ATLANTA-The nation's pioneer themed shopping center developer Rouse Co. of Columbia, MD may be finding a change in shoppers' habits, as they see major retailers shy away from entering new mall development deals.

That's the conclusion some elected officials in suburban Forsyth County are drawing after the Maryland developer advised them this week the debut of the planned 1.4 million-sf, estimated $200 million Forsyth Commons may be delayed beyond the scheduled 2006 opening date.

Dallas-based Neiman Marcus is the only anchor Rouse has signed for the planned high-end retail venture along GA 400, between McFarland and Union Hill Roads. In a prepared statement, Forsyth County officials say Rouse plans to submit a revised development plan, showing a smaller-sized version of the project.