Origins and Development
In 1977, General Growth Properties initiated the construction of Greenwood Mall in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
On September 12, 1979, the mall opened its first phase, featuring J.C. Penney and Ben Snyder’s as its initial anchor stores. This phase included more than 50 inline stores, establishing Greenwood Mall as a key retail destination.
The opening of Greenwood Mall was strategically timed to coincide with a growing demand for retail space in Bowling Green. In 1980, the mall expanded further when Castner Knott, a prominent regional department store, relocated from Bowling Green Mall to Greenwood Mall.
During its early years, Greenwood Mall attracted various tenants that catered to the diverse needs of its visitors.
By the early 1980s, Greenwood Mall had established itself as a cornerstone of the local economy, drawing in shoppers from across the region and contributing to the growth of Bowling Green’s retail sector.
As of 2024, Greenwood Mall continues to serve as a major retail center, reflecting the evolving trends in the shopping mall industry. Visitors searching for things to do in Bowling Green, Kentucky, often find Greenwood Mall listed as a key attraction, highlighting its enduring presence in the community.
Anchor Tenants and Major Changes (1980s-1990s)
In 1986, Sears decided to relocate its store from downtown Bowling Green to Greenwood Mall. This move was part of a broader trend in which retailers sought to capitalize on the growing foot traffic in suburban malls. Sears opened its new 87,400-square-foot store at the mall in October 1987.
That same year, Hess’s purchased the Ben Snyder’s chain and rebranded the store at Greenwood Mall. However, the rebranding didn’t last long. In March 1993, Hess’s closed its doors, leaving a void in the mall.
Mall management decided in late 1995 to demolish the former Ben Snyder’s building instead of leaving the space vacant. Instead, they replaced it with a new two-story Dillard’s store, which opened to the public in September 1996.
Around the same time, Castner Knott, another key tenant, added a second floor to its store to better serve its customers. In mid-1996, Castner Knott also introduced a separate home goods store near the food court, enhancing the mall’s retail mix.
The Late 1990s Retail Shifts
The late 1990s saw a series of major shifts in Greenwood Mall’s anchor tenants. Dillard’s, after moving into its new two-story building in 1996, shifted locations again in 1998.
The company acquired the Castner Knott chain and decided to move into its former building. This move left the new Dillard’s building, completed just two years prior, empty.
That same year, Dawahares, a regional retail chain based in Lexington, Kentucky, took over the space that had been the Castner Knott home store. Dawahares opened in August 1998, further diversifying the mall’s retail landscape.
These changes during the late 1990s kept Greenwood Mall vibrant and responsive to the evolving demands of the Bowling Green shopping community.
In March 1999, Famous-Barr, a department store chain, opened in the vacant Dillard’s building. This was only the second Famous-Barr location in Kentucky.
The introduction of Famous-Barr added variety to the mall’s offerings, appealing to a different segment of shoppers. In 2006, this store was transformed into a Macy’s.
21st Century Developments
In 2001, Greenwood Mall expanded the front end of the building. This expansion brought in new tenants that attracted a diverse crowd.
LifeWay Christian Bookstore and Old Navy were two key additions during this period. Old Navy, known for its affordable fashion, opened its doors in August 2001 and quickly became a popular destination within the mall.
Dunham’s Sports made its debut at Greenwood Mall in July 2006. This was the chain’s first location in Kentucky, which showed the mall’s ability to draw in new and varied retailers.
The introduction of Dunham’s Sports, along with other stores like Charlotte Russe and Vanity, added a fresh mix of shopping options for visitors.
Around this time, Greenwood Mall also witnessed some store relocations. Between 2006 and 2007, Forever 21 and Bath & Body Works both moved to new spots within the mall.
Retail Evolution (2006-2017)
Between 2006 and 2018, Greenwood Mall continued to evolve as new stores opened and others moved on. The addition of Steve & Barry’s in early 2008 was an example of this evolution.
Although the chain later faced financial troubles, its presence at Greenwood Mall attracted customers looking for budget-friendly fashion.
Even after Steve & Barry’s announced its first round of closures in September 2008, the store at Greenwood Mall remained open until 2009.
In 2017, Macy’s closed its store at the mall, marking the end of an era. This closure, part of a larger trend affecting malls across the country, left a noticeable gap.
However, Belk stepped in later that year, opening its store on October 13, 2017, in the space previously occupied by Macy’s. Belk’s arrival offered a new shopping experience, ensuring that Greenwood Mall remained a destination for a wide range of shoppers.
The Decline of Big Box Retailers
The late 2010s marked a tough period for Greenwood Mall, as it witnessed the decline of several big-box retailers.
The closure of Sears in early 2019 left a large anchor space empty, a familiar story for many malls across the country. Sears had been a staple in Greenwood Mall since 1987, so its departure signaled a shift in the retail landscape.
Around the same time, other well-known stores began to shut down. Express, Forever 21, and F.Y.E. all closed their doors at Greenwood Mall between late 2018 and 2019.
Gymboree, another long-time tenant, also ceased operations during this period. These closures reflected broader struggles within the retail sector, particularly among brands that were once considered mall mainstays.
Despite these challenges, some new businesses filled the gaps. In November 2018, Cinnabon opened a new location, taking over the space previously occupied by Leroy’s Jewelers.
Recent News and Events at Greenwood Mall (2023-2024)
In June 2023, a tragic event shook Greenwood Mall when a car crashed into the building, resulting in one death and one arrest.
The incident occurred during regular shopping hours, causing panic and leading to a temporary closure of the affected area. Local authorities quickly responded, and the mall management ensured that the situation was handled with the utmost care for the safety of shoppers and staff.
In July 2023, Palmetto Moon, a Southern lifestyle retailer, opened its third Kentucky location at Greenwood Mall. The store offers a variety of products, including apparel, accessories, and home décor, that cater to a broad audience.
Palmetto Moon’s arrival is part of a wider trend of lifestyle-oriented stores opening in traditional mall spaces. These stores aim to attract customers looking for niche products and a unique shopping experience.