BREA

The new year is expected to find a wealthier Brea Mall, with mall managers anticipating a hefty increase in sales over last year.

The mall’s busiest shopping days of the year are now over, and Darren Thomas, director of marketing at the mall, said December’s sales should reflect overall gains for the year. November sales were up 5% to 6% from last year, reflecting an overall trend in higher retail spending, he said.