20 Once-Beloved Mall Stores That Faded Away

It appears as though every day, a fresh piece pops up online about an abandoned mall haunting some location; once a bustling retail hub, now desolate due to shifts in consumer preferences and demographics, gradually transforming into a scene reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic zombie movie.

(Ever wonder when someone will produce the quirky, low-budget horror flick titled “Ghost Mall”? This chilling tale revolves around an eerie shopping center that was erected over an unnoticed burial ground and, believe it or not, is truly haunted. Or perhaps a film named “Retail Apocalypse”, where the last of humanity finds refuge within the desolate walls of a former Neiman Marcus store, huddled together in the aftermath of a devastating war. Wait, why am I so generously giving away these brilliant concepts for free?!? I must be out of my mind!)

Today’s children (sighs) often don’t realize what they’ve missed out on when these old malls were bustling and vibrant. I’ve witnessed sights you wouldn’t believe. Hot Topic stores ablaze with life right next to the arcade. I remember Spencer’s Gifts sparkling in the night, close to the Sears entrance. All those precious moments are destined to fade away, like drops of tears lost in the rain.

Modern youth might perceive that these shopping malls are past their prime. Their perspective could be valid. However, for those of us who spent our youth in the aisles of what are now labeled as “ghost malls,” these places hold deeply cherished memories. In the 80s and 90s, malls were more than just shopping destinations; they served as social hubs where friends were met, conversations sparked, and impulse purchases of must-have items like Z Cavaricci’s pants were made. (I stand corrected, those pants were indeed needed!)

In this article, let’s reminisce about 20 old mall chains that no longer exist (or barely do) and take us back to fond memories. Imagine savoring an Aunt Annie’s pretzel and an Orange Julius before embarking on a nostalgic journey… or perhaps a culinary tour of the memory food court, if you will.

20 Vintage Mall Stores We Wish We Could Visit One More Time

K-B Toys

The “K-B” in K-B Toys represented “Kaufman Brothers,” a duo named Harry and Joseph who established the company in the early 1920s. Originally, they were candy vendors, but they eventually ventured into wholesale toys. In the 1970s, Kay-Bee Toys (originally spelled this way) started opening toy stores across various malls nationwide. At its peak, it operated more than 1,000 locations, but by the time it closed in the late 2000s, there were only about 400 stores left. Aren’t you nostalgic for those days of rummaging through the three-dollar action figures in the $10 bins?

Warner Bros. Studio Store

In the ’90s, no mall felt complete without a Warner Bros. Studio Store, where you could buy clothes and items featuring beloved Looney Tunes characters, as well as other merchandise from Warner Bros. (Back then, high-end collectibles like animation cels weren’t as easily found on eBay.) There were around 125 of these stores in operation during the ’90s, but all of them had closed by the early 2000s, just a decade after the first store opened. And that’s all, folks!

The Disney Store

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the evolution of merchandise stores related to our beloved film industries. For instance, the Warner Bros. Studio Store was a natural response to a massive chain store that aimed to capitalize on another Hollywood studio’s extensive character library. The Disney Store, with its initial outlet opening in Glendale, California back in 1987, quickly became a global phenomenon, with hundreds of stores dotting the map within a few short years.

However, times have changed, and as more and more consumers opt for online shopping, physical retail spaces are shrinking. Despite still having a handful of brick-and-mortar stores left, Disney has had to close numerous outlets over the past few years. In today’s world, where everything seems to be becoming increasingly digital, even the expansive realm of physical retail appears to be contracting steadily.

Suncoast

For many years, film enthusiasts nationwide shopped at the Suncoast Motion Picture Company, also known as Suncoast Video for those who prefer a casual tone. With over 400 stores, they provided an exceptional assortment of VHS tapes (and later, DVDs). Similar to numerous other companies on this list, their expansion slowed in the 2000s. However, unlike many others, Suncoast is technically still active. A few locations still exist, such as one in Jacksonville, North Carolina and another in Beaumont, Texas.

