkimer, whose company, KevaWorks Inc., is working with big landlords including GGP Inc. and Simon Property Group Inc. to produce outdoor events. “They generate revenue for the owner and offer a chance for cross-promotion, so they can try and drive more customers into the stores.”

I've not noticed anything of this sort in Columbia. To me Dutch Square & Columbia Mall would be iffy, but it seems like a natural concept for the top deck at Richland Mall, whereas in the event all they have on top is a closed garden center and at the side some sort of Farmers' Market that I've never actually seen open.

A flawed man, but no Chuck Berry -- no Rock & Roll. Go Johnny Go.

You will have noticed the upgrades to the various First Citizens branches around town. In this case I actually think I like the new branding better than the old, which is definitely not always a given.

Those of you trying to comment since Sunday last will have noticed that you couldn't. I couldn't post either. Hopefully all is resolved now and normal posting will resume.

To have not bought a new 2017 Pawleys Island wall calender by now.

But if you do, you still have half a month to look at *this* non-calendar buyer.

See how that worked out for him?