The Beginnings
Northwest Arkansas Mall opened in Fayetteville, AR, in March 1972. General Growth Properties developed the mall. Its initial phase included 450,000 square feet of retail space, and construction featured a single-level design.
Sears played a crucial role in the mall’s early days. It opened a store in north Fayetteville in 1971. The mall began with Sears, Dillard’s, F. W. Woolworth, and JCPenney (which opened in 1978) as its main anchors. The original stores included The Boston Store, Osco Drug, Beall’s, The Jean Joint, and Malco Theatres.
The mall’s location in Fayetteville, Arkansas, quickly made it a retail hub. The combination of popular stores and a central location contributed to its early success. For anyone looking for things to do in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the mall became a top destination.
Major Expansions
In 1997, the Northwest Arkansas Mall underwent a major expansion. This project added a new wing and a larger food court. The expansion increased the retail space and brought in more stores. The mall’s renovation modernized its facilities and attracted more shoppers.
During this expansion, the original JCPenney moved to a larger location within the mall. The new JCPenney store occupied 154,100 square feet. The old JCPenney space was partly demolished and transformed into a food court. This food court featured 12 fast-food restaurants, enhancing the mall’s dining options.
The expansion also included the addition of a second Dillard’s store. This new Dillard’s catered to men and children, while the original Dillard’s focused on women’s apparel. This move allowed Dillard’s to offer a broader range of products and improved customer experience.
The Sears store at the mall also expanded during this period. Initially, Sears occupied 90,400 square feet. After the expansion, Sears grew to 137,000 square feet. This larger space allowed Sears to offer more products and better serve the growing customer base.
Economic Shifts
The opening of Pinnacle Hills Promenade in 2006 introduced strong competition for the Northwest Arkansas Mall. Located in Rogers, Pinnacle Hills offered a modern shopping experience and quickly attracted regional shoppers. This new mall provided an alternative to the established shopping options in Fayetteville.
Dillard’s and JCPenney operated stores in both Fayetteville and Rogers, but other retailers made different choices. Experiential retailers like Dave & Busters and Topgolf chose Pinnacle Hills over Fayetteville. This shift reflected changing consumer preferences and increased competition in the area.
In January 2016, three New York-based investment groups—Namdar Realty Group, Mason Asset Management, and CH Capital Group—purchased the Northwest Arkansas Mall for $39.5 million.
This price was far lower than the $150 million that Midwest Mall Properties paid in 2006. This sharp drop in value highlighted the mall’s financial challenges.
The mall’s assessed value continued to decline. By 2021, Washington County property records showed the land and buildings were valued at $19.25 million. This decreasing value reflected the broader struggles faced by many regional malls across the country.
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The ownership change in 2016 brought new perspectives and strategies. The new owners explored various ways to revitalize the mall and increase its appeal to shoppers. These efforts included improving the mall’s facilities and considering new uses for the large parking areas surrounding the mall.
Sears closed its doors in January 2018, marking the end of an era. Sears had been a cornerstone of the mall since its early days, and the vacated space led to several retail vacancies in that wing of the mall.
The economic landscape has changed a lot since the mall opened. The COVID-19 pandemic hit retail hard, and malls had to adapt quickly.
Latest News and Incidents at Northwest Arkansas Mall
In 2023 and 2024, the Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville has seen a mix of recovery and challenges. In April 2023, the mall showed signs of recovery from the pandemic, thanks to effective management and the involvement of young entrepreneurs. These efforts helped boost foot traffic and revitalized some of the retail spaces that had been struggling.
On May 5, 2024, an incident at the mall drew significant attention. A juvenile accidentally shot himself during a struggle, leading to the arrest of two individuals. This event underscored ongoing safety concerns and highlighted the importance of security measures at the mall.
Another incident occurred on May 6, 2024, involving a person doing donuts in the mall’s parking lot. During the arrest, the individual’s gun discharged, causing injury. These incidents have raised discussions about the need for increased security and monitoring in the mall’s vicinity.
Despite these challenges, the mall’s management remains committed to improving the shopping experience and ensuring safety for all visitors. They continue to explore new retail opportunities and ways to enhance the mall’s appeal in the competitive retail landscape.
Current Anchors
Dillard’s (2 stores)
Dillard’s has been a cornerstone of Northwest Arkansas Mall since its opening in 1972. Originally a full-line store, Dillard’s expanded in 1997 to create two distinct locations within the mall. The original store became a dedicated women’s store, while the new addition catered to men and children. This move allowed Dillard’s to offer a broader range of products, enhancing its appeal to different customer segments.
JCPenney
JCPenney joined the Northwest Arkansas Mall in 1978, becoming a major anchor store. In 1997, JCPenney relocated to a larger space within the mall, occupying 154,100 square feet. The move involved partially demolishing the old store and converting it into a vibrant food court. This strategic relocation helped JCPenney serve more customers with a wider variety of merchandise, from apparel to home goods.
Famous Stores at Northwest Arkansas Mall
At Northwest Arkansas Mall, several famous stores stand out, attracting shoppers with their unique offerings and established reputations.
Aeropostale, known for its casual apparel, has been a popular anchor store, attracting a younger demographic. Its presence in the mall has been instrumental in drawing teenagers and young adults, making it a go-to destination for trendy, affordable fashion.
American Eagle Outfitters offers a mix of casual and on-trend clothing and accessories. This store has been a mainstay at the mall, appealing to both teenagers and young adults.
Forever 21 is a major draw for fashion-forward shoppers, offering a wide range of trendy clothing and accessories at affordable prices. This store consistently updates its inventory, keeping up with the latest fashion trends and ensuring a steady stream of customers looking for stylish apparel.
Francesca’s provides a boutique shopping experience known for its unique, fashion-forward apparel and accessories. Shoppers appreciate the personalized service and curated selection of items that make each visit special.
Maurices, catering to women of all sizes, offers stylish and versatile clothing options. The store’s commitment to inclusivity and fashion makes it a popular choice among female shoppers.
For those seeking plus-size fashion, Torrid provides fashionable and flattering clothing options, ensuring that every woman can find something stylish to wear.
Meanwhile, Victoria’s Secret remains a staple in the mall’s retail mix. Famous for its lingerie, beauty products, and apparel, the store’s reputation for high-quality, luxurious items keeps it at the forefront of many shoppers’ minds.
In the realm of jewelry and accessories, Claire’s is a go-to for young shoppers looking for trendy pieces. The store’s wide variety of jewelry and accessories makes it a popular stop for those wanting to add a touch of sparkle to their outfits.
Champs Sports is a leading retailer of athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories for sports and leisure enthusiasts. Its extensive selection attracts those looking for the latest in sports fashion.
Hibbett Sports offers a wide selection of athletic gear, apparel, and footwear, catering to sports enthusiasts and active lifestyle customers.
Finish Line is another favorite known for its athletic shoes and clothing, which draw in sports fans and those who live active lifestyles.
In beauty and health, Bath & Body Works is famous for its scented candles, lotions, and soaps. The store’s inviting atmosphere and extensive range of products make it a haven for those looking to indulge in self-care.
These famous stores contribute to the diverse and vibrant shopping experience at Northwest Arkansas Mall, each adding its unique flavor to the mall’s retail mix.