From Open-Air Plaza to Retail Giant: South Shore Plaza’s Early Years
South Shore Plaza opened its doors in 1961, bringing a new shopping destination to Braintree, Massachusetts.
At the time, it was an open-air shopping center designed to serve the fast-growing suburban communities south of Boston.
The original anchor store was Filene’s, a well-known department store with a 120,000-square-foot footprint. Surrounding it were 30 smaller stores offering a mix of retail and services.
By 1967, South Shore Plaza was already expanding. Jordan Marsh, another major department store, arrived with a 300,316-square-foot space.
This addition made the mall a bigger draw for shoppers in the region.
Unlike today’s fully enclosed malls, South Shore Plaza was still an open-air shopping center, meaning visitors could experience New England weather challenges.
That changed in 1976 when the plaza underwent a major renovation. The mall was fully enclosed, allowing for year-round shopping.
This shift followed a trend seen in many malls during the 1970s, as enclosed spaces became more popular across the United States.
The project also allowed for better climate control, which kept foot traffic steady throughout the year.
The late 1970s and early 1980s brought more growth. Lord & Taylor joined the mall in 1979, followed by Sears in 1980.
By this point, South Shore Plaza had grown to 100 stores, making it one of the largest malls in the Greater Boston area.
The arrival of Sears added a strong general merchandise retailer, drawing in customers looking for appliances, tools, and home goods.
Another major expansion took place in 1995 and 1996. A second level was built, nearly doubling the mall’s size.
This project also introduced “Boardwalk Cafes,” a new food court concept designed to improve the mall’s dining options.
As part of the renovation, Filene’s expanded its footprint to include a home store, adapting to changes in how customers shopped for furniture and housewares.
During the same period, a branding shift was underway. Jordan Marsh, a familiar name in New England retail, was rebranded as Macy’s in 1996 following a corporate acquisition.
The store continued to operate under its new name in the same location. That same year, Simon Property Group acquired Corporate Property Investors, the previous owner of South Shore Plaza.
This gave Simon control over the property, putting the mall under the management of one of the largest real estate investment firms in the country.
The Retail Shakeups – Closures, Takeovers, and New Faces
South Shore Plaza saw a series of major retailer shifts in the 2000s.
One of the biggest changes came in 2006 when Federated Department Stores completed its merger with May Department Stores, the parent company of Filene’s and Lord & Taylor.
As a result, Filene’s locations were converted into Macy’s, including the one in Braintree.
The store briefly shut down in March 2006, only to reopen under its new name by May.
Federated later sold off Lord & Taylor, keeping its focus on the Macy’s brand.
Expansion efforts continued into the 2010s. On March 26, 2010, a three-level, 150,000-square-foot Nordstrom opened where Jordan Marsh had once stood.
That same year, a new Target store debuted on October 10, taking over part of the mall’s lower level.
Simon Property Group focused on attracting high-end brands, bringing in retailers like Sephora, Vera Bradley, and Sur La Table.
These stores moved into the Nordstrom wing, reinforcing the mall’s push toward a more upscale shopping experience.
In 2017, Primark entered the mix. The Irish retailer, known for budget-friendly fashion, took over the top level of Sears.
This gave South Shore Plaza a fast-fashion option, balancing out the luxury brands added earlier in the decade.
Like many malls, South Shore Plaza felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lord & Taylor announced its closure on August 27, 2020, as the company shut down its remaining physical stores.
The space remained empty for some time, reflecting broader struggles in department store retail.
The mall continued adjusting its store lineup, but not every move could prevent the shake-ups that followed.
Crime, Safety, and Unusual Events at South Shore Plaza
Over the years, South Shore Plaza has dealt with several security incidents, ranging from thefts to violent crimes.
One of the most high-profile incidents happened on July 3, 2020.
A gunman opened fire inside the mall, hitting a 15-year-old girl. Six shots were fired, causing chaos as shoppers ran for cover.
The suspect was later arrested and sentenced to eight years in prison, followed by three years of probation.
Another violent episode took place on January 22, 2022, inside the Forever 21 store.
A man was shot during an altercation and later died at Boston Medical Center. Authorities linked the shooting to gang activity, raising concerns about safety at the mall.
Following the incident, police ramped up patrols, and Simon Property Group worked on strengthening security protocols.
Not all incidents at South Shore Plaza have been violent. On August 18, 2022, an elderly woman accidentally drove her car into the second-floor promenade from the parking garage.
The unusual accident didn’t cause injuries but left shoppers stunned. First responders arrived quickly, and the mall reinforced barriers in the area to prevent future crashes.
What’s Next for South Shore Plaza?
South Shore Plaza is once again experiencing change. With Nordstrom closing in March 2025, the mall is shifting its retail mix to adapt to shopping trends.
Simon Property Group has already announced plans to bring in Dick’s Sporting Goods by 2026, using the former Nordstrom space for a large-format sporting goods store.
Beyond retail, the mall is set to expand in a different direction—housing. In October 2024, a 325-unit housing project was approved, bringing a mix of apartments and condos to the property.
This move follows a growing trend of mixed-use developments, where shopping centers integrate residential spaces to boost foot traffic and create live-work-play environments.
One store that continues to defy expectations is Sears, located within South Shore Plaza.
As of 2025, it is the last remaining Sears in New England, standing as a relic of the once-dominant department store chain.
While most locations across the country have shuttered, this store has managed to hold on, still offering home goods and apparel.
Its survival reflects a mix of nostalgic shoppers, local demand, and ongoing lease agreements.
However, with Sears’ history of store closures, the question remains—how long will it last?
Another question is how Simon Property Group will fill empty anchor spots left by department stores that once dominated the mall industry.
The addition of Target in 2010 helped bring a big-box retail component, and Dick’s Sporting Goods will follow the same model.
However, as more consumers seek experiences over traditional shopping, some malls have added entertainment venues, gyms, or even medical offices.
Despite recent changes, things to do south of Boston, MA, still include shopping at South Shore Plaza.
The mall remains a major retail hub, though its future depends on how well it adjusts to shifting consumer habits, real estate trends, and safety concerns.