Introduction to Woodland Mall
Woodland Mall, located in Kentwood, a suburb of Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been a major shopping destination since it opened in March 1968. Originally developed by Taubman Centers, this large retail hub has grown into more than just a place to shop.
With a wide range of stores, dining options, and entertainment venues, it draws both locals and visitors. Its primary anchors—JCPenney, Macy’s, and Von Maur—are well-known names that continue to attract a steady flow of shoppers.
Woodland Mall plays a vital role in Kentwood’s economy and has become a staple for the community.
With over 1.1 million square feet of retail space, Woodland Mall ranks as one of the largest shopping centers in West Michigan.
Its prime location at the intersection of 28th Street and East Beltline Avenue makes it easily accessible for Grand Rapids residents and tourists alike.
The mall offers a variety of experiences, with more than 120 stores, a large food court, and a 14-screen movie theater.
In 2006, Woodland Mall transitioned to new ownership when the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT) acquired it from Taubman Centers.
This change marked the beginning of new growth as the mall continued to modernize and introduce fresh attractions to meet evolving shopper needs.
Early History and Development
When Woodland Mall first opened in 1968, it quickly became a central shopping hub for Kentwood and surrounding areas. Its original layout, with Sears and JCPenney as anchors, set it up for success.
A Kresge dime store was also a key feature early on. In 1975, the mall expanded by adding another major anchor, Hudson’s, further cementing its status as the go-to spot for shopping in the region.
As retail trends shifted, Woodland Mall evolved, too. Kresge closed in 1987, and the space became available to smaller retailers, opening doors for new businesses.
In those days, Eastbrook Mall (now Shops at CenterPoint) competed with Woodland Mall, but its established reputation kept it the preferred destination.
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Although plans to add a Lord & Taylor store were discussed during this time, legal complications with Hudson’s prevented the addition.
Transformations and Recent Renovations
Woodland Mall underwent renovations in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 1999, it introduced a new food court—dubbed “Cafes in the Woods”—and a children’s play area. These updates made it a more family-friendly place, helping it stand out from other shopping centers.
Around this time, the opening of RiverTown Crossings in Grandville created fresh competition, but Woodland’s upgrades and reputation kept it competitive.
In 2001, a major change came when Hudson’s was rebranded as Marshall Field’s. A few years later, Macy’s took over the space after acquiring Marshall Field’s in 2006.
That same year, the mall added a 14-screen movie theater and several new dining spots, such as Red Robin and On the Border. These changes helped turn Woodland Mall into an entertainment hub as much as a retail center.
When Sears closed in 2017, the mall lost one of its original anchors, but it rebounded quickly. In 2019, Von Maur replaced Sears, and the mall introduced new stores in the surrounding space.
With popular retailers like H&M, Forever 21, and Barnes & Noble, Woodland Mall continued to stay relevant, adapting to modern consumer preferences.
Latest Developments (2023 – 2024)
Woodland Mall has kept up with the ever-changing retail landscape. In 2023, several new retailers, including Carter’s, Abercrombie & Fitch, Offline by Aerie, Lovisa, Locker Room by Lids, and Arula, opened their doors.
In August 2024, Woodland Mall unveiled its latest attractions: a Main Event Entertainment center near Von Maur and a Lego Store. Main Event offers a variety of activities, such as bowling, arcade games, and more, while the Lego Store caters to families and fans of all ages.
Main Event Entertainment occupies a large section of the mall and introduces a wide range of activities, including video games, laser tag, bowling, billiards, and more. This new addition aims to provide an all-encompassing entertainment experience for families and individuals of all ages.
This marks Main Event’s first location in Michigan, a significant milestone for the Texas-based entertainment chain. The company’s expansion into the state showcases the growing demand for integrated entertainment and dining experiences.
Woodland Mall has traditionally focused on retail, but the introduction of Main Event is a clear signal of its diversification strategy. It is adapting to the shifting landscape of consumer preferences, which now heavily favors experiential and interactive venues over traditional shopping.
The entertainment center features games, sports, and food and beverage services, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a full day of activities without leaving the premises.
The opening has generated excitement among residents and mall visitors, with the hope that this new attraction will make Woodland Mall a regional entertainment destination.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Like many shopping centers, Woodland Mall has faced challenges in recent years. The rise of online shopping and the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted foot traffic.
However, the mall has stayed resilient by adapting and finding new ways to draw visitors. The closure of Sears in 2017 was a notable setback, but the space was successfully repurposed, with Von Maur becoming the new anchor.
Woodland Mall has shown its ability to evolve by introducing experiential spaces like Main Event and the Lego Store, proving it can keep pace with changing retail trends.
Its focus on delivering unique shopping and entertainment experiences positions it to remain a key player in the Kentwood area for years to come.
