Origins of The Oaks: 1970s Foundation
In the late 1970s, Thousand Oaks, California, was rapidly transforming from a quiet suburban area into a bustling community. As the city grew, so did the need for a central shopping hub. This environment gave rise to The Oaks, which first opened its doors in 1978.
Thanks to its convenient location along US Highway 101, the mall was developed to serve both residents and the increasing flow of visitors passing through Ventura County.
At its inception, The Oaks featured major retailers like JCPenney and Robinson’s, which were essential for drawing in shoppers. These stores were anchor points for the mall, helping establish its place as a go-to destination for families and individuals looking for a wide variety of retail options.
Back then, the mall’s design reflected the 1970s style of indoor shopping spaces—efficient but somewhat understated compared to today’s expansive centers.
The opening of The Oaks also signaled a shift in Thousand Oaks’ economic landscape. As the largest mall in Ventura County, it immediately impacted the local economy by attracting not just local shoppers but visitors from neighboring regions.
It played an essential role in turning the city into a shopping hub for the broader region. While the initial layout and structure were more modest than today’s sprawling complex, The Oaks laid the groundwork for the retail and cultural development that followed.
This period also marked the early stages of urban expansion in the Conejo Valley. The mall contributed to shaping Thousand Oaks as it became a suburban cornerstone, reflecting the city’s growth while offering modern conveniences to residents.
Throughout the years, The Oaks has remained a focal point of the city, with both visitors and locals considering it a key part of the things to do in Thousand Oaks, California.
Renovations and Expansions: A New Era in the 1990s and 2000s
By the early 1990s, The Oaks had become a familiar spot for locals, but times were changing, and so were shopper expectations. In response, the mall underwent its first major renovation in 1993.
This upgrade aimed to refresh the mall’s look and feel, modernizing it for a growing community in Thousand Oaks. These changes didn’t just stop at aesthetics—new amenities and a more welcoming layout transformed the shopping experience.
The mall’s most extensive transformation came in 2007. Macerich, the mall’s owner, launched a major expansion and redesign. The renovation introduced modern Spanish and Santa Barbara-inspired architectural elements, adding details like new entrance canopies and skylights.
This update wasn’t just about appearances—it also brought an increase in retail space, boosting The Oaks to a total of 1.3 million square feet.
The demolition of the old May Company building made room for a new AMC 14-screen dine-in theater, along with the addition of a full-service restaurant.
Alongside the expansion, The Oaks saw the introduction of new outdoor retail and dining options. These included Lazy Dog Cafe and Red Robin, both connected to the expanded outdoor dining area.
Popular chain restaurants like The Cheesecake Factory also became part of the center’s appeal, offering shoppers a place to dine and relax during their visit.
By 2007, The Oaks was no longer just a retail space—it had become an entertainment and dining destination, drawing more visitors from beyond Ventura County.
Anchor Stores and Key Tenants: A Look at the Big Players
Over the years, The Oaks has relied on its anchor stores to attract shoppers, and the mall’s diverse mix of major tenants has been key to its success.
Macy’s plays a central role today, occupying multiple spaces within the mall. Its Men’s and Home Store, located in the former Bullock’s building, serves as one of the main anchors, offering a wide range of goods that continue to draw steady foot traffic.
Meanwhile, Macy’s Women and Children’s section occupies another large portion, keeping it a go-to shopping destination for families.
JCPenney, one of The Oaks’ original tenants, has remained a cornerstone of the shopping experience for decades.
As one of the larger retail spaces, it continues to offer a wide array of products from clothing to home goods, making it a popular stop for budget-conscious shoppers. Its presence at The Oaks has anchored the mall’s status as a family-friendly retail destination.
In 2008, Nordstrom joined as another major player, replacing what was previously The Broadway department store.
Known for its upscale offerings, Nordstrom elevated The Oaks into a more high-end shopping experience, catering to a wide range of customers with premium clothing, accessories, and home décor.
In more recent years, Dick’s Sporting Goods became an essential addition to the mall’s lineup. Taking over part of the outdoor expansion, Dick’s Sporting Goods provides shoppers with a massive selection of athletic gear, apparel, and outdoor equipment.
This store appeals to the active community in and around Thousand Oaks, adding variety to the mall’s retail options.
These key stores, along with entertainment hub, AMC Theatres, help The Oaks maintain a strong presence in the competitive retail market of Southern California.
By blending luxury, everyday brands, and experiential offerings, the mall continues to thrive despite shifts in the retail landscape.
Community and Cultural Involvement
The Oaks has long been more than just a place to shop; it’s a gathering spot for the Thousand Oaks community. Over the years, the mall has hosted a wide variety of events that help foster local connections.
For instance, the Conejo Valley Art Museum holds its annual ArtWalk at the mall, which draws art lovers from all over Ventura County.
The event features designer crafts, live music, and outdoor exhibitions, bringing a touch of local culture to the shopping experience.
During the holiday season, The Oaks transforms into a festive space. Every year, families gather for photos with Santa in December, and the Easter Bunny makes an appearance in April for springtime celebrations.
Halloween at The Oaks has also become a favorite, where the mall hosts trick-or-treating and other seasonal activities. These events help keep the mall a central part of life in Thousand Oaks, offering more than just retail therapy.
Beyond the holidays, The Oaks has supported various charitable initiatives, reflecting its role in the local community.
In recent years, the mall has partnered with organizations like the Red Cross for disaster relief efforts, encouraging visitors to donate while they shop.