EVERETT — When the first snowstorm of 2010 arrives, Linda Johannes won’t jump out of bed and rush into work.
She won’t worry about calling the snow plows to clear Everett Mall’s parking lots.
She won’t shovel sidewalks.
She won’t have to spend the night on a cot inside her office.
Instead, Johannes simply will enjoy the snow.
After 30 years of making sure the Everett Mall runs the way a mini-city should, of performing dozens of tasks unseen by the thousands of shoppers that visit each year, Johannes retired on Friday.
Sitting in her office, filled with fresh flowers from well-wishers, Johannes talked on her last day about the things she’ll do in retirement: traveling across the country with her husband, Larry, in their RV; having a slumber party with her youngest granddaughter. Mostly she looks forward to the holiday or weather-related activities that she’s missed out on because of her job.
“I’ve never got to go trick-or-treating with my grandkids,” Johannes said. “I’ve never been home for Christmas Eve.”
Besides trying to keep Everett Mall filled with a variety of retail shops and overseeing mall events, staff and advertising, Johannes’ 50- to 60-hour workweek sometimes required the unusual: staying up all night to hang holiday decorations, busing tables in the food court or cleaning bathrooms during the hectic holiday season.
“In my business, you really have to bend with the breeze and go with the flow,” Johannes said.
Through the years, Johannes has seen stores and trends come and go. She’s knocked down sections of the mall only to rebuild or expand others. She has watched retailers like Seattle-based Frederick &Nelson fail and stores like Everett-based Zumiez, which caters to teenagers and young adults, thrive.
“Ten years ago, everyone had a candle shop. Now, no one does,” Johannes said.
“Ten years ago, we didn’t have wireless (retailers); now we’re drowning in them.”
As the cell phone retailers came in, Johannes ushered out the row of pay phones that had provided a nice commission for the mall.
Keeping up with the latest technology and goods offered by her tenants has been good for Johannes. The new generation of retailers have kept her young.
“Don’t ever underestimate (someone with) blue hair or multiple piercings,” Johannes said, with a laugh.
After years of seeing consumers whip out their credit cards and overspend, Johannes retires at time when Americans are learning to be responsible financially. And that means an adjustment for retailers.
“‘Normal’ is gone,” Johannes said. “The days of slapping down a credit card are gone. We needed more balance.”
Walking through the mall on her last day, tenants and employees flocked to Johannes’ side to give her one last hug. Filadelfo Garcia, who manages the La Herencia Express restaurant in the mall, pleaded for Johannes to stay.
“I need another 25-year contract,” he said.
Rochelle Steeves, who owns Rochelle’s Picture Perfect, has known Johannes for 22 years.
“Linda has always done a professional job, a good job” of managing the mall, Steeves said. “But she’s always put her heart in it. She’s always given hugs.” Johannes, who has served on the Everett Area Chamber of Commerce and its committee on Navy affairs, will stay on as a consultant for mall owner Steadfast Companies. She’ll assist on special projects — without the headaches of being mall manager.
“Will I miss the reports? No. Will I miss the long, long hours? No,” Johannes said.
“Will I miss the people? Yes.”
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