 Despite the addition of this new store, both Dillard's and J. C. Penney downgraded their respective stores to outlet stores between 1997 and 1999.The mall was sold to Banker Trust of New York in 2000 for $33.5 million, who gave the mall a new logo as well as a website.Also, an independent group called Blind Squirrel Cinema reopened the mall's movie theaters.