For a long time, people who love movies frequented the Suncoast Motion Picture Company or Suncoast Video stores, which numbered more than 400. They had an excellent selection of VHS tapes and later DVDs for sale. Just like other companies in this list, their growth tapered off in the 2000s. But unlike most others, Suncoast is technically not defunct. There are still some stores remaining, such as ones in Jacksonville, North Carolina and Beaumont, Texas.)

Glamour Shots

Today, people carry high-end cameras in their smartphones and can even seek fashion advice on the same device. However, years ago, if you desired a professional photograph (with hair styled to an exaggerated extent), you’d visit Glamour Shots – a chain of mall portrait studios that provided makeovers and stylish (yet very soft-focused) photos. In 2019, The New York Times documented the struggles of the last five remaining Glamour Shots outlets; as per their website, they now only have two locations left. One is in El Paso, Texas, and the other is in Freehold, New Jersey. Considering how significantly the photography (and fashion) landscape has evolved, it’s remarkable that there are still any left standing.

Radio Shack

Are you looking for a specific type of battery? Not the standard AA ones, but rather the unusual one that your grandfather’s old watch might have used. You’d typically find such items at Radio Shack, once a leading retailer of various electronic goods and uncommon batteries across the United States. At its peak, it operated approximately 8,000 stores in multiple countries. Unfortunately, it declared bankruptcy in 2015; however, it continues to exist through independently owned franchises and an online platform where they offer a dedicated section for batteries.

The Sharper Image

Originally, The Sharper Image was a catalog offering premium consumer items such as watches, air purifiers, and assorted unique items. After opening physical stores in malls, customers would try their high-end massage chairs, although it’s uncertain how many were actually purchased due to the company’s bankruptcy in 2008. A new company took over the brand in the mid-2010s and now runs a Sharper Image website filled with similar products. Unfortunately, there are no more retail stores, so if you decide to buy a massage chair from them, it will be based on trust since you won’t have the opportunity to try it out in person.

Electronics Boutique

Nowadays, it’s not necessary to own a tangible version of a video game to play it; many games can be purchased as digital downloads that are instantly accessible on users’ consoles. This is a significant factor contributing to the decline in the number of physical game stores still operating. In contrast, 25 years ago, you would hardly find a mall without at least one or two such stores. One of the most prominent was Electronics Boutique, which originated from a single mall in Pennsylvania and expanded nationwide. Over time, they rebranded as “EB Games,” and in 2005, the chain was acquired by the gaming industry titan GameStop. Regrettably, there are no Boutiques left in America; however, if you travel to Australia or New Zealand, you may still come across one.

Babbage’s

Although you can technically still think of it as shopping at Babbage’s, the iconic video game store that originated in Texas during the early 80s, the company underwent several mergers and acquisitions, ultimately transforming into GameStop. However, the Babbage’s brand itself was retired in 1999, following a merger with another mall chain, Software Etc., and some years of financial hardship. For those curious about the origin of the name, Babbage wasn’t one of the founders, who were Harvard graduates, but rather Charles Babbage, an influential 19th-century English engineer known for his contributions to the development of computers.

Borders Books and Music

During the latter part of the 20th century, two major bookstore chains reigned: Barnes & Noble, which continues to thrive today with numerous new stores opened in recent years, and Borders. The latter originated from a solitary bookstore run by Tom and Louis Borders in Ann Arbor, Michigan, back in 1971. By the turn of the millennium, there were countless Borders located across shopping centers throughout the U.S., providing jobs to thousands. However, fierce competition from Barnes & Noble and Amazon eventually led to Borders filing for bankruptcy in 2010.

Walden Books

In its journey from prosperity to decline, Borders was eventually purchased by Kmart, which at one point owned Walden Books – then the largest book industry chain. Kmart combined these two entities, only to later separate them off. Interestingly, the name was derived from Thoreau’s “Walden”, a work celebrating life in nature.

