The Inception and Growth of Arnot Mall
Initially christened as “The Mall” Shopping Center, Arnot Mall marked its grand opening in 1967, laying its foundation in the retail landscape of Horseheads, NY. This inception was the realization of a vision by Arnot Realty, a name that later lent itself to the mall.
The opening phase featured JCPenney as the original anchor, a significant name in the retail sector, alongside 40 other stores, setting the stage for a comprehensive shopping experience.
The journey of Arnot Mall is a testament to strategic growth and adaptation. 1980 was a milestone, witnessing a significant expansion that introduced prominent names like Sears, Hess’s, and Bradlees into the mall’s portfolio.
This expansion was more than just an increase in square footage; it represented the mall’s ambition to cater to a wider demographic and ensure a variety of choices under one roof. The mall’s evolution continued, with its retail space now sprawling over 1,050,000 sq ft and housing 95 stores, a testament to its status as a super-regional shopping hub.
The retail narrative of Arnot Mall is also a story of transformation and resilience. As Arnot Mall continues to stand as a beacon of commerce and community gathering, it remains a pivotal chapter in the things to do in Horseheads, NY, offering a blend of shopping, entertainment, and dining experiences to locals and visitors alike.
Arnot Mall’s Architectural and Operational Features
Arnot Mall, strategically positioned at 3300 Chambers Road, is not just a shopping destination but a landmark in the region’s architectural and commercial landscape.
As a super-regional mall, it serves as a commercial hub for New York’s Southern Tier and the Finger Lakes Region, drawing in diverse visitors seeking retail therapy, dining, and entertainment.
Under the adept guidance of Spinoso Real Estate Group, the mall’s management ensures a seamless operation, maintaining the mall’s status as a premier shopping destination.
Arnot Mall’s architectural design, sprawling over an impressive 1,050,000 sq ft, is functional and inviting.
The layout is thoughtfully designed. It features a single floor for easy navigation, complemented by a second-floor food court offering a panoramic view of the retail haven below.
This design not only maximizes the use of space but also enhances the shopping experience, providing convenience and comfort to visitors.
Location and accessibility are among the mall’s strongest suits. Nestled along the Southern Tier Expressway (Interstate 86/NY Route 17), the mall benefits from its strategic positioning between Corning and Elmira.
This prime location ensures easy access for visitors, making it a favored destination for shopping, dining, and leisure.
Whether a resident on a shopping spree or a traveler exploring the things to do in Elmira, NY, Arnot Mall is a beacon of retail excellence, offering various services and experiences in a welcoming and appealing setting.
The Evolution of Anchor Stores at Arnot Mall
Arnot Mall‘s retail landscape has been significantly shaped by its anchor stores, each bringing its unique flair and drawing a steady influx of shoppers.
The evolution of these anchors narrates a story of adaptability and strategic retail management, ensuring the mall’s position as a central shopping and entertainment hub.
JCPenney, synonymous with quality and reliability, has been a cornerstone of Arnot Mall since its inception.
As one of the original anchors, it has witnessed the mall’s growth and transformation, adapting to changing consumer trends while maintaining its commitment to providing a wide array of merchandise.
Its enduring presence at the mall underscores its role as a retail outlet and a part of the community’s fabric.
The year 2006 marked a shift in the mall’s retail dynamics with the introduction of Burlington, taking over the space previously occupied by Bradlees.
This transition was more than a mere change of brands; it represented the mall’s ability to evolve and embrace new retail opportunities.
Burlington brought a fresh retail perspective, offering affordable fashion and home decor options, broadening the mall’s appeal to a wider audience.
Burlington’s knack for offering trendy merchandise at great prices has made it a favorite among budget-conscious shoppers, adding to the mall’s allure.
TK Storage emerges as a unique and practical anchor, addressing the storage needs of shoppers and local businesses.
Its presence in the mall is a testament to Arnot Mall’s commitment to providing comprehensive services that extend beyond traditional retail.
