With the advent of online shopping, some say malls will slowly die. It’s hard to compete with e-commerce when everything in the world is going digital. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, many malls in the United States had closed shop. The pandemic came with lockdowns and restrictions, hurting the mall’s retail sector which was already struggling. Some of the casualties include the Northgate Mall, Cascade Mall, and Metrocenter Mall. However, there’s a strong mall culture in the US. And cultures don’t just vanish. Here are some of the largest malls in the country that are attractions on their own and remain active and welcoming.
10 Mall of America
Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and one of the largest worldwide. The mall is an attraction in itself in Minnesota. In fact, in 2016, four in 10 MOA visitors were tourists, and yearly, an average of 40 million people from around the globe visit it. MOA has more than 500 stores, and a day is not enough to explore this urban jungle. From luxury stores to fashion boutiques, the Mall of America has it all.
9 American Dream Meadowlands
The American Dream is young but is already attracting admirers. That’s expected as this New Jersey destination is home to North America’s largest indoor theme park, Nickelodeon Universe. So substantial and welcoming is this mall, Spongebob Squarepants and his crew considered it their second home. The American Dream is a place for family fun because, aside from the theme park, it also has a waterpark, mini-golf, and a mirror maze. The mall has about 200 tenants, so adults can busy themselves shopping while the kids are playing.
8 King Of Prussia
Another New Jersey attraction, King of Prussia, is the East Coast’s largest mall. It welcomes 20 million visitors yearly, spending their day meandering in the department stores, dining, and checking out unique items in specialty shops. The mall has been serving the community since the early 60s, and it’s now home to more than 450 stores. From fashion to food, this New Jersey marvel is a must-visit. The King of Prussia is indeed royalty when it comes to serving guests.
7 South Coast Plaza
Those visiting California should not miss South Coast Plaza, the largest mall on the West Coast. It’s a place of luxury as it’s home to global fashion brands Alexander McQueen, ALDO, Givenchy, Gucci, Miu Miu, and Louis Vuitton, among others. It’s like fashion week in this place all day. The Collage Culinary Experience is also located in this Costa Mesa spot, so after shopping, guests can cap their day off by eating some delicious food. South Coast Plaza is ready to serve anyone finding anything from A to Z, with an emphasis on luxury.
6 Aventura Mall
Lovers of art will have a good time strolling around Aventura Mall in Florida. It boasts of artworks like Louise Bourgeois’ Eye Benches, Donald Baechler’s Walking Figure, and the most popular, the Aventura Slide Tower by Carsten Höller. The latter is not just a work of art as it’s a functional slide. Those who plan to visit Florida should drop by Aventura and have a good time exploring its stalls and restaurants, or maybe just going up and down the slide.
5 Del Amo Fashion Center
As the name suggests, Del Amo is big on fashion. Its main retailers include Nordstrom, JCPenney, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Macy's. Whatever the season, there’s the right fashion choice in this California destination. This chic mall is like one big runway, after all. It's not always about fashion in this mall because there are also dining spots, a home center, a moviehouse, and monthly events. From clothes and jewelry and shoes to accessories, Del Amo is the place to be.
4 The Galleria
The Galleria is a cousin of King of Prussia and Del Amo, so those visiting this Texas spot should also expect luxury goods, a welcoming vibe, and promising services. It is packed with over 400 stores, offering shoppers a variety of affordable items and luxury products. Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship stores can be found at The Galleria, aside from Macy's, Nordstrom, and Dillard's. For good food, fine clothes, and the best deals, the largest mall in Texas has them covered.
3 Destiny USA
For shopping, dining, or entertainment, Destiny USA is destined to be the perfect spot. Also known as Carousel Center, the mall has been serving New York since 1990 and is visited annually by 26 million shoppers. It’s the eighth largest shopping center in the US, so visitors should expect an array of stores and services. There's an antique carousel, Dave & Buster’s, Margaritaville, and WonderWorks, which is the largest suspended ropes course in the world. From fine dining to adrenaline-packed activities, Destiny USA is the perfect place.
2 Roosevelt Field
Another New York destination, Roosevelt Field is a shopper's refuge, thanks to its great selections. The building’s architecture is an attraction on its own because it was designed by the famous I. M. Pei. The mall is one grand display of NY beauty. The shopping center was born in 1956 and remained a popular destination in the state. It has more than 200 stores, so there's always something for everyone. Guests can busy themselves doing retail therapy, then munching some delicious treats, and capping their day off with a movie. All that and more can be found in Roosevelt Field.
1 Sawgrass Mills
Sawgrass Mills is owned by Simon Property Group, the same owner of King of Prussia, Del Amo, Roosevelt Field, and The Galleria. With that, it also offers anyone a memorable shopping experience, whatever the season and the reason. It’s the largest outlet mall in the US, after all. What makes a good mall? Is it the number of stores? The wide activity areas? Or the unique offerings? For Sawgrass Mills, it’s all about the experience. This Florida mall is a combination of affordability and luxury, both working together to give shoppers a memorable day. Window shoppers are welcome, too, because Sawgrass Mills is a place for all the world to see.