Retail Expansion and Strategic Development
The Centre at Salisbury didn’t just appear overnight—it was planned with precision, taking advantage of a location designed to maximize foot traffic.
The idea for the mall took shape in the late 1980s when Salisbury Springhill Ltd. saw an opportunity to develop a regional shopping center that would serve as a retail hub for Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
At the time, the aging Salisbury Mall, built in 1968, was struggling to keep up with modern shopping trends. Developers envisioned a larger, more accessible retail destination that would pull in shoppers from miles around.
Construction on The Centre at Salisbury began in April 1989 on a 58-acre site along North Salisbury Boulevard, just three miles north of Salisbury Mall.
The chosen location wasn’t random—sitting at the intersection of U.S. Route 13 and the newly extended Salisbury Bypass, the site was perfectly positioned to attract local shoppers and seasonal beachgoers heading to Ocean City.
With the area’s economy reliant on both tourism and local commerce, the mall’s placement ensured steady traffic from both.
The grand opening took place on July 27, 1990, with a strong lineup of anchor stores: Sears, Hecht’s, JCPenney, Boscov’s, and Montgomery Ward.
Unlike its predecessor, The Centre at Salisbury featured modern amenities like a food court and a 10-screen multiplex theater—things the older Salisbury Mall lacked.
This upgrade meant shoppers no longer had to travel to Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Norfolk, or Philadelphia for a broader retail experience.
The mall also drew shoppers from Delaware and Virginia’s Eastern Shore, further strengthening its position as the area’s top retail center.
As the only regional shopping mall within a 60-mile radius, it quickly became a go-to destination for locals looking for things to do in Salisbury, Maryland.
Retail Competition and Market Shifts
From the start, The Centre at Salisbury changed how people shopped in the region.
Its opening in 1990 pulled customers away from the older Salisbury Mall, which had been the main retail hub since 1968.
With bigger stores, a better layout, and more variety, the new mall made it harder for the older ones to compete.
By the late 1990s, it was clear that Salisbury Mall couldn’t keep up. The last remaining stores there slowly shut down, and the property was eventually redeveloped for different commercial uses.
Ownership Changes and Redevelopment
By the mid-1990s, the mall’s value caught the attention of larger real estate companies.
In December 1995, Macerich, one of the largest mall operators in the country, acquired The Centre at Salisbury from its original developer, Salisbury Springhill Ltd.
This ownership change brought improvements over the years, including general renovations and updates to keep the mall competitive.
In 2000, a major shift happened when Montgomery Ward announced it was going out of business. The store’s closure left a large vacant space, but the mall quickly adapted.
The old Montgomery Ward building was repurposed into a new Regal Cinemas, which expanded from the original 10-screen setup to a 16-screen theater.
This move reinforced the mall’s reputation as more than just a shopping center—it became an entertainment hub as well.
Ownership changed again in December 2013 when Macerich sold the mall to Rouse Properties. Over the next few years, the mall faced another wave of retail closures.
In 2014, JCPenney shut down as part of a nationwide downsizing effort. A few years later, in 2018, Burlington moved into the old JCPenney space, bringing a new type of discount retail to the mall.
Sears followed JCPenney in closing its doors in March 2019, another casualty of shifting shopping habits and the decline of department stores.
Macy’s was the next major retailer to leave. The store closed in March 2020 after its parent company, Federated Department Stores, decided to close 125 locations across the country.
With fewer department stores, the mall’s lineup continued shifting toward specialty retailers and value-focused brands.
The most recent ownership change came in March 2021, when Kohan Retail Investment Group purchased the mall from Rouse Properties.
Two years later, in 2023, 4th Dimension Properties took over. The new owners quickly announced plans to introduce new stores and update the shopping experience, signaling another chapter in the mall’s ongoing evolution.
Store Additions, Renovations, and Customer Experience
As major department stores exited, the mall focused on attracting new retailers and improving the shopping experience.
HomeGoods and H&M arrived in 2016, giving shoppers more variety. Dick’s Sporting Goods, which opened in 2005, continued to draw customers looking for athletic gear and outdoor equipment.
Regal Cinemas remained a key part of the mall, offering a 16-screen movie theater that helped bring in visitors outside of regular shopping hours.
Renovations also helped keep the mall appealing. The first major updates came in 2005 and 2008, with improvements to common areas and storefronts.
In 2010, the food court was remodeled, restrooms were upgraded, and Wi-Fi was added throughout the mall.
Guest Services was relocated to a new Centre Court area, making it easier for visitors to find assistance.
In 2019, Boscov’s expanded its store by 18,000 square feet, showing a continued commitment to the mall.
This expansion came at a time when many department stores were downsizing or closing, making it a rare move in the industry.
The mall’s dining options also remained a strong draw.
The food court offered a mix of quick-service restaurants, while sit-down options like Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and Longhorn Steakhouse brought in customers beyond just shoppers.
Chuck E. Cheese’s also operates in the mall, catering to families and young children.
Recent Developments at The Centre at Salisbury
In 2023, The Centre at Salisbury changed ownership, with 4th Dimension Properties acquiring the mall. The new owners announced plans to introduce new stores and enhance the shopping experience.
In addition to retail updates, the mall expanded its dining options. Two new eateries, Build Your Own Bowl and MOMO Craft Pizza, opened, contributing to the mall’s appeal as a destination for both shopping and dining.
These developments reflect ongoing efforts to revitalize The Centre at Salisbury, aiming to attract more visitors and provide a diverse range of shopping and entertainment options.