Signs of life at Echelon Mall

There's an unexpected surprise for stalwart shoppers at Echelon Mall. A new retailer, PayHalf, has opened, a rare site for shoppers who have watched the Voorhees-based center's long, painful decline.

With spring have come more signs of reawakening. A number of the remaining stores are changing location and consolidating in anticipation of Echelon's rebirth as a mixed-use development that will combine shopping with housing.

PayHalf is a discount apparel store offering brand names for women, men and children. The chain operates 40 stores in seven states, including locations in Burlington Township, Clementon and Vineland.