News Summary
WestGate Mall in Spartanburg has enacted a ban on mall walkers following security incidents. The ban, effective from April 1, will last until August 31, 2025. This follows an aggressive incident involving a man who attempted to attack patrons and steal a police vehicle. The mall management cited various inappropriate behaviors among walkers as the reason for the ban, aiming to ensure a safer shopping environment. Shoppers like Steve and Rita Motter expressed frustration, stressing the importance of foot traffic for the struggling mall’s economy.
Spartanburg – WestGate Mall has implemented a new policy banning mall walkers following a series of incidents that raised security concerns. The ban, which took effect on April 1, 2025, will remain in place until August 31, 2025. The announcement was made via a sign at the food court entrance, which states the suspension of the mall walking program, indicating that a notice would be posted if the program is reinstated.
The policy change has drawn attention after a disturbance involving a man named Christopher Antwan Price, 34, who allegedly attacked multiple patrons inside the mall before attempting to steal a police vehicle. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on a Sunday and required law enforcement intervention after Price exhibited aggressive behavior. He was charged with assault, carjacking, and resisting arrest.
Steve and Rita Motter were among those affected by the new policy when they visited WestGate Mall to buy gift cards and have lunch. Upon their arrival, a security guard accused the couple of being ‘mall walkers,’ despite their clear intent to shop. The Motters entered through the food court and initially passed a shuttered Bed Bath and Beyond before making their way toward Bath and Body Works, which was not yet open.
The general manager of WestGate Mall, Teresa Murray, explained that the ban was necessitated by a range of inappropriate behaviors reported among mall walkers. These behaviors included unlocking entrance doors for others, walking under ladders during sign installations, bringing non-service animal pets, ignoring wet floor caution signs, and even creating unsafe walking patterns that risked collisions with other patrons. Some mall walkers also brought sports equipment into the mall, complicating the shopping environment further.
The previous mall walking program, which had been in place until 2015, was reinstated informally but ultimately led to various safety concerns as outlined by mall management. Murray highlighted issues regarding unauthorized access during hours prior to store openings, expressing that the ban was intended to enhance overall safety within the mall environment.
The Motters expressed their frustration over the new rules, highlighting that increased foot traffic is vital for the struggling mall, which opened in 1975 and underwent renovations in 1996. As the only enclosed shopping space in Spartanburg, WestGate Mall’s vitality is deemed significant to the local economy.
The recent sale of the mall after a seven-month market period has also brought about upcoming changes, including the introduction of South Carolina’s first Rural King, which is set to open in the near future.
This new policy and the surrounding context have stirred discussions about the balance between safety and community engagement at WestGate Mall. Shoppers and visitors are encouraged to remain aware of the updated regulations and their implications during this transition period.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg WestGate Mall Walker Ban
- WYFF4: WestGate Mall Incident Spartanburg
- Fox Carolina: WestGate Mall Attack Suspect Appears in Court
- Independent Mail: Disturbance at WestGate Mall
- GoUpstate: Spartanburg Rural King to Renovate Old Sears Space
- Wikipedia: Spartanburg, South Carolina
- Google Search: WestGate Mall Spartanburg
- Google Scholar: WestGate Mall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Spartanburg
- Google News: WestGate Mall
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
