Consumerism exploded when the first shopping mall appeared in 1956. Shoppers were given the convenience of shopping for multiple products and brands in a concentrated area. These shopping centers are typically anchored by large department stores and filled with clothing, electronics, shoe stores, and more. Food courts, arcades, cinemas, and small amusement parks added to the shopping experience. With the retail apocalypse and COVID restrictions, many malls have been abandoned. Here are 10 of the country’s largest shopping malls that are still thriving today.
Mall of America
The Mall of America, located in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the largest shopping mall in the country. It has over 520 stores in a 5.6 million-square-foot area. Forty million people visit the mall each year, 80% of them from the Midwest. The mall has seen an increase in visitors and will likely survive because of its variety of attractions, including an amusement park, movie theater, and restaurant.
American Dream
The country’s second-largest shopping mall is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Aptly called the American Dream, the giant complex boasts more than 450 retail stores, 100+ dining options, and numerous entertainment attractions—Nickelodeon theme park, DreamWorks Water Park, and even an indoor ski hill. The mall’s reputation and unique features are why it survives today.
The Galleria
The Galleria in Houston, Texas, is the largest shopping mall in the state. It has over 400 stores with a focus on luxury shopping—Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom. The big food court and indoor ice-skating rink help attract more than 30 million visitors annually. The Galleria is among the most popular malls in the country.
South Coast Plaza
The South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California, is known for its high concentration of luxury and designer brands. The mall exceeds 2 billion dollars in sales every year with its 24 million yearly visitors. The shopping center has been around for more than 50 years and has served as an economic touchstone for the local community. The dining options and nearby arts venue, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, contribute to its significance.
King of Prussia Mall
The fourth-largest shopping mall in the country is Pennsylvania’s King of Prussia Mall, attracting more than 22 million visitors yearly. It’s home to a mix of luxury retailers and high-end boutiques like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale’s. In addition to department stores, KOP, as the locals commonly refer to the mall, offers a wide variety of casual eateries and sit-down dining options.
Aventura Mall
With over 300 stores, 50+ restaurants, a 24-screen AMC Theatres, and a collection of over 20 museum-worthy art pieces, Florida’s Aventura Mall is one of the most unique malls in America. Located in a northern suburb of Miami, the mall has a multi-story parking garage with easy access to major highways, making it a convenient shopping destination. Its Treats Food Hall and the Aventura Farmers Market also attract hungry shoppers.
Roosevelt Field
Before Roosevelt Field became a Long Island shopping mall, it was an airfield from which Charles Lindbergh took off on his famous solo flight. The airfield was named after Theodore Roosevelt’s son, who died in World War I. The mall was designed by renowned architect I. M. Pei and features over 270 stores, including the GOAT USA apparel brand. Roosevelt Field offers a unique shopping experience with a slice of history.
Destiny USA
Destiny USA in Syracuse is one of the largest shopping centers in America, at 2.4 million square feet. Its diverse offerings—retail, luxury outlet stores, specialty stores, dining, and entertainment—attract over 29 million visitors annually. The mall is recognized for its sustainability efforts, holding the title as the largest LEED Gold-certified commercial building in the world.
Sawgrass Mills
Located in Sunrise, Florida, Sawgrass Mills shopping mall is one of the largest outlet malls in the country. It features over 350 stores, including Nike, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren. It is also home to The Colonnade, an area that boasts 70+ luxury brand outlets. The mall is near two airports and attracts more than 30 million visitors each year, many of whom come from South and Central America.
Del Amo Fashion Center
At 2.5 million square feet and over 200 stores, Del Amo Fashion Center is one of the biggest shopping malls in the western United States. In the late 1990s, the mall was redesigned to include a new parking structure and an outdoor village. Department stores like Nordstrom and Macy’s, and entertainment options like an AMC movie theater and Dave & Buster’s make it a premier destination for shoppers.
