Inception and Early Development
South Hills Village first opened its doors on July 28, 1965, in the Pittsburgh suburbs of Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair Township, Pennsylvania. This wasn’t just another shopping center—it was the first fully enclosed mall in Greater Pittsburgh, setting a new standard for retail in the area.
Developed by the Oxford Development Co., the mall offered a two-level layout, which was an innovative feature at the time. Its spacious design quickly made it a standout shopping destination for locals.
The original anchors included Sears, Horne’s, and Gimbels, each bringing its allure to shoppers. Gimbels, a major department store chain at the time, drew significant foot traffic, while Horne’s added a regional flair. Sears rounded out the trio, offering everything from tools to household appliances. These anchors played a crucial role in establishing the mall’s early reputation as a go-to shopping hub.
Beyond the big names, South Hills Village was home to several smaller retailers that added to its charm. Stores like Sun Drugs, Lerner Shops, and Woolworth provided options for clothing, pharmacy needs, and a variety of goods.
A single-screen movie theater was introduced in July 1966, enhancing the mall’s appeal as a leisure destination. For anyone wondering about things to do in Pittsburgh, PA, the mall quickly became a top answer.
Accessibility also set South Hills Village apart. By 1985, the South Hills Village light rail station opened nearby, making it even easier for shoppers to visit without relying on a car.
With this combination of innovative design, a mix of stores, and easy transportation, the mall cemented its place in the local retail landscape from the very beginning.
Transformations in Anchor Stores
As the retail industry evolved, South Hills Village adapted by updating its anchor stores. Gimbels, one of the mall’s original anchors, closed its doors in 1985.
This space didn’t stay empty for long—Kaufmann’s, a well-known regional department store, moved in and officially opened in August 1987. This transition brought new life to the mall and refreshed its offerings for shoppers.
Horne’s, another early anchor, underwent changes. It closed in 1994, making way for Lazarus, which expanded the space into a three-level store by October 1995.
Lazarus continued to operate until 2005 when Macy’s took over the location. With its nationwide reputation, Macy’s added a modern touch to the mall’s retail mix.
In another part of the mall, Kaufmann’s eventually transitioned to Boscov’s in 2006. However, Boscov’s faced challenges and closed its location just two years later in 2008.
The large, vacant space was eventually repurposed creatively. Target opened on the first floor in March 2013, offering a new type of retail experience.
Above it, Dick’s Sporting Goods took over the upper floors, with its grand opening in October 2012. This configuration used the space efficiently while adding two prominent retailers to the mall.
Renovations and Modernization Efforts
South Hills Village has undergone several updates over the years to maintain its appeal and meet modern retail standards.
In the early 1990s, the mall underwent its first major renovation, completed in July 1993. This $15 million project focused on updating the mall’s design and infrastructure, creating a more inviting space for visitors.
Another major milestone was the addition of a food court in late 1994. With 14 bays for dining, the new food court became a popular spot for shoppers to take a break and enjoy a meal. This addition also helped to position South Hills Village as more than just a shopping destination.
In 2014, plans were announced for another round of modernization. This time, the updates included new escalators to replace stairwells, redesigned store spaces, and an upgraded food court. By 2016, these renovations were completed, giving the mall a fresh, contemporary look.
More recently, the mall has continued to evolve. In 2018, a $50 million project was initiated to enhance the shopping experience further.
This included additional upgrades to the building, new retail spaces, and improved amenities for visitors. These efforts consistently focus on keeping South Hills Village a desirable location for shoppers and businesses.
Recent Developments at South Hills Village (2023-2024)
South Hills Village continues to evolve, maintaining its role as a retail and social hub. One of the mall’s most notable changes in recent years was the closure of Sears in September 2018. The space didn’t remain unused for long, though.
By 2023, the old Sears building was demolished to make way for a new two-story, 118,000-square-foot Von Maur store. This latest addition, which opened on November 9, 2024, marked the chain’s first location in Pennsylvania, bringing fresh retail energy to the area.
The mall’s current anchor lineup includes Macy’s, Von Maur, Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Barnes & Noble. These stores attract a diverse group of shoppers and create a balanced mix of options for fashion, home goods, sporting equipment, and books.
In addition to its anchors, South Hills Village houses over 130 specialty stores. This variety ensures that shoppers can find everything from boutique clothing to electronics.
The food court and several standalone restaurants like Bonefish Grill and Eat ‘N Park add to the mall’s appeal, making it a place where visitors can spend the whole day. Entertainment options, including the AMC Classic South Hills Village 10 theater, provide another reason to visit.
In 2024, South Hills Village expanded its retail offerings with several new store openings. Ashley HomeStore opened near DSW and Ulta, providing furniture, bedding, and home décor.
Warby Parker began serving customers on the lower level near J. Jill, offering eyewear and eye exams. EarthBound Trading Company launched on the upper level near Hollister, selling clothing, crystals, and home décor.
Five Below started welcoming shoppers on the lower level near Target, and Cinnabon began delighting visitors near Journeys. J. Crew Factory Store also plans to occupy the upper level near PacSun.
These developments reflect South Hills Village’s commitment to enhancing the shopping experience by introducing diverse retailers and dining options, ensuring its relevance in the evolving retail landscape.