The Birth of Tyrone Square Mall
In 1968, Sears opened as the first freestanding anchor store at Tyrone Square Mall, three years before the main mall’s construction began.
Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, a prominent developer in the commercial real estate sector, began building the main mall in 1971. The construction aimed to house key anchor stores like JCPenney and Maas Brothers, adding value to the retail space.
Tyrone Square Mall officially opened its doors on October 5, 1972. At its launch, the mall featured over 110 stores, including popular retailers such as Hickory Farms, McCrory, Chess King, Spencer Gifts, and Waldenbooks.
A six-screen movie theater added to the attraction, making it a go-to destination for entertainment and shopping.
Tyrone Square Mall’s early success made it a cornerstone of retail activity in St. Petersburg, FL. The presence of major stores and a diverse range of smaller shops helped solidify its role as a key player in the local economy.
Anchor Stores and Early Tenants
The Maas Brothers opened a store at Tyrone Square Mall on August 17, 1972. This department store quickly became one of the mall’s key draws.
Shortly after, JCPenney opened its doors on January 3, 1973, anchoring the west end of the mall. These two stores, alongside Sears, provided a solid foundation for the mall’s early success.
Robinson’s of Florida joined the lineup on September 4, 1973. This store marked the first location for the newly formed Florida division of J.W. Robinsons, a California-based chain.
The addition of Robinson’s added a unique flavor to the mall, differentiating it from other shopping centers in the region.
The mall’s early tenant mix also featured a wide variety of specialty stores. Hickory Farms sold gourmet food products, while Chess King sold trendy men’s fashion. Waldenbooks sold books that appealed to readers of all ages.
The diverse range of stores, from department anchors to specialty shops, made Tyrone Square Mall an attractive destination for shoppers in St. Petersburg. It didn’t just serve as a place to buy things but became a hub for the community, offering something for everyone.
Expansion and Renovations in the 1990s
The 1990s were a busy time for Tyrone Square Mall. In 1987, Robinson’s sold its Florida locations to Maison Blanche, a department store chain based in Louisiana.
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This change brought new branding and a fresh approach to the store. By 1991, Dillard’s took over the former Robinson’s location, adding another major player to the mall’s lineup.
In the same year, Maas Brothers merged with Burdines, a Miami-based department store chain. This merger resulted in the closure of Burdines’ location at the nearby Crossroads Shopping Center.
The consolidation moved the Burdines nameplate to the former Maas Brothers store within Tyrone Square Mall, which eventually transitioned into Burdines-Macy’s in 2003 before dropping the Burdines name in 2005.
The mall also underwent physical changes. A major renovation in 1998 introduced a food court, a feature that had become almost essential in malls by that time. Borders Books & Music opened during this expansion, offering a new kind of shopping experience with books, music, and in-store events.
These changes throughout the 1990s kept Tyrone Square Mall relevant in a shifting retail landscape. The arrival of new stores and the evolution of existing ones helped maintain the mall’s appeal to shoppers looking for variety and convenience in one location.
The Decline and Transformation of Sears
In 2015, Sears Holdings decided to spin off its Tyrone Square Mall property into a new company called Seritage Growth Properties.
This move signaled a shift in the retail landscape as Sears struggled to maintain its presence in traditional malls. By November 2016, Sears announced it would close its Tyrone Square location by January 28, 2017.
The closure of Sears left a large space vacant, but the redevelopment plans quickly took shape. Seritage brought in new tenants that aligned with modern retail trends.
PetSmart moved into part of the former Sears space, catering to the growing demand for pet supplies and services. Dick’s Sporting Goods, a retailer focusing on sports and outdoor gear, also took up residence in the remodeled area.
Five Below, a discount chain that targets younger shoppers with affordable products joined the lineup. This mix of stores reflected consumers’ evolving tastes, who increasingly sought out experiences and value-driven shopping options.
The transformation of the Sears space breathed new life into the mall, keeping it relevant in an era when many traditional department stores were closing their doors for good.
Recent Developments and Current Tenants
In 2016, the Cobb Tyrone Luxury 10 Theatres opened, replacing the older cinema with a modern, upscale experience. This new theater featured ten screens and luxurious seating, providing a fresh entertainment option for mall visitors. Located near JCPenney, it became a popular destination for moviegoers in St. Petersburg.
The Sears redevelopment continued to attract new tenants. Portillo’s, a restaurant chain known for its Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, opened on an outparcel of the former Sears site. LongHorn Steakhouse, another restaurant, brought a casual dining option to the mall’s exterior.
In 2020, Lucky’s Market, a grocery store focusing on organic and specialty foods, occupied part of the former Sears building. However, it rebranded to Hitchcock’s Green Market before ultimately closing in 2022.
Despite this setback, the area remains a dynamic part of the mall, with tenants like America’s Best and Torchy’s Tacos catering to shoppers’ diverse needs.
Recent Developments at Tyrone Square Mall (2023-2024)
In 2023 and 2024, Tyrone Square Mall in St. Petersburg, FL, saw several changes that reflect the evolving retail landscape in the area. Notable among these changes is the opening of a new ALDI store and the anticipated arrival of Raising Cane’s, alongside the closure of the rue21 store due to the company’s financial struggles.
In October 2023, a new ALDI store opened in the former Sears building, adding to the mall’s appeal as a shopping destination. The addition of ALDI, a popular discount grocery chain, provides local shoppers with more options for affordable groceries.
In May 2024, the popular chicken tender chain Raising Cane’s announced plans to open its first St. Petersburg location at Tyrone Square Mall. Raising Cane’s, known for its simple menu focused on chicken tenders, is expected to attract both locals and visitors, contributing to the mall’s status as a dining and shopping hub.
On the downside, rue21, a retailer specializing in affordable fashion for young adults, announced the closure of its Tyrone Square Mall location in May 2024. The closure is part of a broader trend affecting rue21 stores across Florida, driven by the company’s bankruptcy and financial difficulties.
As Tyrone Square Mall continues to evolve, these changes indicate both the potential for growth and the ongoing challenges in the retail sector. The mall’s ability to attract new and popular brands while retaining existing tenants will be crucial for its future success in the competitive retail market.
As wonderful as the growing and thriving area of St Petersburg, unfortunately Tyrone Mall does not reflect the growth. It is tired and the stores that open close within record breaking time. So much consumer base for this Mall, that travels to Countryside, Westshore, International, Westfield Citrus Park to shop in more inviting and favorable shopping environments.
I realize Eddie DeBartolo and the DeBartolo Corporation are not in the “Mall Business” anymore.
But what a hero he could be to save this very tired Mall in a very growing and thriving St Petersburg area.
You’ve made a good point. Tyrone Mall definitely feels a bit behind the times, especially with all the growth in St. Pete. I hope the mall can catch up and offer a more inviting shopping experience. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!