15 Classic Shopping Malls from the Past—Are Any Still Open?
Explore the fate of 15 iconic shopping malls that once defined American retail culture.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
In the past, shopping centers served as the hubs of American social and business life. Many have seen a drop throughout the decades as a result of shifting customer behavior and the growth of internet shopping. This article explores 15 iconic shopping centers, analyzing if they have endured or become outdated.
1. Arcade Providence (Providence, Rhode Island)
Nutmegger on Wikimedia Commons
Opened in 1828, Arcade Providence is the nation’s oldest indoor shopping mall. Originally known as Westminster Arcade, this historic structure has been revitalized to include 17 storefronts and three restaurants.
2. Weberstown Mall (Stockton, California)
Mx. Granger on Wikimedia Commons
Established in 1966, Weberstown Mall has been a retail hub for decades. Anchored by stores like JCPenney and Dillard’s, it has adapted over time to changing retail landscapes.
3. Del Monte Shopping Center (Monterey, California)
John Cameron on Unsplash
Designed by renowned architect John Carl Warnecke, Del Monte Shopping Center opened in 1967. This mid-century Bauhaus-inspired mall was recently sold for $123.5 million to Federal Realty Investment Trust.
4. Crompton Place (Bolton, United Kingdom)
Robert Linsdell on Wikimedia Commons
Opened in 1971, Crompton Place was once a bustling shopping center. However, it faced a decline due to the rise of online shopping, leading to store closures. The last remaining store, TimePiece, closed after 19 years, and the site is slated for demolition as part of a £1,000,000,000 redevelopment plan.
5. Indiana Mall (Indiana, Pennsylvania)
Jsallen on Wikimedia commons
Debuting in the 1970s, Indiana Mall was a quintessential shopping destination of its era. While it has undergone renovations, it still retains much of its original charm.
6. Central Mall (Salina, Kansas)
LAU LIU LIN GUANG on Wikimedia Commons
Central Mall opened its doors in the late 1970s, serving as a primary retail center for the region. Despite the challenges faced by many malls, it remains operational, adapting to contemporary retail trends while preserving its classic ambiance.
7. Manhattan Town Center (Manhattan, Kansas)
Jim.henderson on Wikimedia Commons
Established in the 1980s, Manhattan Town Center has been a focal point for shopping and community events. Currently, it is undergoing renovations to modernize its facilities, ensuring it continues to serve patrons effectively.
8. Mountaineer Mall (Morgantown, West Virginia)
MikeKalasnik on Wikimedia Commons
Once a thriving shopping destination, Mountaineer Mall has seen a decline in recent years. Many of its stores have closed, and its future remains uncertain as redevelopment plans are considered.
9. Sherwood Mall (Stockton, California)
WeLoveBarcelona.de on Unsplash
Opened in the 1970s, Sherwood Mall was a prominent retail center adjacent to Weberstown Mall. Recently, it underwent redevelopment and was renamed Sherwood Place, transitioning from an enclosed mall to a conventional shopping center.
10. Arnot Mall (Big Flats, New York)
Random Retail on Flickr
Established in 1967, Arnot Mall has served the community for decades. Despite the challenges faced by brick-and-mortar retail, it remains open, adapting to the evolving shopping landscape.
11. Aviation Mall (Glens Falls North, New York)
Heidi Fin on Unsplash
Since its opening in 1975, Aviation Mall has been a regional shopping destination. It continues to operate, offering a variety of retail options to its patrons.
12. Boulevard Mall (Amherst, New York)
Alexander Faé on Unsplash
Opened in 1962, the Boulevard Mall was one of the earliest malls in the region. However, it closed in 2024, marking the end of an era for this once-popular shopping destination.
13. Broadway Commons (Hicksville, New York)
Mike Kalasnik on Flickr
Since 1968, Broadway Commons has been serving shoppers with a variety of retail offerings. It remains operational, adapting to the changing retail environment to continue attracting customers.
14. Camillus Mall (Camillus, New York)
mostafa meraji on Unsplash
Opened in 1984, Camillus Mall was a significant shopping center in its heyday. However, it closed in 2003, and the site has since been repurposed for other uses.
15. Bay Plaza Shopping Center (Co-op City, Bronx, New York)
JJBers on Flickr
Established in 2014, Bay Plaza Shopping Center is a more recent addition compared to others on this list. It continues to operate successfully, serving as a modern retail hub in the Bronx.