Establishment and Early Years
The Mall at Barnes Crossing opened on March 7, 1990, in Tupelo, Mississippi. David Hocker & Associates and R.F. Coffin Enterprises developed the mall. It initially featured anchor stores like Sears, JCPenney, Belk, McRae’s, and Kmart.
From its opening, the Mall at Barnes Crossing established itself as a central shopping destination. Its development marked a commercial growth period in Tupelo, MS, and influenced things to do in Tupelo. The mall’s initial success set the stage for future expansions and tenant changes.
Evolution of Anchor Stores
Over the years, the anchor stores at the Mall at Barnes Crossing have changed quite a bit. When Kmart closed in 1996, McRae’s took over its space, moving their men’s clothing and home goods there while keeping women’s clothing, children’s apparel, and cosmetics in their original spot.
Belk had an interesting journey. It initially became Parisian but then returned to the mall in 2005 after acquiring McRae’s.
In 2007, Belk acquired the Parisian chain, leading to the closure of the Parisian store at the mall. Dick’s Sporting Goods moved into that space in 2008.
Barnes & Noble joined the mall in 2008, adding 10,000 square feet and giving the mall a fresh look.
The southwest entrance got a makeover and welcomed new stores like ULTA Beauty and D’Casa Mexican Restaurant. These changes helped keep the mall vibrant and appealing to shoppers.
Sears, one of the original anchors, closed in February 2019, leaving a vacant anchor spot.
Despite these shifts, the mall continued to attract visitors with various stores and services, maintaining its position as a key shopping destination in Tupelo.
Expanding Retail Variety
The Mall at Barnes Crossing offers a wide range of shopping options. With over 100 specialty shops, it caters to diverse tastes and preferences.
Fashion and Apparel
The Mall at Barnes Crossing offers a variety of well-known fashion and apparel stores. American Eagle Outfitters is a favorite for trendy, casual wear.
Buckle offers a wide range of denim and stylish clothing options. Hot Topic’s unique merchandise appeals to alternative and pop culture enthusiasts.
Charlotte Russe attracts fashion-forward shoppers with its chic and affordable women’s clothing.
Francesca’s offers a boutique experience with its curated selection of women’s clothing, accessories, and gifts. Foot Locker is the go-to store for athletic footwear and apparel.
Victoria’s Secret, renowned for its lingerie and beauty products, attracts many visitors. With its apparel, shoes, and gear selection, Zumiez caters to the skateboarding and snowboarding community.
Jewelry and Accessories
Elegant Fine Jewelry and Reeds Jewelers stand out in the jewelry sector. These stores offer a range of fine jewelry, from engagement rings to designer watches.
Claire’s provides fun, affordable accessories and is a hit among younger shoppers looking for trendy items.
Lids is perfect for hat enthusiasts, offering various caps and custom embroidery services. Sunglass Hut provides a selection of fashionable and functional eyewear from top brands.
Beauty and Health
Bath & Body Works attracts many with its extensive body care products and home fragrances.
ULTA Beauty provides a comprehensive beauty shopping experience, including makeup, skincare, and salon services. Deeva Brows and Beauty offers various treatments, including eyebrow threading and tinting.
Sally Beauty Supply is a favorite for professional-grade hair and beauty products. GNC is well-known for its health and wellness products, including vitamins, supplements, and fitness items.
Home and Lifestyle
Earthbound Trading Company offers unique home decor and lifestyle products, often with a bohemian or global flair.
Magnolia Soap & Bath Co provides handmade soaps, bath bombs, and other personal care items, focusing on natural ingredients.
Trails & Treads caters to outdoor enthusiasts, offering gear and apparel for activities like hiking and running. The Children’s Place is a popular destination for kids’ clothing and accessories.
Entertainment and Dining
The Mall at Barnes Crossing offers more than just shopping. It includes an 8-screen Cinemark theater, a great place to catch the latest movies. This theater is a fun entertainment option for families and individuals alike.
The food court, with 600 seats, gives shoppers a variety of dining choices. Whether you crave fast food or a sit-down meal, the food court has something for everyone.
Popular spots like American Deli and Charleys Philly Steaks provide delicious options for visitors.
In addition to the food court, several other dining options are scattered throughout the mall. These include well-known names and unique local eateries, making it easy to grab a bite to eat while shopping or enjoying a movie.
One of the unique attractions in the mall is the carousel. After undergoing repairs, it started running again in 2023. The carousel adds a nostalgic charm to the mall and is a hit with kids and adults alike.
These features make the Mall at Barnes Crossing more than just a shopping center—people can spend the entire day enjoying various activities.
Community and Safety
The Mall at Barnes Crossing stands out as a safe, welcoming place for shoppers. Over the years, it has built a reputation for being a secure environment.
The mall’s management takes safety seriously, ensuring visitors feel comfortable as they shop and enjoy their time.
In the early 1990s, an incident involving a disgruntled ex-employee did occur. This person broke into the mall and assaulted several workers.
Local news outlets like WTVA and WCBI reported on this event. Thankfully, it was an isolated case, and there have been no similar occurrences since then.
Community involvement plays a big role in the mall’s operations. It hosts various events that bring people together, from in-store demos to large-scale activities.
These events entertain and strengthen the bond between the mall and the local community.
Regular security patrols and a visible presence contribute to the mall’s safe atmosphere. Visitors can shop, dine, and enjoy entertainment without worrying about safety.
The mall’s commitment to security and community engagement makes it a trusted location for many in Tupelo.
Periphery Developments
Several additional shopping centers have developed around the Mall at Barnes Crossing, enhancing the overall retail experience in Tupelo.
David Hocker & Associates manages Market Center, located west of the mall. Market Center features major stores like Old Navy and Shoe Carnival, providing more shopping options near the main mall.
To the north of the mall lies Barnes Crossing Plaza. This outdoor strip shopping center includes anchors such as Hobby Lobby, TJMaxx, OfficeMax, and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet.
These stores attract shoppers looking for various goods, from office supplies to home decor and discount items.
The development of these peripheral shopping centers has created a robust retail environment around the Mall at Barnes Crossing.
It turns the area into a comprehensive shopping destination where visitors can find almost anything they need without traveling far.
This clustering of stores makes shopping convenient and efficient, appealing to both residents and visitors.
With the addition of these shopping centers, the area around the mall has become a major commercial hub.
This growth continues to drive traffic to the mall and supports the local economy, making it a vibrant part of the community.
Mall at Barnes Crossing: Recent and Upcoming Changes
The Mall at Barnes Crossing keeps evolving to stay relevant and attractive to shoppers.
In 2023, the mall celebrated its 33rd anniversary, marking over three decades of service to the Tupelo community.
This milestone reflects the mall’s enduring popularity and ability to adapt to changing retail trends.
The anniversary celebrations included special events and promotions that drew in large crowds, showcasing the mall’s ongoing importance to the area.
The mall’s management continues seeking new opportunities to improve and expand. This proactive approach ensures that the mall remains a top shopping destination.
The ongoing updates and additions demonstrate the mall’s commitment to providing a great shopping experience for its visitors.
Looking ahead, the Mall at Barnes Crossing aims to keep up with the latest retail trends and shopper preferences.
The mall will attract visitors and support the local economy by introducing new stores and enhancing its facilities. This forward-thinking strategy will help the mall remain a key retail destination in Tupelo.