Development and Early Operations (1970s)
In 1975, Rimrock Mall opened on Billings’ West End, replacing what was once a sugar beet farm. The Hahn Company, known for developing retail properties, spearheaded the $15 million project.
Los Angeles architects designed the mall, reflecting trends in suburban mall construction at the time. The location, which was mostly undeveloped when construction began, now sits within Billings’ primary commercial area.
On its opening day, September 11, 1975, the mall drew heavy crowds. Police and auxiliary units from Yellowstone County directed traffic as over 10,000 cars filled the parking lots. Rimrock Mall launched with major department stores: Montgomery Ward, Hennessy’s, and Herberger’s as anchor tenants.
By the fall of 1978, the Denver Dry Goods Company joined, bringing additional retail options. The mall quickly became a central shopping destination in southern Montana.
Rimrock Mall also invested in entertainment early on. The Rimrock 4 theater opened alongside the retail spaces in 1975 and later expanded to Rimrock 5.
By 1979, World West Theater began operations in a separate building on the premises. This blend of shopping and entertainment set the tone for its role in Billings’ growth.
Over the next decade, Rimrock Mall would establish itself as a critical anchor for the city’s retail sector, particularly as Billings expanded westward.
This was in part due to Rimrock Mall’s impact, which transformed the area from rural land to a thriving commercial zone.
Expansion and Anchor Changes (1980s)
In 1981, The Denver Dry Goods Company closed its doors. JCPenney took over the space, leaving its previous downtown Billings location behind.
The decision impacted the downtown retail scene and pushed more commercial activity toward the West End. JCPenney opened its new store at Rimrock Mall in February 1982, further solidifying the mall as a dominant retail hub.
Rimrock Mall drove the growth of the surrounding West End area throughout the 1980s. The mall became a central shopping destination not only for Billings but also for communities across southern Montana and even Wyoming.
Retail expansion continued as new stores and services filled up available spaces, and the area saw increased development in response to the growing foot traffic.
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During this period, the mall attracted regional attention with its mix of retailers and entertainment options. The continued presence of theaters like Rimrock 5 and World West kept visitors coming beyond regular shopping hours.
The mall anchored itself as a key commercial center, contributing to further retail and real estate investments in Billings’ West End.
Ownership Changes and New Tenants (1990s)
Macerich acquired Rimrock Mall in November 1996 as part of a larger deal that also included Vintage Faire Mall in Modesto, California.
The total purchase price for both properties was $118.2 million. Under Macerich’s ownership, the mall saw new investments aimed at maintaining its relevance in the changing retail landscape.
Rimrock 5 closed in 1998, marking a shift in entertainment options. Scheels All Sports took over the space, replacing it with a large sporting goods store that fit the growing demand for outdoor and athletic gear.
By the end of the decade, another theater, Wynnsong 10, opened on the property, continuing the mall’s commitment to entertaining along with retail.
The mall’s ability to adapt and attract new tenants reflected its role as a regional retail leader. Wynnsong 10 brought in new customers, while retailers like Scheels catered to shifting consumer interests.
Economic Shifts and Retail Changes (2010s)
In December 2012, Macerich put Rimrock Mall up for sale. By June 2013, Starwood Retail Partners acquired the property as part of a deal that also included Northridge Mall in Salinas, California.
Although the purchase price wasn’t disclosed immediately, later reports showed the combined transaction reached $230 million.
Starwood began updating the mall’s image, leading to a redesign in 2016. The facelift included a new exterior facade, upgraded main entrance, and refreshed interior design, all aimed at keeping the space competitive in a tough retail market. The updates catered to evolving consumer tastes while aiming to attract more retailers.
The long-vacant World West Theater was finally demolished in 2016 after standing unused for nearly two decades. By December 2017, Krispy Kreme took its place with a new building on the site, drawing in steady foot traffic.
The closure of Herberger’s in 2018, part of its parent company’s liquidation, marked a tough spot for the mall. However, the decision to replace large stores with multiple smaller ones helped keep the space active.
Magic City Gymnastics now occupies part of the former department store, balancing local needs with retail offerings. H&M, one of the new tenants, also found a home in a divided former anchor space.
Despite headwinds, mall officials have consistently expressed optimism, pointing out that in states like Montana, where winters are harsh, indoor malls continue to serve a purpose.
The blend of retail, entertainment, and community-centered spaces positions Rimrock Mall to remain relevant even as retail trends evolve.
Recent Developments and New Openings (2023-2024)
In 2023, Rimrock Mall in Billings, MT, had more vacant storefronts and lower foot traffic, but recent openings and events aim to revitalize the space.
In 2023, Rimrock Mall welcomed a new store, BoxLunch, which has generated considerable excitement among the local community. BoxLunch is located next to Zumiez in the space previously occupied by Rejeunir Black Caviar. This store is particularly appealing to the 20-40 age group, offering a range of pop culture items, toys, collectibles, and clothing.
A new family-friendly arcade, Ka-Ko Jo’s, opened on February 29, 2024. The arcade promises to be a draw for families seeking entertainment beyond shopping, adding another layer to the mall’s offerings.
In August 2024, more updates followed with key openings. Miniso, a popular Japanese-inspired lifestyle store, opened on August 10, offering affordable and trendy products. Shortly after, on August 16, Spirit Halloween Superstore launched its seasonal pop-up, attracting both locals and visitors preparing for Halloween.
These developments show how Rimrock Mall continues to evolve in response to changing consumer interests while holding onto its place as a regional shopping center.