Originally established as a rental company during the Great Depression, Walden Books (later Waldenbooks, with the space dropped for cleaner aesthetics) transformed into full-fledged bookstores in the 1960s. Despite flourishing throughout much of the 20th century, when Borders filed for bankruptcy in the 2010s, it also signaled the downfall of the Walden Books chain as well.

B. Dalton

If your local shopping mall didn’t have a Waldenbooks during that time, it likely had a B. Dalton instead – the other major bookstore chain in malls. While Waldenbooks eventually merged with Borders, B. Dalton was absorbed into Barnes & Noble and served as a subsidiary brand for some years before being phased out entirely; all stores closed around the same time as the bankruptcy of Borders and Walden Books. Interestingly, Barnes & Noble recently brought back the B. Dalton concept, and now there’s a single new store located in a Florida mall. I must say, this news leaves me quite astounded!

Sam Goody

After visiting the bookstore B. Dalton, you needed to pop into the record shop, often called a Sam Goody back then. This name was chosen after its founder, Sam “Goody” Gutowitz, who established his first music store in New York City during the 1940s. (Fun fact: I didn’t know there was an actual person named Sam Goody until now.) In the 70s and 80s, the chain grew swiftly, and it was also taken over by one of its major competitors, Musicland. Unfortunately, the chain declared bankruptcy in the mid-2000s, but a different company bought it and turned most of the stores into FYEs, which you can still find in some malls. The last remaining Sam Goody stores, located at malls in Ohio and Oregon, are projected to close by 2025.

Camelot Music

As a movie buff reminiscing about the golden age of music retail, let me tell you that Camelot Music had an impressive network of nearly 500 stores nationwide by the end of the ’90s. However, fast forward to mid-2020s, and all traces of Camelot Music have vanished, much like Sam Goody, swallowed up by Trans World Entertainment – the corporation that owns FYE.

HMV

Media Play

If you’ve never been to a Media Play, it was similar to Best Buy but with a less trendy vibe (though many considered it superior). These sprawling stores offered music, movies, games, books, board games, and even anime – items that Best Buy usually doesn’t stock. You could easily lose track of time browsing through the vast array of merchandise at Media Play. Regrettably, this chain didn’t last long; it started in the early 1990s and closed by the mid-2000s.

Circuit City

Circuit City was primarily recognized as a retailer for large electronic devices and household appliances, yet it also secretly offered a great selection of music and games. Due to the vast size of their stores, they had ample room for merchandise, which often included an unexpected variety in these categories. (It’s possible that the lack of popularity among shoppers for Circuit City deals could have contributed to its bankruptcy in 2008.) Similar to other brands on this list, someone purchased the Circuit City brand and established a new website and online store under it. However, the physical stores no longer exist. (The website also seems to focus only on selling peripherals and accessories for video games, with limited options for actual games.)

FAO Schwarz

Back in the ’80s, thanks to its memorable appearance in the movie “Big” starring Tom Hanks, every kid dreamt about visiting New York’s iconic toy store, FAO Schwarz, and dancing on its colossal floor piano. In response, the company expanded by opening stores in various shopping areas and malls across the nation. However, it found it hard to keep up with rival toy store companies and was eventually purchased by one of them in 2009. Now, a new ownership group has reopened an FAO Schwarz store in New York, along with a few other locations, but they are quite rare. If you can’t make it there in person, you can still enjoy the experience at home by purchasing their branded giant piano mat!

Zany Brainy

Initially, FAO Schwarz had a subsidiary brand named Zany Brainy for educational toys and games. These stores were vibrant and filled with interactive exhibits. After merging with another educational toy retailer, Noodle Kidoodle, the combined company ran into financial trouble and eventually closed down. For those who cherish memories of Zany Brainy, a website is now available offering various branded items. It’s intriguing to note that the creators of Zany Brainy later established Five Below, a retail chain that remains popular today, hinting at its quirky nature.

