Shopping malls across America have been left in a state that not even Paul Blart could save, and Charlotte is no exception.
Known as “dead malls,” these abandoned, dilapidated, or mostly vacant shopping centers have become a subject of fascination — especially thanks to the online popularity of liminal space aesthetics.
Let’s go to the mall
Eastland Mall was once in its heydey.
After opening in 1975, it served as a hot spot through the mid ‘90s, during which time shoppers could head to department stores like Sears, JC Penney, and Dillard’s — though many most fondly remember the ice rink situated in the center of the mall. Beginning in 2002, Eastland’s anchor stores started departing until the mall’s eventual closure in 2010 + subsequent demolition in 2013.
Further north in Statesville, Signal Hill Mall opened in 1973 with anchor stores Belk, Spainhours, and Woolworth, later expanding to add a JC Penney — it also boasted a small fountain that remained until the mall’s final days. By 2022, however, Belk was the only remaining anchor tenant.
Do you have memories from behind the walls of this iconic mall sign? We want to hear them.
Photo by Mike Kalasnik via Wikimedia Commons
Back to the future
Today, Eastland Mall is no longer. In 2023, City Council approved a redevelopment plan for an indoor sports complex.
Signal Hill Mall has been for sale since 2022, with the mall closing its doors to the public in early 2024. Who knows what the future holds.
While these malls have changed, Charlotte still has a number of other thriving shopping centers or districts where you can make like NSYNC and buy, buy, buy:
- SouthPark Mall | This shopping mall features dozens of high-end shops, stores, and restaurants. Pro tip: Snack at the food court before touring LV and Chanel inside Neiman Marcus.
- Concord Mills | For anyone north of Uptown, this mall provides great shopping with moderate crowds and manageable walkways.
- Northlake Mall | Shoppers will appreciate ample space and few crowds with a variety of stores + a food court.
- Carolina Place Mall | Located in the Pineville suburb, this mall boasts a long list of shops + food court in a comfortable atmosphere.
- Phillips Place | Visitors will enjoy this upscale outdoor mall with a village theme, offering high-end stores, restaurants, and a hotel.
Do you have memories of a local mall from back in the day? Share them with us and we may feature your story in a future newsletter: First date at the food court, trying on prom dresses at the department store, hitting up Orange Julius before picking up the perfect graphic tee at Hot Topic — we wanna hear it all.
