When local residents think about doing some serious shopping, Lakeshore Mall on Pearl Nix Parkway is often not high on the list of must-hit destinations.

"Most people that I know go to Gwinnett or the outlet mall in Dawsonville if they want to make a day of shopping," said Sandra Brown, a Hall County resident.

The Gainesville mall, which opened in 1969, recently was purchased by Texas-based Coyote Management L.P. and New York-based Garrison Investment Group. According to Coyote executives, the partners will assess their new purchase to determine areas for improvement.

The mall was last renovated in 2006. More changes are needed according to local residents.

On her first trip to Lakeshore Mall, Nora Bishop said she knew exactly what she'd change if she were in charge.

"Walking through JCPenny to get to the other side is a bit confusing," said Bishop, a Florida resident. "I came in on the side with Sears and thought that the mall was really small and didn't have a lot to offer. Then my daughter, who lives here, explained to me that we would have to walk through JCPenny to make it to the other side. They could do a better job at letting people know that's what you have to do."

A confusing floor plan is just one issue, though. The stores and eateries at the mall could improve as well, locals said.

"It would be nice if they brought in a few more clothing stores geared towards the younger adults," said Jamie Gantt, a 23-year-old Gainesville resident. "I think stores like J.Crew, Banana Republic and Gap would do well here."

Other shoppers would like to see more tummy-pleasing selections.

"Oh man, the food court sucks," said Sara Sessions, 19.

"I mean would it kill them to have restaurants that people have heard of? I think one of those combo restaurants would be good. You know, like a KFC-Pizza Hut combo."

Upgrades to the food court seem to be a hot topic for shoppers.

"I would love it if they had one of those places where you can buy hot pretzels. I used to love getting one from the mall in Alpharetta whenever my wife would go shopping," said Bob Thomas, 41, of Gainesville. "That was the only way I survived those trips. Sometimes, if she took a real long time, I'd have two."

Changes are uncertain at this point, but any upgrades to the mall could help keep tax dollars in Hall County.

"I'd gladly spend that gas money on a new shirt or something at Lakeshore if they made some improvements," Brown said. "They need to make a lot of upgrades, because right now, there are just one or two stores worth going to."