Columbiana Centre Mall Establishment
Columbiana Centre opened in 1990. Homart Development Company developed the mall. It started with two anchor stores: Belk and Sears. The mall is located in Columbia, South Carolina, predominantly in Lexington County, but parts extend into Richland County.
The developers strategically chose the location near the intersection of Harbison Boulevard and Interstate 26, aiming to tap into the growing residential areas around Irmo and West Columbia. The mall covered 788,000 sq ft, providing ample retail space. Columbiana Centre aimed to become the primary shopping destination in the Columbia Metropolitan Area.
In its early years, the mall featured a Spanish architectural theme, with arches and stucco throughout. The design stood out compared to other regional malls. The developers planned the mall years before construction began, with the site once being a pine thicket. Columbiana Drive, adjacent to the mall, was known as “Mall Road” even before the mall was built.
Columbiana Centre quickly gained popularity, partly due to its strategic location and contemporary design. By 1993, the mall had already started expanding, reflecting its growing importance in the region’s retail landscape.
This expansion set the stage for future developments and changes that would further solidify its position as a key commercial hub in Columbia. The mall also became a part of the “things to do in Columbia, SC” list for both locals and visitors.
Early Years and Expansion
In 1993, Dillard’s joined as the third anchor store, beginning a new wing that extended diagonally north. This expansion allowed the mall to accommodate more retail stores, increasing its appeal to shoppers in the Columbia Metropolitan Area.
In 1995, J.B. White became the fourth anchor, filling one of the mall’s original empty anchor pads. The addition of J.B. White brought in a fresh wave of shoppers and helped diversify the mall’s offerings.
The new store featured an award-winning design, contrasting with the more traditional stores in the mall. The mall’s design continued to evolve, incorporating elements like high windows and overhead skylights, which enhanced the shopping experience.
The Spanish-themed architecture, with its repeating arches and stucco finish, gave the mall a distinct look that stood out from other shopping centers in the region.
The early expansions and new anchor stores solidified Columbiana Centre‘s position as a leading retail destination in the area.
Changing Anchors
The late 1990s brought several changes to Columbiana Centre’s anchor stores. In 1998, Dillard’s acquired J.B. White, creating a unique situation since Dillard’s already had a presence in the mall.
To resolve this, Belk moved into the former J.B. White space, and Parisian took over Belk’s original location.
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This shuffle of stores maintained the mall’s anchor strength and introduced new retail options for shoppers.
In 2005, Parisian exited the Columbia market. JCPenney then moved into the vacated space, continuing the trend of strong anchor stores at Columbiana Centre.
This change brought JCPenney into a prime location within the mall, further enhancing its retail mix.
Sears, one of the original anchors, closed in 2014. This closure left a large vacant space, but the mall quickly adapted.
In 2015, Belk expanded into the former Sears location, opening a Men’s Store. This expansion added 50,000 square feet to Belk’s footprint and made it one of Belk’s flagship stores.
These anchor changes reflected the dynamic nature of retail and the mall’s ability to adapt and grow.
Each new store brought different products and services, keeping the mall relevant and attractive to a broad range of shoppers.
The strategic replacements and expansions helped maintain Columbiana Centre’s status as a premier shopping destination in Columbia, SC.
Late 2010s
In 2017, Dave & Buster’s opened a location on the mall’s front exterior. This addition provided a new entertainment option, attracting more visitors and diversifying the mall’s offerings.
The space Dave & Buster’s occupied was part of the area previously held by Sears, showing how the mall repurposed large vacant spaces effectively.
In March 2018, Forever 21 added a new dimension to the mall with the opening of Riley Rose, a cosmetics store.
This store brought in a younger demographic and added variety to the mall’s retail mix. Riley Rose focused on beauty products and accessories, complementing the existing fashion retailers.
These developments show how Columbiana Centre continues to evolve. By adding diverse stores and entertainment options, the mall maintains its appeal.
Mall Design and Features
Columbiana Centre’s design sets it apart from other malls in the area. The mall is a single-level structure, which is unusual for a leading shopping center in a major city.
Despite this, it remains popular and successful, outshining multi-level malls like Columbia Place Mall and Richland Mall.
Different flooring types in various sections of the mall add to the aesthetic appeal. The darker flooring in some areas looks elegant and contrasts nicely with the lighter sections.
These design choices enhance the shopping experience, making the mall more inviting and enjoyable.
Columbiana Centre’s thoughtful design and features contribute to its continued success. The mall combines aesthetic appeal with practical elements, creating a pleasant environment for shoppers. This attention to detail helps the mall stand out in a competitive retail market.
Incidents and Legal Issues
Columbiana Centre has faced its share of challenges. On April 16, 2022, a mass shooting occurred at the mall.
This tragic incident left 15 people injured, with nine suffering from gunshot wounds. Police arrested three suspects who faced charges ranging from attempted murder to unlawful firearm.
Following the shooting, two sisters who were victims filed a lawsuit against the mall. They claimed the mall failed to provide adequate safety measures and sought $20 million in damages. This lawsuit highlighted concerns about security and safety at the mall.
Despite this incident, the mall continued to operate and serve its community. Management took steps to address security concerns, aiming to prevent such events in the future.
The mall’s response to the incident and the ongoing legal case are part of its history and its efforts to ensure a safe shopping environment.
By addressing security issues and continuing to adapt, the mall strives to maintain its reputation as a safe and welcoming place for shoppers.
Latest Developments at Columbiana Centre (2023-2024)
In early 2023, the South Carolina Heart Gallery announced its most ambitious project to date. They opened a new exhibit at Columbiana Centre, located at 100 Columbiana Circle.
This exhibit aims to increase awareness about children in need of adoption and foster care. The Heart Gallery’s presence in the mall brings an important social cause to a high-traffic area, leveraging the mall’s footfall to reach more people.
In mid-2023, The Gap closed its Columbiana Centre location. This closure leaves the brand with no stores in the Midlands, affecting local shoppers who frequented the store.
The Gap’s departure is part of a broader trend of retail shifts and challenges within shopping malls nationwide. The mall management is likely to explore new tenants to fill the vacant space and maintain its appeal.