From Bonita Lakes Mall to Uptown Meridian – A Retail Evolution
Uptown Meridian opened its doors on October 15, 1997, as Bonita Lakes Mall.
Developed by CBL & Associates Properties, the enclosed shopping center was designed as a regional retail hub for Meridian, Mississippi.
It housed over 100 stores, including department stores, specialty retailers, restaurants, and a movie theater.
With anchor tenants like Sears, JCPenney, Dillard’s, McRae’s (later Belk), and United Artists Theatres, the mall quickly became a go-to destination for shoppers in east-central Mississippi.
The early 2000s were stable years for Bonita Lakes Mall. Retail giants like Goody’s and Sears drove steady foot traffic, while national chains filled smaller storefronts.
The attached Bonita Lakes Crossing—a separate shopping plaza—expanded the retail landscape, introducing stores like Jo-Ann, Ashley Furniture HomeStore, and Cato Fashions.
For years, shoppers in the region had few alternatives for large-scale retail, making the mall a major draw.
In 2016, CBL & Associates Properties sold the mall to RockStep Capital, a company specializing in commercial real estate investments.
Not long after, JCPenney shut down in 2017, followed by Sears in 2018. Other chains are downsized or closed, leaving gaps in the once fully occupied space.
To counter these changes, RockStep Capital announced a rebranding initiative.
Bonita Lakes Mall was rebranded as Uptown Meridian in 2020. The new name was part of an effort to modernize the mall and bring in more businesses.
RockStep Capital, which owns similar properties, made changes, such as updated signage, refreshed branding, and marketing, to redefine the space.
Even with retail challenges, Uptown Meridian remains the largest shopping center in the region and continues to be a major entry into things to do in Meridian, Mississippi.
Anchor Stores – The Backbone of Uptown Meridian
Anchor stores shape a shopping mall’s identity, and Uptown Meridian has seen its lineup evolve over the years.
Some tenants have stayed since the beginning, while others have closed, making room for new businesses.
As of 2025, five major retailers anchor the mall: Belk, Dillard’s, Fitness Depot, Woodstock Furniture Clearance Outlet, and Golden Ticket Cinemas.
Belk has remained a fixture since the mall was still Bonita Lakes. It originally operated under the McRae’s brand but switched to Belk after a corporate acquisition in 2006.
The store continues to offer clothing, accessories, and home goods. Dillard’s, another long-term anchor, serves a similar market with a mix of mid-range and high-end brands.
A major shift in Uptown Meridian’s retail structure came when Sears and JCPenney closed in 2018 and 2017, respectively.
These departures reflected nationwide store reductions in response to changing shopping habits.
To fill the space, new businesses moved in. Woodstock Furniture Clearance Outlet, specializing in discounted home furnishings, now occupies part of the former JCPenney location.
Fitness Depot, a large gym and fitness retailer, has also taken over a section near the Belk store.
Golden Ticket Cinemas provides Uptown Meridian with an entertainment draw beyond retail.
It replaced United Artists Theatres, which operated in the mall until it closed in the early 2000s.
Golden Ticket offers the latest movies and serves as a key traffic driver, especially on weekends.
While some storefronts remain vacant, Uptown Meridian continues to adjust its anchor lineup.
Large retail spaces have become harder to fill, and more malls are shifting toward non-traditional tenants like fitness centers, discount outlets, and entertainment venues.
Dining and Entertainment at Uptown Meridian
Uptown Meridian still offers food and entertainment, though the lineup has changed.
Dining Options:
- American Deli – Wings, subs, and sandwiches make this a go-to for a quick, filling meal.
- Las Fuentes Mexican Restaurant – A sit-down spot serving classic Mexican dishes, from fajitas to enchiladas.
- Garden & Grill – Offers a mix of fresh dishes with a variety of flavors to choose from.
- Pretzel Twister – Soft pretzels, available in different flavors, are perfect for a quick snack.
- The Cookie Store – Baked treats for those who want something sweet while they shop.
Entertainment:
- Golden Ticket Cinemas – The mall’s only entertainment anchor, this theater screens the latest movies, drawing families, teens, and casual shoppers looking to take a break.
Beyond dining and movies, Uptown Meridian has fewer entertainment options than before.
With attractions like All in 1 Adventures gone, visitors looking for arcade games, bowling, or interactive activities won’t find much inside the mall.
However, food and film remain reliable draws, keeping some traffic flowing through the space.
Recent Developments at Uptown Meridian
In early 2025, Uptown Meridian in Meridian, Mississippi, introduced new events and attractions to attract more visitors.
One of the latest additions is the Spring Uptown Bites Food Truck Tour, which will be held March 7-8, 2025.
Announced in February, the event will feature a lineup of food trucks serving a wide range of flavors, giving shoppers more than just retail to look forward to.
Additionally, in February 2025, Uptown Meridian welcomed “Lew & The Crew,” a new indoor playroom designed for young children.
This facility aims to provide a safe and engaging environment for kids, adding a family-friendly dimension to the mall’s offerings.
Crime at Uptown Meridian
Uptown Meridian has dealt with crime over the years. Shootings, robberies, and other incidents have raised safety concerns for both shoppers and businesses, leaving many wondering what the future holds for the mall.
Shootings and Violence
January 2021: A shootout erupted in the mall’s parking lot, with over 20 rounds fired between at least eight people. Some bullets even shattered the mall’s windows. Miraculously, no one was hurt.
November 2018: Black Friday turned violent when a teenager shot a man outside the mall after an argument. The victim was hit in the hand, and the suspect was arrested.
May 2017: A heated argument between two women inside the mall escalated when a gun accidentally discharged from one of their purses. No injuries were reported, but the incident raised alarms about firearms being carried into the shopping center.
Theft and Robberies
July 2022: An attempted robbery at the mall ended with police arresting three suspects.
Attempts at Security
To counter rising crime, mall management put a few rules in place:
- Youth Escort Policy: Teens under 18 must be with an adult during certain hours, meant to cut down on fights and large groups of unsupervised minors.
- More Security: Additional guards and a closer partnership with law enforcement aim to keep things under control.
The real question is whether these policies are enough—or if Uptown Meridian is on its way to becoming yet another dead mall, abandoned not just by businesses but by shoppers who no longer feel safe.
Future Outlook – What’s Next for Uptown Meridian?
Like many malls, Uptown Meridian must adapt to changing shopping habits. As of 2025, the retail market continues to favor mixed-use spaces, discount stores, and entertainment-based attractions.
Retail leasing trends suggest that new tenants will prefer discount chains, pop-up stores, and service-based businesses to traditional department stores.
Some vacant anchor spaces may be repurposed for offices, healthcare facilities, or warehouse-style discount outlets.
Smaller storefronts could attract more local businesses looking for flexible lease terms.
The mall may also repurpose open areas for seasonal markets, trade shows, or event-driven shopping.
These changes could help draw more visitors and keep foot traffic steady, offering reasons to stop by beyond just retail.
Uptown Meridian continues to evolve, adjusting its tenant mix and business model to keep up with industry trends.
Future changes will depend on consumer demand, retail shifts, and how the mall can position itself as a retail and entertainment hub in Meridian, Mississippi.