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Earlier this week, I wrote about some cost cutting efforts going on at Valley View Mall, including the mall's removal of its customer service area.

I could not reach any other local or regional shopping centers in time for that story's publication, but today, I heard from the manager of Christiansburg's New River Valley Mall.

Apparently, this shopping center is making changes that are similar to those at Valley View. For one, the position of marketing director, held by Rhonda Willson, has been eliminated at the New River Valley Mall to save money, said Mike Poldiak, the mall's manager.

Marketing now is being handled by a group director for the region, through the mall's owner, Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust in Philadelphia.

Also, the New River Valley Mall no longer has a specified customer service area, as of June 30. All customer service functions, from selling gift cards to security matters, will be handled through the mall's main office, Poldiak told me.

By eliminating the customer service area, the mall cut some part-time jobs. Poldiak told me he didn't know how many positions were terminated.

He said the mall is "just doing the prudent thing in these times." He wouldn't disclose the mall's sales or other financial information.

The New River Valley mall's main office is open during the shopping center's regular hours, which are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 7 p.m.