Century 21 Is the Crappy Mall Whisperer, Says Century 21

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Century 21 executive vice president Eddie Gindi is confident that his discount department store will be enough to turn things around for The Gallery at Market East, a.k.a. the troubled member of Philly's retail family that no one knows what to do with but everyone has suggestions for.

Opening within the old Strawbridge's building this fall, the two-floor, 100,000-square-foot store will mark Century 21's first store location outside the New York market. But according to the Inquirer, Gindi is adamant that the decision to bring Century 21 to The Gallery—yes, The Gallery—isn't as risky as some would have you believe. "We were very inspired by what we saw here in terms of the development of Philadelphia as retail and residential center," Gindi said at a meeting in Philly on Tuesday.

And when it comes to resurrecting crappy malls, this ain't Century 21's first rodeo, so just back off, okay? "New major retailers followed us because we were anchors of the mall," he assured the crowd. "Now those malls are thriving." That might be true, but that's also in a market where Century 21 already has a foothold. Here in Philly, where Century 21 is more aptly associated with the real estate company, can Gindi be so sure his store will have the same effect? Yes? No? Cast your vote in the poll.