Arnot Event Center further diversifies the mall’s offerings. As a venue for various events, it transforms the mall into a community hub, hosting gatherings that range from business conferences to social events, thereby enriching the mall’s role in community engagement.
Regal Cinemas completes the mall’s entertainment portfolio, offering a cinematic escape with its multiple screens.
The movie theater transcends being a mere venue for films; it’s a vibrant hub where cherished memories form, narratives intertwine, and cinematic enchantment unfolds.
Its existence elevates the mall’s allure as an entertainment venue, drawing in cinema fans and families searching for delightful experiences.
The Diverse Retail Experience at Arnot Mall
Arnot Mall is a tapestry of retail diversity, offering a rich palette of shopping options that cater to every taste, trend, and necessity.
This diversity is not just about quantity but also about the quality and variety of experiences each store offers. Fashion enthusiasts, hobbyists, and casual shoppers find their niche in this expansive retail haven.
Fashion-forward visitors are drawn to the trendy collections at American Eagle Outfitters, a brand synonymous with contemporary style and casual comfort.
Bath & Body Works complements this by offering an array of fragrances and skincare products, turning routine self-care into a luxurious experience. These stores, among others, ensure that shoppers are in tune with the latest trends and styles.
The Children’s Place presents a colorful array of apparel and accessories for families and children, making it a one-stop shop for kids’ fashion needs.
Hot Topic caters to a more eclectic crowd, offering music and pop culture-inspired apparel and accessories that resonate with the youth and the young at heart.
These specialty stores meet specific shopping needs and contribute to the mall’s vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
Niche stores like The Squatch Den Records and Wreckitt Racing Diecast add to the mall’s charm. These stores are sanctuaries for collectors and hobbyists, offering rare finds and collectibles.
The presence of such niche stores underscores Arnot Mall’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and diverse shopping experience, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
Specialty Stores: The Heart of Arnot Mall
For those seeking inspiration or a touch of spirituality, Anchored Wishes offers various products that cater to the soul.
It’s a space where visitors can find meaningful gifts, inspirational decor, and items that add a personal touch to their lives.
In contrast, Armed Forces Recruiting provides a gateway for individuals looking to serve and protect the nation, offering guidance and information for those interested in military careers.
Tech enthusiasts and gamers find refuge in Checkpoint Gaming Lounge, where the latest games and state-of-the-art technology meet.
It’s more than a store; it’s a community space where like-minded individuals can connect, compete, and share their passion for gaming.
On the wellness front, GNC Live Well is a pillar of health, offering a wide range of nutritional supplements, vitamins, and health-related products.
It’s a store that supports the health and well-being of the community, providing products that cater to a lifestyle of wellness and vitality.
Kraft Family Chiropractic adds another layer to the mall’s health and wellness offerings. With a focus on holistic well-being, the clinic provides chiropractic services, offering relief and solutions for various physical ailments. It’s a place where health is not just treated but nurtured.
These specialty stores, each with a unique flair and specialized offerings, are the heartbeats of Arnot Mall.
They provide a diverse shopping experience tailored to each visitor’s individual needs and interests, making the mall a vibrant tapestry of commerce and community engagement.
Culinary Delights at Arnot Mall
Arnot Mall is not just a shopping destination; it’s a culinary adventure, offering diverse dining options that cater to every palate and preference.
The mall’s food landscape is a vibrant mix of flavors, aromas, and experiences, ensuring that every visit is both a shopping spree and a gastronomic journey.
Auntie Anne’s hand-rolled soft pretzels are the perfect treat for those who enjoy something sweet and comforting.
Each pretzel is a blend of warmth and flavor, ideal for a quick snack or a leisurely indulgence. On the savory side, Chili’s presents a menu with bold flavors and classic favorites, making it a go-to spot for a satisfying meal.
Cinnabon adds a dash of sweetness to the mall’s culinary offerings with its irresistible cinnamon rolls and a range of delightful treats that are hard to resist.
