The Yesteryears of Selma Mall
In the heart of Selma, Alabama, lies a monument of the city’s past and present – the Selma Mall. Opened in 1971, the mall has been a testament to the city’s vibrancy and a witness to the ebb and flow of economic tides.
Nestled within the mall’s walls, stores like Sears, Britt’s, and S.H. Kress began their journey, serving as the mall’s original anchors. These stores were the pulse of the local shopping scene, a testament to Selma’s thriving economy at the time.
As the years passed, change was inevitable. The 1990s marked a significant transformation for the Selma Mall. Kress evolved into McCrory Stores, and Beall-Ladymon joined as a central anchor, breathing new life into the mall’s landscape.
The anchor store, a vital pillar of any shopping mall, has seen a rotation of occupants over the years. After 18 years of serving the Selma community, the recent major shift came when Belk announced its closure, leaving Treasure Box Flea and Antique Mall as the solo anchor.
Selma Mall: More Than Just a Shopping Destination
To the uninitiated, Selma Mall might seem like a simple shopping mall. But for the locals, it’s more than just a place to shop; it’s a community hub. The mall’s significance extends beyond its retail purpose, serving as a venue for community gatherings, health fairs, and more.
One such event was the Community Health Fair, a collaborative effort by Water Avenue Baptist Church and American Legion Post 324. It wasn’t just a health check-up event but a testament to Selma Mall’s intrinsic role in the community.
Local health specialists and various health organizations came together to offer services such as vision and hearing screenings, blood pressure and diabetes checks, and mental wellness support. Events like these reflect the mall’s integral role in the community, providing a platform for healthcare providers to reach out to the public and help address their health concerns.
Envisioning the Future of Selma Mall
With the closing of Belk, the future of Selma Mall is a topic of intense discussion and speculation. The remaining anchor store, Treasure Box Flea and Antique Mall is a solitary beacon amidst this uncertainty.
The unfolding story of Selma Mall serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the retail industry and the resilience of the community it serves. Will the mall retain its old charm, or will it adapt and transform to cater to the ever-changing retail environment? Only time will tell.
Wrapping Up
Through all the changes and uncertainties, one thing remains clear – Selma Mall is not just a shopping mall but a piece of Selma’s heart, history, and community. It’s a witness to the economic tides that have shaped the city, a gathering spot for the community, and a symbol of resilience amidst change.
The mall’s story is far from over. It’s a living, breathing narrative that evolves with each passing day. The recent closure of Belk marks new chapters in its history.
Selma Mall will remain an enduring part of the city’s landscape regardless of the future. It will continue to evoke memories for those who’ve walked its corridors, shopped in its stores, and participated in its community events. It’s a testament to the city’s past, a mirror of its present, and a beacon for its future.
As we stand on the cusp of this new chapter, we’re reminded of the mall’s legacy and potential. It’s a story that resonates with every Selma, AL resident, a story that’s woven into the city’s fabric.
And as this story continues to unfold, one can only hope that the Selma Mall will be a vibrant part of the city’s life, bringing people together and contributing to the local economy for years to come.
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