1.   Although the free festivities are just for a day, mall managers and store owners hope the business benefits last longer.

2.   And so it is that mall managers parry each day with squadrons of giggling, shouting and sometimes menacing adolescents on the prowl.

3.   But the Hilltop mall manager said the change will give him a chance to bring in new blood.

4.   Carts meet several needs of mall managers.

5.   In Thousand Oaks, some retailers at The Oaks have upgraded their merchandise and looks, resulting in greater sales, said mall general manager Becky Bresson.

6.   Most mall managers and retailers say they plan to handle this holiday season much the same as last year.

7.   One of the mall owners is the Melvin Simon Group out of Indianapolis, a company that also serves as mall managers.

8.   Phoenix-area mall managers say gangs have toned it down.

9.   Retailers and mall managers generally said weekend sales were strong, but few had results yet.

10.   Several mall managers said gift-certificates were selling especially well this season.