As long time Pulpconnection readers know, I write about visits to local shopping malls and often poke fun at the things I see. I have no connections or insider knowledge of these shopping venues, instead reporting back what I publicly observe while strolling around. Coincidentally, Windward Mall has taken the brunt of my ribbing since I frequent there and have seen changes in the mall over the years.

This led to a phone call from the General Manager of Windward Mall, Jonathan Kim. The GM personally called to provide background about the shops in the mall, the effects of the tough economy, and plain and simple, that business happens. Wow! That’s absolutely great! No, not the part about the tough economy affecting business, but the fact that the GM himself found time to reach out to someone who’s shown interest in Windward Mall. He even offered the opportunity for future discussions about the mall. Now that’s caring, and I applaud the management of Windward Mall for this outreach!

What would be even cooler is to see the mall take part in social media opportunities in these times. There’s already a @windwardmall Twitter account so they’re on their way. Maybe something like the recent Pono Media promotion with McDonalds for the newly renovated Pa`ina Ko`olau Food Court with Road Runner wifi access might be a successful way to tap into the social media market. Hawaii does have a fair share of representation in Twitvite’s top users and having tweetups at the Food Court might be a way to magnify all the good things that are happening at the mall that cares.