The Inception and Early Development (1970-1971)
In 1970, Arlen Shopping Centers began construction on what would become The Mall at Johnson City in Johnson City, Tennessee. The mall was built on a plot strategically located to attract shoppers from across the Tri-Cities area, including Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol.
The mall officially opened on March 17, 1971, under the name “Miracle Mall Shopping Center.” It was the second enclosed shopping mall in the Tri-Cities region. The mall initially housed a mix of national and local retailers, with two major anchor stores: Sears, Roebuck and Company, and Britt’s Department Stores.
Additionally, a Kroger grocery store with an outside entrance, a SupeRx Drugs pharmacy, a McCrory five-and-dime store, and a movie theater were part of the mall’s original lineup.
Arlen Shopping Centers designed the mall as a one-story structure with plans for future expansion. The retail space catered to the needs of the growing Johnson City community and the surrounding areas, providing a central location for shopping and entertainment.
By hosting well-known national retailers alongside local businesses, the mall quickly became a destination for things to do in Johnson City, TN.
The Expansion Era of the 1980s
In the 1980s, The Mall at Johnson City underwent a major expansion. The region was growing, and the mall needed to keep up with the increased demand. Arlen Shopping Centers added a new upper level to the Sears end of the mall.
This addition nearly doubled the mall’s size, introducing more retail space and attracting new tenants. JCPenney, which had been operating in downtown Johnson City, moved into this new space, bringing with it a loyal customer base.
Miller’s Department Store also joined the lineup during this expansion, adding another major anchor to the mall. Meanwhile, Kroger, one of the original tenants, relocated to a standalone store across the street.
This move allowed Piccadilly Cafeteria to take over part of the old Kroger space, adding a dining option for mall visitors.
The expansion included escalators and an elevator, which connected the newly constructed upper level to the existing lower level. This change made it easier for shoppers to navigate between the different parts of the mall.
Throughout the 1980s, The Mall at Johnson City continued to attract shoppers with its growing variety of stores and services. The new additions and renovations kept the mall fresh and competitive, drawing more visitors from across the region.
The 1990s: Renovations and Transformations
In the 1990s, The Mall at Johnson City saw even more changes. Hess’s replaced Miller’s Department Store after a buyout, but when Hess’s went bankrupt, the store closed.
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In response, the mall underwent a major renovation. This renovation included adding a food court on the lower level, which helped modernize the mall and make it more appealing to shoppers.
During this time, Proffitt’s opened in a newly built space behind the mall, occupying the former theater’s location. Proffitt’s quickly became a popular anchor, and the now-empty Hess’s store was temporarily converted into Proffitt’s Home store.
Parks-Belk, another major tenant, was acquired by Proffitt’s in the late 1990s. The store underwent renovations to include departments for men’s, kids’, and home improvement items. This acquisition led to the closure of Proffitt’s Home store, which then made room for Goody’s Family Clothing.
In 1996, Glimcher Realty purchased The Mall at Johnson City for $44 million. This change in ownership brought new management and a fresh perspective on the mall’s future.
The new owner oversaw several improvements and worked to attract more retailers to the mall, ensuring that it remained a key shopping destination in the area.
The 2000s: Modernization and New Additions
The 2000s brought more changes to The Mall at Johnson City. Proffitt’s, which had been a major anchor, was acquired by Belk in 2006, leading to a reshuffling of the mall’s anchors.
Belk, a well-known retailer in the Tri-Cities for years, now operates out of two mall locations. One store focuses on women’s apparel, while the other offers men’s, kids’, and home goods.
Around the same time, several new stores moved into the mall. Dick’s Sporting Goods took over the space previously occupied by Kroger and Piccadilly Cafeteria. The addition of Dick’s helped the mall attract a different segment of shoppers, particularly those interested in sports and outdoor activities.
JCPenney also expanded its space during this period. The store nearly doubled in size, with renovations completed by late 2008.
Goody’s Family Clothing, which had been a staple in the mall for years, closed in January 2008. This closure opened up a large space that was later used to create a new corridor and wing, including a Forever 21 flagship store, which opened in 2009.
This decade of change and expansion helped keep the mall relevant as shopping habits evolved.
The 2010s: Retail Challenges and Adaptation
The 2010s proved to be a challenging decade for The Mall at Johnson City, as it faced the realities of a changing retail landscape. Sears, one of the mall’s original anchors, announced in 2019 that it would close in early 2020. This closure marked the end of an era, as Sears had been a key part of the mall since its opening in 1971.
To fill the void left by Sears, the mall announced that HomeGoods would take over the former Sears space. HomeGoods opened in the fall of 2021, bringing a fresh retail option to the mall and catering to shoppers interested in home decor and furnishings.
Throughout the decade, the mall saw a mix of store openings and closings, reflecting broader trends in the retail industry. Brands like Victoria’s Secret and Pink took over new spaces, while others like Kirkland’s and Ruby Tuesday closed their doors.
Despite these challenges, The Mall at Johnson City continued to adapt. It remained a central shopping destination in the Tri-Cities area, offering a mix of traditional retailers and newer brands.
The mall’s ability to attract new tenants, even as older ones left, demonstrated its resilience in an increasingly digital shopping environment.
Recent Developments at The Mall at Johnson City (2023-2024)
In 2023 and 2024, The Mall at Johnson City continued to evolve with new additions and business developments, keeping the mall vibrant and attractive to shoppers in the region.
In 2024, the pop culture store FYE (For Your Entertainment) announced its arrival at The Mall at Johnson City. This store, known for its wide range of entertainment products, including music, movies, and collectibles, became the fifth new retailer to open in the mall since the beginning of the year.
FYE’s opening reflects the mall’s ongoing efforts to attract stores that cater to a variety of interests, ensuring that it remains a destination for different demographics.
Another notable addition in 2024 was J.Crew Factory, which is set to occupy a 5,050-square-foot space within the mall. The J.Crew Factory store will offer a variety of clothing and accessories, catering to those looking for classic American fashion at outlet prices.
The arrival of J.Crew Factory adds a well-known brand to the mall’s lineup, likely drawing in both loyal customers of the brand and new shoppers.
Pandora, a popular jewelry brand, will soon open a new 1,790-square-foot space on the upper level of The Mall at Johnson City, located between Ulta and GNC.
Known for its customizable charm bracelets, designer rings, necklaces, and watches, Pandora’s arrival is set to enhance the mall’s appeal to shoppers seeking premium jewelry and accessories.
These developments underscore the mall’s strategy to diversify its retail mix, adapting to changing consumer preferences while maintaining its position as a central shopping destination in Johnson City.
The introduction of new stores like FYE, J.Crew Factory, and Pandora demonstrates the mall’s commitment to staying current and meeting the demands of a broad customer base.