OVIEDO, Fla. -- There are serious economic concerns about a Central Florida mall where a number of stores are shut down. The Oviedo Marketplace has struggled for years, but it has never been quite this bad.

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Just recently, two more stores shut their doors and a prominent restaurant at the mall closed down. The management says there's nothing to worry about.

When Eyewitness News contacted management Monday morning, before even asking a question, they said, "The rumor is not true, we are staying open for business."

For seven years, Oviedo Marketplace has been Wynona Rugg's place to shop.

"When I first started coming here, you could hardly walk, crowded, everybody was here," she said.

Not these days, though. In fact, empty parking lots, closed store fronts and sparse corridors have shoppers wondering what's happening.

"I was wondering if they're going to close the mall or not because a lot of stores are closing," rug said.

Eyewitness News asked and mall management maintains it's staying opening.

"We've actually brought in Sbarros in the food court. We have new tenants coming in. No talk, no sign of closing," said mall manger Chris Molho.

The Marketplace has an occupancy rate of 75%. Compared to other malls, it's one the lowest in the area. Altamonte Mall has 95% occupancy. Seminole Towne Center is at roughly 96 percent. West Oaks Mall in Ocoee is at 88 percent. Fashion Square would not release its numbers, but says out of 150 stores there are a handful of vacancies.

Even popular restaurants at Marketplace, like Bill's Elbow South, have pulled out.

"It was a hot spot to go. Now just not here anymore," Rugg said.

A two-year strategic plan that includes a big box store is reportedly in the works to get the dead zone bustling again. Eyewitness News was told the Regal movie theater at Marketplace is not renewing its contract. Regal told Eyewitness News 24 hours later that it has a long-term lease at the location and is pleased with their business. Oviedo Market Place did not comment. Starbucks is also pulling out after the holidays.

Nationwide, the average mall occupancy rate is 93 percent right now. That's the highest level in seven years. At the same time, mall leases are getting more expensive. At strip malls, it's even worse; the vacancy rate is at a 14-year high.