When Westland Mall was first constructed, it was a state-of-the-art shopping center. The original anchor stores were JCPenney and Lazarus, which was a popular department store chain in Ohio. Over the years, more retailers set up shop in Westland Mall, including Sears, Elder-Beerman, and Macy’s.
For many years, Westland Mall was a thriving shopping destination. It was a place where people went to browse the latest fashion trends, purchase electronics, and dine at popular restaurants like Red Lobster and Damon’s Grill. However, as the retail landscape changed over time, Westland Mall began to face challenges.
One of the biggest challenges that Westland Mall faced was competition from other retail destinations in the Columbus area. As more shopping centers opened up, retailers began to spread out across the city, taking customers away from Westland Mall. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce made it easier for consumers to shop from the comfort of their own homes, which further impacted Westland Mall’s traffic.
Despite these challenges, Westland Mall remained open for business. The center underwent a significant renovation in the late 1990s, which gave it a more modern look and feel. However, even with the updates, it was difficult for Westland Mall to compete with other shopping centers in the area.
Eventually, the mall began to lose anchor tenants. Macy’s closed its doors in 2016, and Sears followed suit a year later. Elder-Beerman also closed its location in Westland Mall in 2018, leaving only JCPenney as the sole remaining anchor store.
Today, Westland Mall is still open, but it has a much different look and feel than it did in its heyday. Many of the stores that once filled its halls are gone, and the mall has taken on a somewhat desolate vibe. However, efforts are underway to revitalize the shopping center.
In recent years, the mall has welcomed new tenants, including a popular local grocery store chain called Marc’s. Additionally, there are plans to redevelop the site into a mixed-use destination that will include retail, housing, and recreational space.
While it’s unclear what the future holds for Westland Mall, it’s clear that this shopping center has played an important role in the Columbus community for decades. For many residents, Westland Mall holds a special place in their hearts as a symbol of the city’s past and a reminder of the changing times. Whether it will be able to make a comeback and adapt to the times remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Westland Mall has left its mark on Columbus, Ohio, and will always be remembered as a beloved local landmark.