Cameron Village Continues to Attract Shoppers With a Unique Mix of Options

Cameron Village has always been a place where it pays to be unique. That is one reason why the owners of Cat Banjo moved in six months ago.

The store offers a mix of jewelry and accessories for the home. Being different is definitely paying off.

"You can give a person a present they're never going to pick in any other store across the country," says customer Mary Lisabeth Stroud.

In the past year, the shopping center went through a major change. About 20 percent of stores there are new. There are now more national chains in the mix.

Bath and Body Works, Ann Taylor and Victoria's Secret are just a few of the big name stores that have set up shop.

While some say the chains are taking away from Cameron Village's charm, the owner of Home Economics, a home accessories store, says she is cashing in on the results.

"The national recognition with the tenants is a draw that, perhaps, can bring some of the Crabtree people to here. They'll find some of the prizes along the way," says store owner Julie Carlton.

As a result of the increase in customers, more stores are staying open later. It is not uncommon for some merchants to stay open as late as 9 p.m. or open on Sunday.