Introduction to The Mall at Robinson
The Mall at Robinson, located in Robinson Township, Pennsylvania, opened its doors to the public in October 2001. This two-level shopping center sits conveniently off the Parkway West (I-376) and PA Route 60, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.
It’s just five minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport and a 15-minute drive from downtown Pittsburgh, placing it in the heart of a busy retail district.
Developed by Forest City Enterprises, the mall covers 872,000 sq ft of retail space. With its sprawling footprint and over 110 stores and services, The Mall at Robinson quickly established itself as one of the area’s largest shopping destinations.
The development also includes nearby retail hubs like Robinson Town Centre, Robinson Court, and Settlers Ridge, further cementing its position in the local economy.
Today, owned and managed by the Kohan Retail Investment Group, it continues to draw shoppers from across the region.
One of the unique aspects of the mall’s history is its phased opening. Before the mall itself was completed, a free-standing Kaufmann’s department store opened in 1998. This store later transitioned to Macy’s in 2006, following a broader rebranding across the company.
The mall’s anchor tenants currently include JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Macy’s, with one vacant space previously occupied by Sears, which closed in 2018.
If you’re ever in the area and looking for things to do in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, The Mall at Robinson offers a wide variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options suitable for all ages.
Its strategic location and comprehensive store lineup make it a go-to destination for both Pittsburgh locals and visitors passing through.
Key Changes and Transformations
Over the years, The Mall at Robinson has undergone several changes that have reshaped its tenant mix and overall layout. One of the biggest transformations came in 2006 when Kaufmann’s, one of the original anchor tenants, was rebranded as Macy’s.
This change followed Macy’s nationwide acquisition and conversion of Kaufmann’s brand, giving the mall a modernized and refreshed anchor store. Macy’s has remained a core anchor at the northern end of the mall ever since.
In 2018, the mall faced another major shift when Sears, one of its original anchors, closed its doors. Sears had occupied the southernmost anchor spot since the mall’s opening, but the brand’s broader struggles led to its eventual closure.
This left a large vacant space, which remains unoccupied as of 2024. Despite this, the mall has managed to maintain a steady flow of visitors, thanks to its other anchor stores—JCPenney and Dick’s Sporting Goods—along with a wide array of specialty stores.
Alongside these anchor changes, The Mall at Robinson has continuously adjusted its retail lineup to meet consumer demand. Stores like Forever 21, PacSun, and H&M have drawn in younger shoppers.
At the same time, family-friendly destinations such as Build-A-Bear and the Robinson Express Children’s Train have helped the mall appeal to a wider demographic.
The food court, located near the former Sears, offers a variety of dining options, from fast-food staples like Chick-fil-A and Cinnabon to more casual eateries like Charley’s Philly Steaks.
Recent Developments (2023-2024)
In recent years, The Mall at Robinson has continued to evolve as the retail industry faces ongoing challenges. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many shopping centers had to rethink their strategies, and Robinson was no exception.
Foot traffic had decreased during the pandemic, but the mall has steadily worked to attract customers back, focusing on introducing new retailers and enhancing the overall shopping experience.
The Mall at Robinson was sold in late 2022 for $46 million to the Kohan Retail Investment Group. The company is known for purchasing struggling malls and attempting to rejuvenate them.
Kohan Retail Investment Group has focused on ensuring that vacant spaces like the former Sears store do not detract from the mall’s appeal. While this anchor spot remains unfilled, ongoing efforts to lease the space demonstrate the mall’s commitment to maintaining a full and vibrant shopping experience.
In 2023, the mall welcomed several new tenants, including niche retailers like Fire Sneakers & More and local favorites like Pittsburgh Popcorn Company.
These additions, along with community-oriented spaces like I Made It! Market has helped the mall cater to local shoppers while still appealing to broader audiences.
I Made It! Market: This ongoing event, held at The Mall at Robinson, promotes local artisans and provides a platform for small businesses and vendors to display and sell their goods.
It’s one of the many community-oriented events aimed at increasing foot traffic and engagement with the local population.
The mall has also hosted seasonal events, such as Santa’s Toyland Photo Experience, which has continued to draw families during the holidays.
Rue21 is reopening dozens of stores under new ownership after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year. The company, known for affordable youth fashion, was acquired by Canadian firm YM Inc., which is working to revitalize the brand.
Two locations in the Pittsburgh area are reopening, marking a new chapter for the retailer, which had originally closed all its stores. The new leadership is focusing on a fresh start by revamping its operations and aiming for long-term success.
Despite the retail shifts, The Mall at Robinson remains an active hub for shoppers in the Pittsburgh area. The mall’s ability to adapt to new trends and consumer needs has kept it resilient, with plans to continue expanding its offerings into the future.
