We live in the 21st century, where the mall culture is widespread and thriving. Whether it is buying a small needle or a big piece of electrical equipment, every individual visits a mall to explore their objects of necessity. Shopping malls do not only have stores of clothing, accessories, or electronics but food joints and bars too, where you can relax and relish your favorite delicacies.
So, where did the concept of a shopping mall come from?
The term ‘mall’ has an American origin. It is used to address any large shopping center. Initially, it was intended for shops located along a pedestrian promenade, but by the mid-20th century, this term started to get used as a generic term for large enclosed shopping centers.
The mall culture started in the nations like America and spread to other parts of the world. It witnessed an immense boom in the 1980s and 90s. In the 21st century, these malls have transitioned double to their size, and their numbers are increasing rapidly.
What are the Biggest Malls in America?
America has some of the best malls worldwide, spread over acres of land. These malls have everything suiting the needs of a consumer – shopping items, bars, restaurants, cafes, and a lot more, catering to the modern era of consumerism.
Take a look at the biggest malls in America.
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Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota
The Mall of America is located in Bloomington, Minnesota. It is the biggest mall in the country, spread over an area of 5.6 million square feet. There are four floors, two 7-story ramps, and two overflow surface lots of parking. This mall features 520 retail stores of some well-known brands, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, Forever 21, Marshall’s, and others.
It also has the Nickelodeon Universe, the largest Nickelodeon theme park with 24 amusement park rides. No wonder it is highly popular among kids. Mall of America attracts over 40 million people from all over the world.
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King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Opened in 1963, King of Prussia happens to be one of the biggest malls in America. The overall area of this shopping complex is 2.8 million square feet. There are many stores where you can buy all your items of necessity.
The shopping mall also hosts several events and numerous attractions to keep visitors entertained throughout their visit. At present, King of Prussia Mall has 450 stores and venues. Shop your heart out or enjoy feasting on delectable delicacies; the choice is yours.
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South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa, California
One of the biggest malls in America, South Coast Plaza, stretches up to an area of 2.8 million square feet. To call it a shopper’s paradise wouldn’t be wrong, as you will come across an abundance of luxury hot spots perfect for the window and real shopping. This mall features 280 boutique shops and 30 restaurants.
You can sift through the racks of your favorite designer clothing and can even get your hands on a few. Not only this, but you can also free up some of your arm space if you are loaded with shopping bags. All you need to do is head to one of the three locations of concierge services in the mall. The cherry on the cake is that South Coast Plaza offers personal shoppers. What else would one ask for?
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Westfield Valley Fair, San Jose, California
The gross leasable area of this mall is 2.6 million square feet, making it one of the biggest malls in the United States of America. It is also the most successful mall in California that entertains the highest sales revenue despite having only the third most area in the state.
Westfield Valley Fair has 236 stores and many famous eateries and restaurants. It includes four anchor tenants – Nordstrom, two Macy’s stores, and a newly established three-level 150,000 square feet Bloomingdale store. The mall was inaugurated in 1986 and continues to be a famous shopping center among the locals and tourists. In the last two decades, it has undergone two major expansions.
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Del Amo Fashion Center, Torrance, California
Another haven for all the shopaholics is the Del Amo Fashion Center. Located in Torrance, California, it boasts 2.5 million square feet of shopping space. It is not for the random shopper but for all the shopping fanatics who do not mind walking long distances to spot and buy their favorite items.
There are three levels of luxury retail space filled with over 200 stores. These stores are where you can find the most fashionable clothing and accessories. Del Amo Fashion Center also includes a fitness center, a multiplex theatre, and a wealth of dining options to satiate your taste buds after a tiring shopping experience. This mall is beautifully constructed. The palm-lined Outdoor Village is where you can soak in the sunshine.
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Aventura Mall, Aventura, Florida
Aventura Mall came into being in 1984. It was opened by the Simon Property Group at an area of 2.5 million square feet of leasable retail space. Currently, the mall features a mix of 300 stores, more than 50 eateries, and restaurants, thereby being one of the biggest malls in the United States of America.
Aventura mall also includes a treats food hall and the experiential arts Aventura Mall program that showcases 20 museum-quality pieces in a range of mediums. Any shopaholic would love to explore and shop at this mall.
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Ala Moana Center, Ala Moana, Honolulu
Ala Moana Center spreads to a whopping 2.4 million square feet in area. Unlike other shopping malls on the list, which are enclosed, this one is an open-air shopping center. As such, it is touted as the largest complex in the world. It was inaugurated in 1959 with only 90 stores and became the largest shopping mall in America during that period.
Today, Ala Moana Center entertains 350 stores. It also has many restaurants as well as an amphitheater, Centerstage. The mall includes eight tenants – Bloomingdales, Macy’s, Marshalls, Neiman Marcus, Ross Dress for Less, Nordstrom, Target, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
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The Galleria, Houston, Texas
The gross leasable area of The Galleria extends up to a huge 2.4 million square feet. It is popularly known as Houston Galleria and is considered the largest shopping complex in Texas. It comprises everything, ranging from a retail area, hotels, office towers, and entertainment facilities.
The mall features 400 stores and restaurants anchored by Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. It also includes a massive 20,000-square feet ice skating facility. If you are an adventure enthusiast by any chance, hopping her is a must. It was the first-ever ice rink to be assembled in a mall.
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Destiny USA, Syracuse, New York
Destiny USA was formerly known as Carousel Center. This six-story, automobile-oriented super-regional shopping and entertainment complex has a beautiful location. It rests on the shores of Onondaga Lake. The mall was made open to the public in 1990. It comprises six above-ground floors and one underground floor, making it one of the biggest malls in the United States of America.
The mall is full of stores, vendors, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The food court and namesake carousel on the second floor are the highlights of this place. It also features a theatre and other entertainment options. The gross leasable area of this mall is 2.4 million square feet.
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Roosevelt Field, Long Island, New York
This mall has a total area of 2.3 million square feet gross leasable area, thus one of the biggest shopping malls in America. It is considered the second-most successful mall in the state and has tenants such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Neiman Marcus.
Whether you want to visit here for window shopping or real, there are many options to explore. Roosevelt Field mall was opened to the public in 1956, making it one of the oldest malls on the list.
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Sawgrass Mills, Sunrise, Florida
This mall is owned by Simon Property Group. The outlet shopping mall is touted as one of the biggest malls in America. It is spread over a 2.2 million square feet leasable area, making it the largest shopping mall in Broward County, the second-largest mall in Florida and the Miami Metropolitan area, and the third-largest in the south-eastern USA.
Sawgrass Mall was established in 1990, and since then, it has maintained a successful reputation. There are more than 350 stores, including outlets from various brands worldwide. The mall also includes food courts, grab-and-go options, and full-service restaurants for a great dining experience.
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Plaza Las Americas, San Juan, Puerto Rico Â
Plaza Las Americas is another big mall of America located in Puerto Rico. It spreads around an area of 1.8 million square feet. This mall is considered the largest mall in the Caribbean and the second-largest mall in Latin America.
The mall includes more than 300 stores of some well-known brands, including Sears, Macy’s JCPenney, Old Navy, Kmart, and Forever 21. Once upon a time, it was the first indoor mall built in Puerto Rico. It dates back to 1968, but its popularity remains intact.
The above-listed shopping malls have made it big! Before you visit any of these, ensure to get energized enough for a good mall-hopping experience.
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