A Rich History
Northlake Mall opened its doors on September 15, 2005, and became a modern shopping destination for the northern portion of Mecklenburg County. Before its opening, the area had been in dire need of a retail center, and Northlake Mall filled that void, drawing its name from the thriving North Charlotte and Lake Norman communities it serves.
A Long-Awaited Retail Solution
The idea of a mall in the region had been discussed for years, but plans never materialized until a few years before Northlake Mall’s opening. As a result, the mall has become the dominant retail destination for locals, providing a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Key Developments and Ownership Changes
In 2013, it was announced that Northlake Mall would receive Charlotte’s second H&M store, following the recently announced store at Carolina Place Mall. These two stores and the planned store at the SouthPark Mall would be the only H&M locations in Charlotte.
In June 2014, Taubman Centers sold Northlake Mall to Starwood Capital Group as part of a mall portfolio for $1.4 billion.
In February 2016, Starwood Capital Group announced a $50 million expansion, adding 200,000 square feet to the mall. This expansion aimed to enhance the mall’s appeal and provide more options for shoppers.
Northlake Mall Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2005 | Northlake Mall opens |
| 2013 | Announcement of H&M store |
| 2014 | Sale to Starwood Capital Group |
| 2016 | $50 million expansion announced |
| 2021 | Closure of Dick’s Sporting Goods |
| 2023 | Closure of Apple Store |
Anchor Stores and Entertainment
Northlake Mall offers a variety of anchor stores and entertainment options for shoppers:
- Macy’s
- Dillard’s
- Belk
- AMC Theatres
Junior Anchor Stores
- H&M
Former Anchor Stores
- Dick’s Sporting Goods (closed in February 2021)
The mall houses a 14-screen AMC cinema, an interactive play area, a coffee court, a sports court, and free Wi-Fi, making it a popular lifestyle destination for the North Charlotte metropolitan area.
A Retail Haven
With over 130 stores and services, Northlake Mall provides diverse shopping options. Notable retailers include H&M, Forever 21, Soma, Dry Goods, Finish Line, and DTLR. In addition, the mall’s merchandise assortment also caters to every taste, making it an ideal one-stop shop for customers looking for various products.
Specialty Stores and Niche Markets
In addition to popular retail chains, Northlake Mall is home to specialty stores and niche markets. These unique shops offer a more personalized shopping experience and allow visitors to find items that may not be available in larger department stores.
Dining Options Galore
Northlake Mall understands the importance of providing various dining options to suit all palates. Shoppers can choose from quick bites in the food court or enjoy a more leisurely meal at sit-down restaurants like Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and PF Chang’s China Bistro. The mall’s diverse dining options make it the perfect place to refuel after a long shopping day.
Community Events and Activities
To further enhance the shopping experience, Northlake Mall hosts various community events and activities throughout the year. These events help to create a lively atmosphere and foster a sense of community among shoppers.
Accessibility and Location
Northlake Mall is conveniently located just 10 miles north of Uptown Charlotte on Interstate 77 and directly off of Interstate 485, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike.
Recent Closures and Challenges
In February 2021, Dick’s Sporting Goods closed its Northlake Mall location in favor of its Concord Mills Mall store. More recently, Apple Inc. closed its Northlake Mall store without notice on March 1, 2023, following three shootings at the mall within 75 days. These closures highlight some of the challenges the mall faced recently.
Despite these setbacks, Northlake Mall remains a popular shopping destination, and its management, Spinoso Real Estate Group, is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable shopping experience for all. The mall has implemented additional security measures and continues to work closely with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of its patrons.
Responding to Changing Retail Landscape
As the retail landscape continues to evolve, Northlake Mall is adapting to meet the needs of its customers. The mall focuses on attracting new tenants, offering a mix of local and national retailers, and embracing the growing experiential retail trend.
By creating a unique and immersive shopping experience, Northlake Mall aims to maintain its status as a premier retail destination in the North Charlotte metropolitan area.
The Future of Northlake Mall
As Northlake Mall looks towards the future, it is determined to overcome challenges and continue serving the community as a top shopping destination.
Plans for further expansion, renovations, and the addition of new retailers and dining options are on the horizon, ensuring that Northlake Mall remains a vibrant and relevant shopping center for years to come.
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