For visitors seeking unique beverage options, Jan Marie Bubble Tea and The Juice Collective stand out with their refreshing and innovative drinks.
Jan Marie Bubble Tea brings the trendy and flavorful world of bubble tea to the mall, offering a variety of flavors and textures.
The Juice Collective, on the other hand, serves health in a glass, with its range of freshly squeezed juices and smoothies perfect for a nutritional boost.
Regarding hearty meals, Mooney’s Sports Bar & Grill and Rico’s Pizza are the places to be. Mooney’s offers a lively atmosphere with a menu full of comfort food and classic bar fare. At the same time, Rico’s Pizza serves up slices of joy with its authentic pizzas and Italian specialties.
Ray’s Mobile Food Truck and The Sweet Escape provide convenient and delicious options for those in a rush or looking for a quick bite.
Ray’s Mobile Food Truck brings a variety of flavors directly to the patrons, offering a suitable dining solution without compromising on taste.
The Sweet Escape tempts with its array of delectable treats, perfect for a quick snack or a sweet finish to a meal.
Arnot Mall’s dining scene reflects its commitment to providing a holistic and enjoyable shopping experience.
With its diverse culinary offerings, the mall ensures that every visit is not just about shopping but also about savoring the joy of good food and good times.
Recent Highlights at Arnot Mall
One of the standout events 2023 was the Twin Tiers Comic-Con, held on November 11th and 12th at the Arnot Event Center.
This event brought together comic enthusiasts from across the region, offering a platform for community members to meet, share their passion for comics, and engage with various aspects of pop culture.
The Comic-Con added a vibrant cultural dimension to the mall’s offerings and highlighted Arnot Mall’s role in fostering community spirit and providing a space for diverse entertainment and artistic expression.
In addition to the Comic-Con, Arnot Mall hosted a unique event for music enthusiasts – a listening party for Green Day’s 14th studio album, “Saviors.”
Held in January 2024, this event offered fans of the Grammy-winning rock band an exclusive opportunity to come together and experience the new album in a communal setting.
This event underscored the mall’s commitment to offering diverse experiences and catering to its patrons’ varied interests.
Conclusion
With its rich history, diverse retail and dining options, and significant anchors, Arnot Mall is a prominent shopping destination in New York’s Southern Tier.
Its evolution from a modest establishment to a super-regional mall reflects its adaptability and commitment to providing a comprehensive shopping and entertainment experience.
As it continues to evolve, Arnot Mall remains a pivotal part of the community, catering to the needs and preferences of its visitors.
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If the Mall wants to survive, with all the empty spaces, why not do a Outlet Mall?
The traditional mall stores are gone never to return.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! The idea of an outlet mall could be a potential turning point for the Arnot Mall. It’s thought-provoking to imagine the transformation it could undergo and how it might better serve the community.
I remember the mall opening. Great place to walk with kids. Friends or just alone❤️❤️❤️❤️
I couldn’t agree more! It’s always been an excellent spot for a walk, whether alone or with loved ones.
It is dark inside and depressing with all the empty store fronts. The fountains are gone along with real restaurants like the Flaming pit. The Covid lock down was the nail in the coffin as no one knew when it was open. The last shoe repair place around for 30 miles The Shoe Doctor closed and moved to Florida because they could not survive the NY State lock down.
Thank you for sharing your observations about Arnot Mall. The impact of the Covid lockdown seems to have been particularly harsh on this mall. It’s a sign of the times, unfortunately.
I was not a big fan of the mall do to I don’t like being around a lot of ppl but it was a nice place to go I wish more places would go in there so it can stay around longer there is to many places going out of ny same with housing or even turn the mall in to housing place to help the ppl that don’t make much money for rent or just as a place just for homeless only or turn it in to a place just for are vets that sourced in are government something
Thanks for expressing your thoughts about Arnot Mall. I appreciate your viewpoint on the importance of the mall to the community despite your preference for less crowded places. Your ideas for repurposing the mall are thoughtful and show great compassion.