16 Stores You Forgot Were Once in Every Mall
Many once-famous retail stores that were common in malls across America have now disappeared or exist only in limited form.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Shopping malls were once filled with well-known stores that defined retail culture for decades. These brands attracted large crowds but struggled to adapt to online shopping, rising rents, and changing consumer habits. Looking back at them highlights how much the mall experience has changed over time.
1. The Limited
David E. Lucas on Wikimedia Commons
The Limited was a major women’s clothing chain that reached its peak in the 1980s and 1990s. It offered affordable and trendy fashion for young professionals. Declining sales and heavy competition from fast-fashion retailers led to its closure. The brand shut down its stores in 2017.
2. KB Toys
Mario Baronchelli on Wikimedia Commons
KB Toys was once the go-to toy store in malls across the country. It competed directly with Toys “R” Us and was known for having smaller shops inside shopping centers. The company went bankrupt in 2009 after struggling against big-box retailers and online sellers. Attempts to revive the brand later were unsuccessful.
3. Sam Goody
Punkrawker4783 on Wikimedia Commons
Sam Goody specialized in music and movies, selling CDs, tapes, and DVDs. It was a common stop for teenagers and music lovers in the 1990s and early 2000s. As digital downloads and streaming replaced physical media, sales collapsed. Most locations closed by the late 2000s.
4. Wet Seal
Coolcaesar on Wikimedia Commons
Wet Seal was a clothing store focused on teens and young adults. It became very popular during the early 2000s with its affordable fashion trends. Online retailers quickly began offering the same styles at lower prices, cutting into sales. The company closed all of its stores in 2017.
5. Waldenbooks
Mike Kalasnik on Wikimedia Commons
Waldenbooks was a staple in malls and smaller shopping centers. It offered a wide range of books and magazines in an accessible format. The rise of Barnes & Noble, Borders, and eventually Amazon weakened its market. Most stores were gone by the late 2000s.
6. Claire’s (Past Peak)
PCHS-NJROTC on Wikimedia Commons
Claire’s was once an essential stop in nearly every mall for jewelry, hair accessories, and ear piercings. While the brand still exists, it has greatly reduced its presence after declaring bankruptcy in 2018. Changing shopping habits and the decline of malls contributed to its struggles. Today, its footprint is far smaller than it was at its peak.
7. Sharper Image
Jean Van Jean on Wikimedia Commons
The Sharper Image sold high-tech gadgets, massage chairs, and novelty electronics. It was best known for showcasing futuristic products that drew shoppers into its stores. High prices and competition from online retailers caused sales to drop sharply. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and now exists mainly as an online brand.
8. American Apparel
bargainmoose on Wikimedia Commons
American Apparel was known for its simple basics and its “Made in USA” message. Its stores became a mall fixture in the early 2000s. The company faced financial troubles and controversy surrounding its leadership. By 2017, most stores had closed, and the brand shifted to online-only sales.
9. Virgin Megastore
Lobozpics on Wikimedia Commons
Virgin Megastore offered music, movies, and electronics in massive retail spaces. It was especially popular in large malls and tourist destinations. As music consumption shifted to digital platforms, the business model collapsed. Most U.S. locations shut down by 2009.
10. Aeropostale (Shrunk)
Raysonho on Wikimedia Commons
Aeropostale was one of the most popular mall clothing brands for teens in the early 2000s. Its casual fashion and affordable prices drew in a loyal base. After bankruptcy in 2016, hundreds of stores closed. Although some still exist, it is only a fraction of what it once was.
11. B. Dalton Bookseller
Ente75 on Wikimedia Commons
B. Dalton was another mall bookstore chain that competed directly with Waldenbooks. It offered a wide range of titles but operated in smaller spaces. Sales fell as bigger bookstores and online sellers expanded. The chain shut down in the early 2010s.
12. Express (Reduced)
Larry Hachucka on Wikimedia Commons
Express was a fashion chain targeting young professionals and students. It was widely found in malls during the 1990s and 2000s. Although the brand still exists, many locations have closed as the company restructures. It no longer has the mall dominance it once enjoyed.
13. Gadzooks
MikeKalasnik on Wikimedia Commons
Gadzooks was a teen clothing store that focused on surf and skate-inspired fashion. It became popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. Competition from chains like Hollister and Abercrombie hurt its sales. It was acquired by Forever 21 in 2005, and its stores were converted.
14. Hickory Farms (Seasonal)
Hickory Farms on Wikimedia Commons
Hickory Farms was once a year-round mall store selling meat, cheese, and gift baskets. Its shops were common during the holiday season and beyond. Over time, the company shifted to kiosks and online sales. Permanent mall locations mostly disappeared by the late 2000s.
15. Structure
W.carter on Wikimedia Commons
Structure was a men’s clothing store that was part of The Limited’s family of brands. It focused on casual and workwear for young men. In 2003, the stores were rebranded into Express Men, and the Structure name disappeared. While the parent company continued, the original store concept ended.
16. DEB Shops
Dwight Burdette on Wikimedia Commons
DEB Shops specialized in junior and plus-size fashion. It was especially known for affordable dresses and casual wear. The brand peaked in the 1990s and 2000s but could not keep up with online retailers. By 2015, all stores were closed.