Haywood Mall: A Look Back at the Largest Mall in South Carolina
Greenville, South Carolina – Haywood Mall, located at the intersection of Haywood Road and I-385/Golden Strip Freeway, has been a shopping staple since its opening in 1980.
The super-regional mall boasts an impressive 1,237,411 square feet (114,959.2 m2) of retail space and is the largest mall in the state. With four anchor stores, including Belk, Dillard’s, JCPenney, and Macy’s, it is a shopping destination for many in the region.
The Beginning of Haywood Mall
Haywood Mall Associates, a joint venture of Cousins Properties and Monumental Properties, announced plans for Haywood Mall in 1978.
The mall was set to include four anchor stores, with JCPenney, Sears, and Rich’s (Macy’s) being the first confirmed stores.
The fourth anchor store would be Belk-Simpson, which relocated from a pre-existing store in downtown Greenville.
Meyers-Arnold also announced their plans to build a 20,000-square-foot store near Sears. The mall’s targeted opening date was March 1980.
Haywood Mall Grand Opening
Haywood Mall officially opened its doors to the public on July 30, 1980, featuring four anchor stores – Belk-Simpson, Rich’s, Sears, and JCPenney – and a junior anchor in the form of Meyers-Arnold. The mall was an instant success, drawing in shoppers from all over the region.
Changes and Additions
In June 1987, Meyers-Arnold was bought and converted to Uptons. Unfortunately, Uptons’ presence in Haywood Mall would be brief, as the store closed its doors on April 2, 1988.
The vacant space was reworked into a food court, which opened in June 1989.
In 1995, Dillard’s relocated their McAlister Square Mall location to Haywood Mall, resulting in the construction of a new wing leading to the new three-level store.
Departure of Sears
On February 6, 2020, Sears announced that it would be closing its store in Haywood Mall. The store closed in April 2020, leaving behind a vacant anchor space. Despite this, the mall continues to thrive and draw in shoppers from all over the region.
Haywood Mall Today
As of 2023, Haywood Mall remains a popular shopping destination in Greenville, South Carolina. The mall has undergone several renovations and updates to meet changing trends and consumer demands.
The mall has recently added new stores and restaurants, including Lucky Brand, Corn Dog by Mr. Cow, and Cotton On.
Haywood Mall also offers a variety of amenities and services for shoppers, including a play area for children, a nursing station, and a customer service center.
The mall’s management team frequently hosts events and activities throughout the year, such as holiday celebrations, fashion shows, and live performances.
The Impact of Haywood Mall
Since its opening in 1980, Haywood Mall has significantly impacted the local economy in Greenville, South Carolina.
In addition, the mall has attracted residents and visitors from surrounding areas, contributing to the growth of the retail industry in the region.
Haywood Mall has also provided job opportunities for many individuals over the years. The mall employs thousands of people in 172 stores, including retail associates, restaurant staff, and management personnel.
Furthermore, Haywood Mall has been involved in numerous charitable and community initiatives. The mall has partnered with local organizations and non-profits to support various causes, including education, health, and social services.
In conclusion, Haywood Mall has a rich history and a significant presence in Greenville, South Carolina. With its diverse selection of stores, restaurants, and amenities, the mall continues to be a popular destination for shoppers and a vital contributor to the local economy.
