The History and Future of Dover Mall in Dover, DE

The Origins of Dover Mall (1982–1999)

Dover Mall first opened its doors in 1982, marking a big moment for retail in Dover, Delaware. Before its construction, the Blue Hen Mall was the area’s go-to shopping destination.

However, things changed when Sears, one of the nation’s retail giants at the time, chose Dover Mall over Blue Hen for its new location.

This decision was pivotal and quickly set Dover Mall on a path to overshadow its predecessor. The mall’s opening also attracted other key retailers, including Boscov’s and Leggett.

As the mall grew, it underwent several updates to keep pace with changing trends. One of the earliest came in 1992 when Dover Mall was renovated to enhance the shopping experience.

This update set the stage for JCPenney’s arrival in 1993. JCPenney was a major win for the mall, bringing even more shoppers to the area and boosting its reputation as the top shopping center in Dover.

It was also during this time that Dover Mall made headlines as the first shopping center in Delaware to implement a smoking ban, an early example of malls adapting to health-conscious consumer trends.

By the late 1990s, Dover Mall continued to evolve. Leggett, which had been one of the original anchors, closed its doors in 1997. The space didn’t stay empty for long, though.

By the end of that same year, Strawbridge’s had taken over, breathing new life into the mall. Around this time, Boscov’s also expanded its store, adding to the mall’s variety.

For locals looking for things to do in Dover, Delaware, the expanded Carmike Cinemas, with its 14 screens, became a popular spot as the mall continued to provide not just retail but entertainment options as well.

Growth and Corporate Transitions (2000–2010)

At the start of the 2000s, Dover Mall entered a new phase of ownership changes and further development. In 2003, The Mills Corporation acquired the mall from Cadillac Fairview, bringing new ideas and potential for expansion.

At the time of the purchase, plans to add 500,000 square feet of new stores and entertainment options were in place, though not all of these came to fruition. Nevertheless, the mall maintained its position as Dover’s primary shopping destination.

One major change came in 2006 when Strawbridge’s, an anchor store since 1997, was converted into Macy’s. This rebranding aligned with broader trends in the retail industry as Macy’s expanded its presence in malls across the country.

Ownership shifted again in 2007 when Simon Property Group, a leader in mall management, acquired Dover Mall from The Mills Corporation. Simon Property Group brought with it a fresh approach to maintaining and improving the mall.

Challenges in the Changing Retail Landscape (2010–2020)

As the 2010s rolled in, Dover Mall started to face new challenges brought on by shifts in the retail industry. The rise of e-commerce began to take a toll on malls across the country, and Dover Mall was no exception.

While the mall still had strong anchor stores like Macy’s, Boscov’s, and JCPenney, foot traffic started to decrease as more consumers turned to online shopping.

One of the major blows came in 2018 when Sears, one of Dover Mall’s original anchor stores, closed its doors. This closure was part of a larger wave of Sears stores shutting down nationwide, reflecting the company’s financial struggles.

The loss of Sears left a noticeable gap in the mall, both in terms of space and the reduction in customer visits. Around this time, Macy’s also began to scale back its operations, converting the Dover store into a fulfillment center in 2020.

This shift was part of Macy’s strategy to adapt to the growing demand for online orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recent Developments and Adaptations (2021–2024)

The period from 2021 to 2024 brought notable changes to Dover Mall as it adapted to the evolving retail landscape. One of the most prominent updates was the arrival of Furniture and More Super Store, which moved into the space once occupied by Sears.

Opening in 2024, this furniture retailer, operated by Furniture & More, filled the part of the vacant anchor spot and gave the mall a much-needed boost. With several locations across Delaware and Maryland, Furniture & More saw potential in Dover Mall, bringing in shoppers with its range of home furnishings.

While Dover Mall was welcoming new tenants, it was also losing others. In early 2024, the mall’s longtime movie theater, AMC Dover, closed its doors after nearly four decades of operation.

This closure left a noticeable void, particularly as movie theaters had once been a staple for malls across the country.

AMC’s decision was based on performance reviews, with the company shifting focus away from underperforming locations. Dover Mall, like many others, faced the challenge of replacing traditional entertainment options as part of its adaptation strategy.

Over $10k in Products Stolen from Dover Mall Perfume Store

On June 12, 2024, the Dover Police Department responded to a robbery at Perfume Palace, located in the Dover Mall. The incident occurred just before 8 pm when two suspects entered the store. They were dressed in black, wore face coverings, and claimed to be armed.

The suspects demanded that the victim hand over store property, after which they fled with a significant amount of merchandise. The following day, after the store’s inventory was reviewed, $13,000 worth of products were reported stolen.

Future Prospects for Dover Mall

Looking ahead, Dover Mall finds itself at a crossroads as it explores new ways to stay relevant in a retail environment dominated by e-commerce.

Zoning changes in Dover are opening up opportunities for non-retail uses within the mall, and local officials have expressed interest in seeing the mall evolve into a mixed-use space.

This could involve adding medical offices, fitness centers, or even residential units, as is being done in other malls across the country.