A Local Gem – Introduction to Salmon Run Mall
Salmon Run Mall has been a staple of the Watertown, New York, area since it opened in 1986. It’s a hub of activity that serves both locals and visitors, especially those crossing the border from nearby Canadian towns, to take advantage of tax-free shopping.
Conveniently located right off I-81, the mall has become a natural stop for anyone passing through the North Country region.
Spanning over 678,000 square feet, Salmon Run offers a little something for everyone. With anchor stores like JCPenney, Best Buy, Burlington, and Hobby Lobby, it’s the go-to spot for shopping.
But it doesn’t stop there. Regal Cinemas has turned the mall into an entertainment hotspot, too, making it a favorite destination for families looking for more than just retail therapy.
Over the years, the mall has continuously evolved, adding fresh stores and experiences to keep pace with changing times.
Today, it remains an essential part of the Watertown experience, blending traditional retail with modern-day entertainment.
Growing Pains – Historical Development of Salmon Run Mall
When it opened in 1986, Salmon Run Mall marked a new era for Watertown, signaling growth and opportunity. One of the original anchor stores, Chappell’s, quickly became a local favorite.
But the retail world can be brutal, and by 1993, Chappell’s declared bankruptcy, leaving an empty anchor spot. That didn’t last long, though. The Bon-Ton swooped in, offering a fresh retail experience for shoppers.
By the mid-90s, another big name joined the mall—Montgomery Ward. It felt like the mall was riding a wave of success. However, as with Chappell’s, the tides shifted. When Montgomery Ward closed in 2001, it left yet another empty anchor space.
This time, Burlington took over, breathing new life into the mall. Through each change, Salmon Run proved resilient, adjusting to the ups and downs of the retail world.
Every time a tenant left, another one was ready to take its place. While this turnover may have seemed chaotic, it was also a sign of the mall’s ability to adapt and stay relevant. Each new store brought something fresh to the table, keeping shoppers coming back for more.
Setbacks and Survival – Challenges and Closures
Like most malls across the country, Salmon Run has had its fair share of setbacks. One of the biggest blows came in 2018 when The Bon-Ton, after nearly 25 years in business, closed its doors for good.
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The company struggled with long-term debt, and the loss of this staple left a noticeable gap. The closure wasn’t just a local issue; it reflected a larger trend of traditional department stores struggling to stay afloat in a world increasingly dominated by online shopping.
Sears was another major loss. The iconic store closed in 2019 as part of its nationwide downsizing, leaving yet another anchor space vacant.
Fortunately, Hobby Lobby took over the space, offering a fresh and family-friendly option that appealed to a broad audience.
However, the retail landscape continued to shift, and by 2023, Christmas Tree Shops announced its closure, adding another vacancy to the list.
Shifting Tides – Recent Developments (2024)
April 2024 brought more change when Dick’s Sporting Goods announced its decision to relocate to Towne Center Plaza, a nearby shopping area with better outdoor access. The move left a large space at Salmon Run, but it also opened up new possibilities for redevelopment.
Dick’s departure highlights a growing trend: larger retailers are increasingly choosing locations that offer more visibility and easier access, something that traditional malls may struggle to provide.
Adding to the list of changes, Burlington confirmed its move to Price Chopper Plaza in September 2024, leaving another anchor space empty.
While it might seem like a loss, it’s also a chance for Salmon Run to refresh its tenant lineup, perhaps attracting new, modern brands that will cater to today’s shoppers.
Looking Ahead – The Future of Salmon Run Mall
Salmon Run Mall continues to evolve, navigating the complexities of today’s retail world. Although major retailers like Burlington and Dick’s Sporting Goods have chosen to relocate, there’s still optimism in the air.
Local businesses within the mall are thriving, drawing consistent traffic from both locals and Canadian tourists alike. These smaller shops provide a sense of community, something that big-box retailers can’t always replicate.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, the mall has leaned into events and seasonal activities to keep people coming through the doors.
Whether it’s a holiday market or a family-friendly event, these gatherings remind us that Salmon Run is more than just a shopping center—it’s a community space.
The mall’s management knows that to survive, it must offer experiences that go beyond traditional retail, and these events are part of that strategy.
Looking forward, Salmon Run Mall may see even more changes. New tenants will likely take over the vacant spaces, and the mall will continue to adapt to consumers’ shifting demands.
It may not look the same as it did in 1986, but Salmon Run has the resilience to continue as a cornerstone of Watertown’s retail and social scene.
