Building Los Cerritos Center – From Concept to Opening
In the late 1960s, Cerritos, California, was growing fast. The city, still adjusting to its new name after ditching “Dairy Valley” in 1967, needed a major commercial hub to boost local revenue.
The Cerritos Redevelopment Agency stepped in with a bold plan: it would invest $30 million in developing a large shopping center that would reshape the area’s retail scene.
The chosen spot? A 100-acre plot at the intersection of Gridley Road and South Street, right in the heart of town.
Ernest M. Hahn, Inc., a well-known developer at the time, took charge of the project.
The company had already made a name for itself with other successful mall developments across California.
Los Cerritos Center’s construction moved quickly, and the first phase opened to the public in September 1971.
The initial layout included three anchor stores: The Broadway, Ohrbach’s, and J.W. Robinson’s.
Alongside them were 150 smaller retailers, filling the corridors with everything from clothing and electronics to home goods.
The second phase came later that year, adding a new wing stretching from Ohrbach’s to Sears.
This expansion made the mall even more attractive to shoppers looking for a complete retail experience in one place.
With its climate-controlled environment—still a luxury in many shopping centers at the time—Los Cerritos Center set itself apart.
By 1974, retail sales in Cerritos had skyrocketed to over $207 million, proving that the investment had paid off.
For anyone searching for things to do in Cerritos, California, the mall quickly became a go-to spot.
Its combination of major department stores, specialty shops, and dining options drew steady foot traffic.
It wasn’t just a shopping destination—it was a sign that Cerritos had arrived as a commercial hub in Southern California.
Expanding Los Cerritos Center – New Anchors and Retail Growth
By the early 1980s, Los Cerritos Center had established itself as a major retail hub, but competition from other malls in Southern California pushed the need for expansion.
In 1981, the third phase of development introduced a new anchor—Nordstrom. This marked the luxury department store’s arrival in Cerritos, bringing a selection of high-end fashion and designer brands that had not been widely available in the area.
Along with the store, a new wing was added, giving shoppers more space to browse upscale retailers.
Retail in the ’90s saw more department store shake-ups. J.W. Robinson’s, one of the original anchors, merged with May Company California in 1993 to form Robinsons-May.
This change led to a rebranding of the store inside Los Cerritos Center, reflecting broader industry shifts happening nationwide.
That same year, the mall introduced the Palm Court Cafes, a food court featuring 14 eateries, including McDonald’s, Steak Escape, and Subway.
The addition gave shoppers a wider selection of dining options without leaving the mall.
Another major change came in 1987 when Ohrbach’s closed its doors. Mervyn’s moved in, taking over the space for more than two decades before shutting down in 2008.
Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, the mall continued to evolve, shifting its mix of stores to match changing consumer demand.
Modernizing the Mall – Renovations and Store Overhauls
By the early 2000s, aging malls across the country faced pressure to modernize, and Los Cerritos Center was no exception.
Shoppers expected more than just retail—they wanted an upgraded shopping environment with better dining, entertainment, and aesthetics.
In 2010, the mall took a major step forward when Nordstrom relocated to a brand-new space, replacing the old Robinsons-May location.
The move freed up room for nine new shops and restaurants, adding more variety to the shopping experience.
That same year, Forever 21 took over the former Mervyn’s building and launched its first flagship-style store in the U.S.
This wasn’t just another standard Forever 21—it was a massive, multi-level location designed to compete with department stores.
Meanwhile, dining options expanded in 2015 with the opening of The Cheesecake Factory, bringing a sit-down restaurant option that appealed to families and groups.
Entertainment also became a bigger priority. In 2016, the old Nordstrom site was demolished to make way for a new 16-screen Harkins Theatres.
The addition brought more foot traffic, especially during weekends and evening hours.
P.F. Chang’s, which replaced Red Robin in late 2017, also gave visitors more reasons to stay.
Alongside this, the mall underwent a complete interior and exterior renovation, introducing new flooring, lighting, seating areas, and modern design elements.
By the late 2010s, traditional department stores were struggling across the country, and Los Cerritos Center was no exception.
One of the biggest blows came in October 2018 when Sears announced it would close 142 locations nationwide, including its Cerritos store.
After nearly 50 years in the mall, the store closed on January 6, 2019.
Retail Landscape and Future Prospects – What’s Next for Los Cerritos Center?
As of early 2025, Los Cerritos Center remains a major shopping destination, but its mix of stores continues to evolve.
Anchors like Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Dick’s Sporting Goods still draw steady traffic, while Forever 21 and Harkins Theatres keep younger shoppers and families coming back.
The vacant Sears space remains one of the biggest redevelopment opportunities.
In June 2023, Macerich, the owner and operator of Los Cerritos Center, acquired the remaining 50% interest in the mall’s former Sears property, gaining full ownership and control of the space.
Macerich has indicated a potential for adding mixed-use elements such as fitness centers, residential units, hotels, offices, or medical facilities to replace the former department store space.
Retail continues to shift toward a mix of online and in-person shopping.
Many stores in Los Cerritos Center have embraced this by offering more digital integration, such as mobile checkout, online order pickup, and showroom-style layouts.
Trends suggest that malls that balance retail, entertainment, and dining tend to hold steady, even as consumer habits shift.
With its location and established brand names, Los Cerritos Center remains a key player in Southern California’s shopping scene.
However, its next chapter will depend on how well it meets the expectations of a new generation of shoppers.
Recent Incidents at Los Cerritos Center
On April 5, 2024, a confrontation in the mall’s parking lot led to a fatal shooting.
California Highway Patrol officers engaged with three suspects fleeing in a Dodge Charger.
Gunfire was exchanged, resulting in one suspect being pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
The incident caused temporary disruption, but normal operations resumed shortly af
On January 18, 2025, a 17-year-old TikTok influencer, known as Siyah, was fatally shot outside the Los Cerritos Center mall in Southern California.
Authorities discovered her unresponsive in a vehicle. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead from a gunshot.
Turner had amassed over 310,000 followers on TikTok, captivating audiences with her energetic dance videos.
These incidents prompted discussions about enhancing security measures at Los Cerritos Center.
Local authorities and mall management are collaborating to ensure the safety of patrons and staff and to prevent future incidents.