Origins and Development
Pecanland Mall is located in Monroe, Louisiana. The Herring Marathon Group developed the mall, which opened on July 24, 1985. They named it Pecanland Mall because it was built on land that used to be a pecan farm. The site is conveniently situated near Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 165, making it easily accessible to visitors.
The initial development included major anchor stores such as Dillard’s, JC Penney, McRae’s, Beall-Ladymon, and Mervyn’s (opened in 1986). These stores played a crucial role in attracting shoppers to the new mall. The mall’s layout featured a spacious food court and a 10-screen cinema, providing diverse options for dining and entertainment.
Pecanland Mall’s opening attracted considerable attention, drawing shoppers from across the region. This influx of visitors boosted local commerce and established Pecanland Mall as a key retail hub. The mall’s early years set the foundation for its growth and development. With its strategic location and strong mix of anchor stores, Pecanland Mall positioned itself as a primary shopping venue.
As the mall evolved, it continued to attract new tenants and expand its offerings, ensuring its status as a leading retail center in Monroe, Louisiana. The development of Pecanland Mall marked a new era in local retail, providing the community with a modern shopping experience.
It quickly became one of the top things to do in Monroe, Louisiana, drawing visitors not only for shopping but also for dining and entertainment.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Pecanland Mall continued to thrive. Events and promotions became a regular feature, drawing crowds and creating a lively atmosphere. Seasonal events, like holiday sales and back-to-school promotions, became highlights for shoppers.
Acquisition and Changes
In 2002, General Growth Properties acquired Pecanland Mall for $72 million, marking a new chapter in the mall’s history.
General Growth Properties aimed to enhance the mall’s appeal and profitability. They introduced new marketing strategies and focused on attracting more high-profile tenants.
One of the major changes occurred in 2006 when Burlington Coat Factory took over the space previously occupied by Mervyn’s.
Mervyn’s had closed in 2005, and Burlington’s arrival brought fresh energy to the mall. This change reflected the evolving retail landscape and the need to adapt to shifting consumer preferences.
In October 2012, Dick’s Sporting Goods opened a store at Pecanland Mall. This addition provided a new shopping experience for sports enthusiasts and added variety to the mall’s offerings.
The presence of Dick’s Sporting Goods attracted a different segment of shoppers, enhancing the mall’s overall appeal.
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However, the mall also faced challenges. In September 2018, Sears closed its location at Pecanland Mall, part of a broader trend affecting Sears stores nationwide.
Despite this setback, the mall continued to adapt and evolve. In March 2019, Tilt Studio, a family entertainment center, opened in the former Mervyn’s/Burlington space.
This move marked Tilt’s return to the mall and added a new dimension to its entertainment options.
Renovations and Expansions
Pecanland Mall has undergone several renovations and expansions to keep up with retail trends and consumer demands.
In the early 2000s, the mall received a facelift to update its appearance and improve the shopping experience. New flooring, lighting, and seating areas created a more inviting environment.
In 2010, the mall expanded its retail space by adding several new stores. This expansion included popular brands like H&M and Forever 21, which attracted younger shoppers.
The addition of these stores reflected the mall’s commitment to staying current with fashion trends.
The cinema complex received a major upgrade in 2015. New screens, seating, and sound systems transformed it into a modern movie-going destination.
These improvements enhanced the entertainment offerings and drew more visitors to the mall.
Most recently, in 2021, the food court underwent a renovation. New dining options, updated seating, and enhanced décor created a more pleasant dining experience.
These continuous improvements show the mall’s dedication to maintaining its appeal and providing a quality experience for shoppers.
Pecanland Mall Anchor Stores and Major Tenants
Pecanland Mall features a diverse array of anchor stores and major tenants that cater to a wide range of shopping needs and preferences.
These key players anchor the mall and drive substantial foot traffic, making the mall a bustling retail destination.
Anchor Stores
Belk, one of the primary anchor stores, offers a wide selection of clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods. Known for its southern charm, Belk is a staple for shoppers looking for quality merchandise and a variety of brands.
Dillard’s is another major anchor, providing an extensive assortment of fashion, cosmetics, and home decor.
Dillard’s reputation for carrying high-end brands and delivering excellent customer service makes it a popular choice among shoppers.
JCPenney is a long-standing anchor store that offers a wide range of products, from apparel and accessories to home furnishings and electronics.
JCPenney also houses the JCPenney Styling Salon, which provides various beauty services, adding to the store’s comprehensive shopping experience.
Dick’s Sporting Goods, which opened in October 2012, caters to sports enthusiasts and active lifestyle shoppers.
It provides a vast selection of sporting goods, equipment, apparel, and footwear, making it a go-to destination for anyone interested in sports and fitness.
Tilt Studio, a family entertainment center, re-opened in March 2019 in the former Mervyn’s/Burlington space.
This venue offers arcade games, mini-golf, and other attractions, making it a popular destination for families. The return of Tilt Studio to the mall’s lineup diversified its entertainment options.
Major Tenants
Pecanland Mall’s major tenants include popular fashion retailers such as American Eagle Outfitters, Aerie, and Old Navy.
These stores are well-known for their trendy clothing and accessories, appealing to a broad demographic of shoppers, particularly teens and young adults.
Victoria’s Secret and its sister store, Pink, are key tenants that attract shoppers looking for lingerie, sleepwear, and beauty products. Their presence adds a touch of glamour and fashion-forward appeal to the mall.
Bath & Body Works is another prominent tenant, offering a variety of fragrances, skincare products, and home scents. This store is a favorite among those looking for personal care items and gifts.
For dining options, the mall features a range of eateries, including Auntie Anne’s, Charleys Philly Steaks, Chick-fil-A, Chinese Gourmet Express, Olive Garden, Great American Cookies, Sbarro, and Totally Tea.
These food outlets provide a mix of quick bites and sit-down meals, catering to shoppers looking to grab a snack or enjoy a meal during their visit.
Hot Topic, Spencer’s, and Zumiez cater to niche markets with unique and alternative fashion, accessories, and pop culture merchandise.
In the health and beauty segment, the mall hosts GNC for health and nutrition products, California Nails and Nails Creations for nail care services and Tao Reflexology for relaxation and wellness treatments.
Jewelry stores such as Kay Jewelers, Zales Jewelers, and Jaff Jewelers offer a variety of fine jewelry and accessories, making them ideal stops for shoppers looking for gifts or personal indulgences.
These anchor stores and major tenants collectively enhance Pecanland Mall’s appeal, providing a diverse and comprehensive shopping experience that attracts a wide range of customers.
Recent Developments
In March 2023, a $75.55 million loan against Pecanland Mall moved to special servicing. This financial move indicated challenges in managing the mall’s debt.
The special servicing status often suggests difficulties in meeting loan obligations, highlighting the financial hurdles the mall faces.
In November 2023, the Cinemark movie theater at Pecanland Mall announced its closure. This news surprised many locals who frequented the theater.
The closure marks the end of an era, as the theater was a popular entertainment venue within the mall.
The decision to close was attributed to declining attendance and the shifting landscape of the movie industry.
In December 2023, Spinoso Real Estate Group announced their new property assignment for Pecanland Mall. This management shift aims to revitalize the mall and attract new tenants.
Spinoso Real Estate Group plans to implement various strategies to enhance the mall’s appeal and increase foot traffic.
Security incidents also made headlines. In July 2023, a Monroe man was arrested for falsely reporting a shooting at Pecanland Mall. This incident caused a temporary panic and highlighted concerns about mall security.
Additionally, in another incident, shots were fired at the mall, leading to the arrest of two suspects. These events have raised questions about safety and the measures in place to protect shoppers and employees.