Behind the Empty Stores: The Point at Carlisle Plaza Mall, Carlisle, PA

The Birth of The Point at Carlisle Plaza Mall

In 1964, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, witnessed the birth of a new shopping destination: Carlisle Plaza. Initially an open-air shopping center, it marked the beginning of a new era in retail for the local community.

The project came to life thanks to David Javitch, the founder of Giant Food Stores, a name synonymous with retail success in the region. His vision was clear: to create a hub for shopping and social interaction in Carlisle.

By 1968, the winds of change were blowing. Crown American Realty Trust, known then as Crown Construction Company, took the reins. They announced ambitious plans to transform the plaza into something Carlisle had never seen: an enclosed mall.

This move was not just about adding doors and a roof; it was about creating an all-weather shopping haven where families could wander, shop, and dine in comfort away from the caprices of Pennsylvania weather.

The transformation culminated in 1976 when the newly enclosed mall reopened its doors. This wasn’t just a facelift; it was a complete metamorphosis, with more stores, more space, and more opportunities for the people of Carlisle to shop and socialize.

The plaza was no longer just a collection of stores; it was a community landmark, a place where memories were made and traditions were born.

As the years rolled by, the mall became a staple in the lives of Carlisle residents, a testament to the vision of its founders and the community that embraced it.

Amidst the changing tides of commerce and community, The Point at Carlisle Plaza stood as a beacon of retail innovation and community spirit.

For those looking for things to do in Carlisle, PA, the mall offered various options, from shopping to dining, making it a central part of local life.

The Evolution and Decline

The Point at Carlisle Plaza entered a new era when Michael Joseph Development Corporation acquired it in November 2002 for $5.8 million.

This change in ownership marked the beginning of a series of transformations to revitalize the aging shopping center. The new owners had a vision, but the path was challenging.

In August 2003, a significant rebranding effort took place. The mall shed its old identity as Carlisle Plaza Mall and emerged as The Point at Carlisle Plaza.

This was more than a name change; it symbolized a fresh start, an attempt to reposition the mall in the minds of consumers and retailers alike.

A mural depicting the history of Carlisle had to be relocated before construction, symbolizing the mall’s connection to the community’s heritage. The renovations, costing $4 million, were a bold step towards modernization.

However, the retail landscape was shifting, and the mall faced increasing competition from newer, more modern shopping centers.

The early 2000s brought more than just a new name. The mall underwent a substantial reconfiguration, removing 200,000 square feet of retail space.

This downsizing led to the departure of two anchor buildings, previously occupied by Albion Point Antiques & Collectibles, Kmart, and J.C. Penney.

These closures significantly affected the mall’s foot traffic and retail diversity. The once-bustling corridors began to see fewer shoppers, and the vibrancy that characterized the mall’s early years started to fade.

Despite these challenges, the mall continued to serve the Carlisle community, albeit in a diminished capacity.

The removal of significant retail space and the loss of key tenants reflected broader trends in the retail industry, where traditional malls across the country struggled to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and economic pressures.

The Point at Carlisle Plaza, once a thriving retail hub, now faced an uncertain future as it grappled with the realities of the evolving retail landscape.

Ownership Changes and Attempts at Revival

In August 2005, Cedar Carlisle LLC purchased The Point at Carlisle Plaza for $11 million. This new ownership brought a wave of optimism as stakeholders hoped for a revival of the mall’s fortunes.

Cedar Carlisle LLC aimed to breathe new life into the shopping center, attracting new tenants and customers.

Their efforts saw some success with the opening of Dunham’s Sports in late September 2005, introducing a new anchor store that promised to draw in sports enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike.

The narrative took another turn in October 2012 when Giant Food Stores, under the banner of Point Plaza LLC, acquired the mall for $7.35 million.

This acquisition was significant not just because of the change in ownership but also because Giant, a company with deep roots in the local community, was taking a direct interest in the mall’s future.

The move was seen as a commitment to the area, a signal that there was still life left in The Point at Carlisle Plaza.

However, the challenges were far from over. In late January 2018, The Bon-Ton, one of the mall’s anchor stores, announced it would be closing its doors.

This was a significant loss, as anchor stores are crucial in attracting foot traffic and supporting smaller retailers. The closure of The Bon-Ton was part of a larger trend affecting department stores nationwide.

Still, it hit The Point at Carlisle Plaza particularly hard. In a twist of fate, the former Bon-Ton space found a new purpose in January 2019, serving as storage for new Giant shopping carts, a far cry from its retail heyday.

These ownership changes and attempts at revival paint a picture of a mall struggling to find its place in a rapidly changing retail environment.

Despite the efforts of its various owners, The Point at Carlisle Plaza faced an uphill battle against broader market trends and shifting consumer preferences.

The Current State of The Point at Carlisle Plaza

Today, The Point at Carlisle Plaza is a shadow of its former self, with a few stores remaining. Anchored by Dunham’s Sports and Lowe’s, the mall needs help retaining shoppers and attracting new businesses.

The decline in the number of stores and foot traffic is a stark reminder of the challenges facing traditional retail spaces in the digital age.

The mall’s current state reflects broader trends affecting shopping centers nationwide. The rise of online shopping, combined with changing consumer habits, has hit traditional malls hard.

The Point at Carlisle Plaza is no exception, grappling with these industry-wide challenges. Despite this, the mall continues to serve the Carlisle community, providing space for the remaining businesses and their customers.

The community’s perception of the mall has shifted over the years. Once a bustling hub of activity, The Point at Carlisle Plaza is now often described as a “dead mall.”

This term, used to describe malls that have lost their luster and foot traffic, aptly characterizes the current atmosphere of the plaza.

However, it still holds a place in the hearts of locals who remember its heyday and continue to visit the few remaining stores.

The mall’s journey from a vibrant shopping center to its current state reflects the evolving retail landscape and traditional malls’ challenges adapting to new realities.