Back in 2013, the Shreveport City Council created a special sales tax district for Mall St. Vincent. This district adds an extra penny to be collected on purchases at the mall's stores. The additional sales tax did not apply to Dillard’s and the then open Sears. These stores were owned by the respective stores, not the mall.
The goal of the additional sales tax was to create a revenue stream to pay for renovation of the mall. The promised $16.5 million upgrade was intended to lure new business to the mall.
A stroll through the mall--from the entrance to the closed Sears to the Dillard's entrance--reveals more square footage of closed storefront than open ones. With the growing tsunami for online shopping, one cannot reasonably expect any major new tenants in the future for the mall. This despite the acquisition and planned renovation of the Sears building by the LSUHSC for a research facility.
The additional sales tax is split between the city of Shreveport 20% and 80%. The tax is for 20 years.