Toys R Us

It was indeed Toys “R” Us, the longstanding leader in U.S. toy retailing with numerous stores and an extensive product range from bikes to video games, who bought FAO Schwarz. However, Toys “R” Us’ private equity owners filed for bankruptcy in 2017, forcing closure of all their American stores. Since then, the brand has reemerged primarily as a toy section within hundreds of Macy’s department stores. Yet, in 2022, a new Toys “R” Us flagship store was opened at the American Dream mall in New Jersey, and another followed at the Mall of America in Minnesota the following year. So, while the dream of visiting Toys “R” Us at the mall may not be entirely extinct just yet.

Forgotten ’90s Movies You Need to See

Guilty As Sin (1993)

In a surprising blend of creative minds, Sidney Lumet, famed for his hard-hitting New York crime dramas like “Dog Day Afternoon” and “12 Angry Men,” and Larry Cohen, known for his exploitation films, came together to create an unlikely duo. Their collaboration resulted in the intriguing production of “Guilty As Sin.” This film is reminiscent of a reverse version of “Basic Instinct,” where Rebecca De Mornay plays a lawyer captivated by Don Johnson, the prime suspect in the murder of his wife. Lumet predominantly maintains a straightforward approach, allowing his actors to shine, particularly Don Johnson, who transforms the movie into an exhibition of his charming yet infuriating character as a notorious gigolo. Johnson’s performance is utterly entertaining, portraying one of the most exasperating characters ever seen on screen. In one scene, a woman offers to buy him a drink in a bar; he declines her offer, instead making her pay for his existing drink and then abandoning her with an empty glass and the bill. You can’t help but anticipate his downfall.

Lone Star (1996)

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, John Sayles was a highly respected and impactful independent filmmaker. However, his output has diminished significantly in the 2000s – his latest film was released in 2013, which seems to have affected his popularity among younger movie enthusiasts. One of Sayles’ most recognized works is “Lone Star,” a critically acclaimed film from 1996 that also happened to be one of the biggest arthouse hits that year. This film showcased an early performance by Matthew McConaughey as a legendary Texas sheriff. After the sheriff’s demise, the unearthing of human remains triggers an investigation led by the sheriff’s son (Chris Cooper), which could potentially reveal disturbing truths about the community. “Lone Star” is a captivating mystery and a thought-provoking examination of the myths surrounding small-town America.

The Man in the Moon (1991)

Reese Witherspoon’s breakthrough roles in “Election” and “Cruel Intentions” skyrocketed her to fame, but her exceptional talent was evident from her very first film, the touching indie drama “The Man in the Moon.” At just 14 years old, Witherspoon played a girl navigating her first love in 1950s Louisiana alongside Jason London. Despite it being her initial film appearance, Witherspoon carried herself with the poise of a seasoned screen actor. Those who watched this movie in the early ’90s would not have been shocked by her subsequent rise to major movie stardom.

Night Falls on Manhattan (1996)

Delve deeper into the world of Sidney Lumet with the film “Night Falls on Manhattan.” This production leans into Lumet’s expertise, presenting a story about an ambitious young lawyer (Andy Garcia) who learns the corrupting influence of power within New York’s political sphere firsthand. While the plot may be slightly overloaded, “Night Falls on Manhattan” adopts a realistic approach to its subject matter. Contrary to expectations, the anticipated lengthy trial is swiftly resolved, allowing for an in-depth exploration of how ambition and politics can corrupt our justice system. The ensemble cast includes several future stars from “The Sopranos,” such as Dominic Chianese, Frank Vincent, and James Gandolfini, portraying a complex cop with a hidden darkness.

One False Move (1992)

Despite the fact that Sling Blade marked Billy Bob Thornton’s major Hollywood breakthrough, it was only made possible due to his previous work. Specifically, a few years prior, he wrote and starred in the excellent crime drama One False Move. This film’s director, Carl Franklin, who was previously an actor, went on to have a successful career in directing because of this movie. In One False Move, Thornton portrays one of three criminals (Cynda Williams and Michael Beach play the other two) who travel from Los Angeles to the South with the intention of evading the law and selling drugs. Meanwhile, an Arkansas policeman (Bill Paxton), who might have a connection to these criminals, starts chasing them. This movie is dark, gritty, and tragic, making it worthy of comparison to its more famous counterparts in the ’90s crime genre.

