Selma Mall: A Retail Hub from the Start
Selma Mall opened its doors in 1971, bringing a new shopping experience to Selma, Alabama.
Developed and managed by Aronov Realty, the enclosed mall introduced a mix of department stores, specialty shops, and services that catered to the local community.
At the time, shopping malls were becoming the centerpiece of American retail, and Selma Mall was no exception.
It quickly became a go-to spot for residents looking for clothing, household goods, and entertainment, all under one roof.
The mall launched with three key anchor stores: Sears, Britt’s, and S.H. Kress. Sears, a retail giant at the time, drew shoppers with its wide selection of appliances, clothing, and home essentials.
Britt’s, a division of J.J. Newberry, operated as a discount department store offering budget-friendly merchandise.
Meanwhile, S.H. Kress—well known for its five-and-dime format—provided an affordable shopping experience, selling everything from candy to household items.
These stores, along with a variety of smaller retailers, helped establish the mall as a central shopping destination in the region.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the mall maintained steady traffic, attracting both national and local businesses.
As consumer habits shifted, new stores joined the mix, adapting to changing retail trends.
By the late 1980s, shopping centers across the country were facing increasing competition from big-box retailers and strip malls, but Selma Mall remained a staple in the community.
Retail Shifts and New Anchors in the 1990s
By the 1990s, Selma Mall had already been a staple in the city for two decades. One of the biggest changes came when S.H. Kress, a longtime five-and-dime chain, transitioned into McCrory Stores.
McCrory was known for its variety of low-cost goods, similar to its predecessor, but by this time, dollar stores and larger discount retailers were starting to compete for the same customer base.
Sears, one of the mall’s original anchors, closed its doors in 1993. This was a major shift, as Sears had been a key draw for shoppers.
However, just three years later, in 1996, McRae’s took over the space, keeping the location from sitting vacant.
McRae’s, a department store chain specializing in clothing, cosmetics, and home goods, helped maintain foot traffic. The store later became part of Belk when the two chains merged.
Around the same time, Beall-Ladymon joined the mall as another central anchor. The department store offered apparel and accessories, adding to the variety of shopping options.
While the mall was adjusting to the decade’s retail shifts, competition from big-box stores and standalone retailers continued to grow.
New developments in surrounding areas meant Selma Mall had to work harder to keep shoppers coming back.
New Tenants and Departures in the 2000s and 2010s
As the 2000s rolled in, Selma Mall continued to see changes. Beall-Ladymon eventually closed, and Goody’s took over its former space.
Goody’s, a well-known clothing retailer, catered to families looking for affordable fashion. However, the store shut down in 2008 during the company’s financial struggles.
The closure left a gap in the mall’s tenant lineup, but Goody’s returned in 2011, reopening in the same space.
That same year, Steele’s became another anchor at Selma Mall. Steele’s, a discount department store, offered a mix of clothing, accessories, and home goods at lower prices.
The addition was meant to attract budget-conscious shoppers, which was especially important as retail patterns continued shifting toward off-price and online shopping.
In January 2014, JCPenney announced that it would close its Selma Mall store. This marked another major loss, as JCPenney had been a household name in department store shopping for decades.
With one less major retailer, the mall had to find ways to keep drawing visitors. By August 2019, the former JCPenney space had a new occupant—Treasure Box Flea and Antique Mall.
This addition brought a different kind of retail experience, focusing on vintage items, collectibles, and second-hand goods.
Despite these efforts, the departures of large retail chains signaled that Selma Mall was facing the same struggles as many mid-sized malls across the country.
Foot traffic had become harder to maintain, and the rise of e-commerce meant fewer people were visiting malls for everyday shopping.
The Closure of Belk and the Mall’s Current Landscape
On May 23, 2023, Selma Mall took another hit when it was announced that Belk would be closing. This decision left the mall with only one remaining anchor—The Treasure Box Flea Market.
Belk had been operating in the former McRae’s space since the two companies merged, and its departure marked the end of an era for the mall’s department store presence.
The store officially closed on June 5, 2023, leaving another large vacancy in an already struggling retail space.
As of early 2025, the mall remains open but operates with fewer stores than in previous decades.
The Treasure Box Flea and Antique Mall continues to be its main draw, offering an experience different from the mall’s original retail focus.
Also, Worldwide Liquidators operates in the space previously held by Belk.
They specialize in offering a variety of home décor items, including pillows, clothing, and fabrics, all available at liquidated prices. Their commitment is to provide quality merchandise to budget-conscious shoppers.
Whether Selma Mall will adapt further or continue to lose tenants remains uncertain.
Still, the trends shaping its recent years suggest that traditional malls like this one must continue evolving to stay relevant.