Origins and Early Development
Belden Village Mall opened on October 1, 1970. Richard E. Jacobs developed the mall, which is 890,000 square feet and located in Jackson Township, north of Canton, Ohio. The mall became a major retail hub.
The original anchor stores were Sears, O’Neil’s, Higbee’s, and Halle’s. These stores attracted a large number of shoppers, establishing the mall’s popularity. The enclosed shopping center provided a modern shopping experience, making it a key destination for locals.
From its inception, Belden Village Mall included various smaller retail stores and dining options. This mix of stores and eateries catered to a wide range of customer needs, contributing to the mall’s early success.
The mall’s strategic location and diverse offerings made it a central spot for shopping and social activities, adding to the list of things to do in Canton, Ohio.
Changes in Anchor Stores
Over the years, Belden Village Mall has seen many changes in its anchor stores. O’Neil’s merged with May Company Ohio in 1989, and this store became Kaufmann’s in 1993.
In 1992, Higbee’s rebranded as Dillard’s, marking another major change. This rebranding aligned with the broader regional market shifts as Dillard’s expanded its presence.
Kaufmann’s underwent another transformation on September 9, 2006, when it became Macy’s. This change brought a fresh new identity to the mall, aligning with Macy’s nationwide brand recognition.
Sears closed its Belden Village Mall location on January 12, 2020. The store’s closure was part of a larger trend of Sears locations shutting down across the country due to the company’s financial struggles.
Renovations and Facelifts
Belden Village Mall has undergone several renovations to keep up with changing retail trends. In 1989, the mall received a facelift. The food court was decorated with pastel-colored flags, giving it a fresh look. Tenant signage also got an update, enhancing the shopping experience.
Major entrances were revamped with glass atriums, adding a modern touch. These changes aimed to improve the mall’s aesthetic appeal and attract more visitors.
In 2016, the main entrance was redone in a modern style. This renovation included updated architectural elements and a more inviting entrance, reflecting contemporary design trends.
The mall’s food court received a one-day renovation in 2019. New furniture and lighting were installed, creating a more comfortable and stylish environment for shoppers. These updates show the mall’s commitment to providing an enjoyable shopping experience.
Ownership Transitions
Belden Village Mall has changed hands several times. In early 2002, the Westfield Group acquired it and renamed it “Westfield Shoppingtown Belden Village.” This acquisition aimed to integrate the mall into Westfield’s global portfolio.
In November 2013, Starwood Retail Partners purchased the mall and rebranded it as Belden Village Mall, emphasizing a return to its roots. With this rebranding, Starwood aimed to revitalize the mall and attract more visitors.
In March 2020, Starwood Retail Partners faced financial challenges. They defaulted on a $260 million debt in Israeli bond loans, which led to a restructuring and divestment of their “Starwood West” package of malls, including Belden Village.
The top bidder for the package was a joint venture between Golden East Investors and Pacific Retail Capital Partners. This venture aimed to resolve debts and stabilize assets, ensuring the mall’s continued operation and potential future sale.
Additions and Closures of Outlot Businesses
Belden Village Mall has seen many changes in its outlot businesses over the years. In 1986, Chili’s Bar & Grille opened, adding a popular dining option. Bravo Cucina followed in 2006, offering Italian cuisine to shoppers.
Max & Erma’s opened in 2005 but later closed. In 2016, Burntwood Tavern replaced it, providing a new dining experience. These changes reflect the mall’s efforts to keep its dining options fresh and appealing.
The Sears Auto Center closed in 2020, marking the end of an era for the mall’s automotive services. However, the space didn’t stay vacant for long. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen took over, bringing a new restaurant to the mall.
Melt Bar & Grilled opened in 2017. This restaurant transformed a former truck bay into a vibrant eatery. These additions and closures highlight the mall’s dynamic nature and its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences.
Belden Village Mall: Recent Developments
Belden Village Mall has seen many exciting developments in recent years. Dave & Buster’s opened on November 4, 2019, taking over part of the former Sears space. This addition brought a new entertainment option to the mall, attracting families and young adults.
In March 2020, plans were announced to redevelop 83,000 square feet of the former Sears space. Dick’s Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy were slated to move in, enhancing the mall’s retail offerings.
By bringing in popular stores and restaurants, Belden Village Mall continues to draw in shoppers. Plans include further modernization and potential new store openings, ensuring the mall remains a vibrant shopping destination.
New Retailers and Events
On November 30, 2023, Belden Village Mall announced the addition of several new retailers for the holiday season. These new stores aimed to provide shoppers with more diverse options and enhance the overall shopping experience.
This expansion included a mix of clothing boutiques, specialty shops, and unique gift stores catering to the holiday rush and beyond.
In early 2024, the mall introduced a lineup of exciting events to engage the community. Starting from February 26, 2024, the “Spring into the Season” event featured various activities and promotions to welcome the spring.
On May 8, 2024, the mall announced an array of summer events, including a “Crafting the Summer Olympics” event scheduled for July 23, 2024, and regular activities like the Mall Walker Program.
Store Updates
Express, a major retailer at Belden Village Mall, filed for bankruptcy in April 2024. Despite this financial challenge, the store remains open and continues to serve its customers.
On a positive note, Windsor Fashions LLC opened a new women’s clothing store at the mall in August 2023. This addition provides shoppers with trendy fashion choices.