The Paper (1994)

This relatively obscure film directed by Ron Howard in the ’90s, often overlooked compared to his other hits like Backdraft, Apollo 13, and Ransom, could arguably be his finest work of the decade. It’s an engaging ensemble drama that delves into the behind-the-scenes action of a bustling city newspaper. Michael Keaton takes on the role of a hardworking editor at a New York City tabloid, whose relentless pursuit of a story risks jeopardizing both his career and his marriage. If you’re a fan of investigative journalist films, this one is highly recommended, boasting an exceptional cast that includes Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Jason Alexander, Marisa Tomei, and Jason Robards.

The Red Violin (1998)

Instead of listing great yet forgotten films, how about highlighting an intriguing movie like the one that chronicles the centuries-long tale of a unique violin? This uncommon blend of mystery and anthology storytelling takes us on a journey through time as we trace the “Red Violin’s” history from its birth in the 17th Century, all the way to an auction house in Montreal during the late ’90s. A succession of episodes showcase significant events in the violin’s life, with various locations such as Vienna, Oxford, and Shanghai playing host. In this compelling narrative, Samuel L. Jackson portrays a meticulous appraiser who uncovers a surprising truth about the “Red Violin.

Reversal of Fortune (1990)

The 90’s early period was a golden age for gripping legal dramas like this one, which reenacts the notorious Claus von Bülow case. Jeremy Irons earned an Oscar for his portrayal of von Bülow, and director Barbet Schroeder skillfully examines the case from multiple angles without necessarily vindicating his controversial protagonist (although Ron Silver’s Alan Dershowitz persistently argues for his client’s innocence, Schroeder is more focused on delving into the elusive concept of reasonable doubt). Glenn Close delivers an indelible performance as Sunny von Bülow, despite her character narrating most of the movie while in a vegetative state. Although the real Sunny remained in a coma until her passing in 2008, Close gets to deliver the film’s chilling final lines, and they are truly haunting.

The Spanish Prisoner (1998)

The Spanish Prisoner, a cleverly intricate film about deceit, features a sharp script by David Mamet and an assorted ensemble including Campbell Scott, Ben Gazzara, Ricky Jay, Ed O’Neill, and Steve Martin. In this story, Joe (Scott), the creator of a potentially lucrative process, finds himself attracting interest from wealthy businessman Jimmy, played by Martin. With everyone seemingly eager to exploit him, one must wonder: who truly supports Joe? Or is it that all are plotting to swindle him? And what connection does the Spanish prisoner have to this tale? (There isn’t one; ‘the Spanish prisoner’ is just a name given to an ancient confidence trick.)

Sudden Death (1995)

Trial and Error (1997)

In the ’90s, many stars from popular sitcoms struggled in movies, be it creatively or financially. However, an exceptional exception emerged during this time – a humorous take on “Kindergarten Cop,” featuring Michael Richards from “Seinfeld.” In this film, Richards portrays a man who steps into the shoes of a lawyer when his best friend, Jeff Daniels, is too drunk following his bachelor party to attend a hearing. This comedy, reminiscent of screwball comedies we seldom see today, was also one of Charlize Theron’s early big-screen appearances.

The Two Jakes (1990)

The Two Jakes”

“The Two Jakes” might seem like an unnecessary sequel at first glance, but upon viewing it, it reveals itself as the solution to a half-heard question. Set long after the events of “Chinatown,” Jake Gittes (played by Jack Nicholson, who also directed) finds himself embroiled in a complex case involving a client, played by Harvey Keitel, who may have used him as a cover for a premeditated murder. As Gittes delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers links to his own past. “The Two Jakes,” written by Robert Towne, the original screenwriter of “Chinatown,” is a poignantly sad story that explores the dangers of dwelling on the past. The final line of “Chinatown” remains iconic, but the final line of “The Two Jakes” – “It never goes away” – could be argued to be even more chilling.

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2025-01-14 03:55