Early Beginnings
Irving Mall opened on August 4, 1971. Melvin Simon and Associates developed the mall at the intersection of Texas State Highway 183 and Belt Line Road in Irving, Texas. The mall’s initial anchor stores were Titche-Goettinger, JCPenney, and Sears.
Melvin Simon and Associates aimed to create a premier shopping destination. The mall featured a variety of retail spaces designed to attract shoppers from across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
Irving Mall quickly became a popular shopping destination with its strategic location and diverse store offerings.
By the early 1970s, Irving Mall had established itself as a key player in the local retail market. Major anchors like JCPenney and Sears drew crowds, while smaller specialty stores offered unique products and services.
The mall’s development marked an important milestone in Irving’s commercial landscape, laying the foundation for future growth and expansion.
Expansion and Renovation
In 1984, Irving Mall underwent a major expansion. The developers added a new west wing, which brought in two new anchors: Mervyn’s and Dillard’s. This expansion aimed to enhance the mall’s appeal and attract more visitors.
The same year, the mall introduced a new food court, providing various dining options for shoppers. The food court quickly became popular, offering a convenient place to eat while shopping.
General Cinema, which had been part of the mall since its opening, expanded to seven screens in 1984. This upgrade improved the movie-going experience and attracted more movie enthusiasts to the mall.
In 1999, General Cinema moved to a different location within the mall, previously occupied by Wilson’s Catalog Showroom.
This move opened space for Barnes & Noble the same year. Barnes & Noble added a new dimension to the mall, offering a place for book lovers to gather and shop.
Changes in Anchors and Tenants
Barnes & Noble, however, closed its doors in 2012. Shoppers World took over the space, continuing to offer various products to mall visitors.
This change reflected the evolving retail landscape and the need for the mall to adapt to new consumer preferences.
AMC took over the former General Cinema in 2002 and renovated it in 2013. This upgrade improved the movie-going experience and drew more people to the mall. The theater’s modern amenities made it a popular destination for film enthusiasts.
Current anchors at Irving Mall include Macy’s, Dillard’s Clearance Center, Burlington Coat Factory, and Las Lomas Irving Banquet Halls Event Center.
Each store brings unique offerings, keeping the mall a bustling hub of activity. The constant evolution of stores and anchors shows how Irving Mall adapts to changing trends and customer needs.
Irving Mall Recent Developments
Washington Prime Group took over the management of Irving Mall in 2014. This change in ownership marked a new chapter for the mall. The company aimed to maintain and enhance the mall’s appeal amid a shifting retail landscape.
On June 13, 2021, Washington Prime Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, driven by financial strains exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The bankruptcy filing didn’t halt the mall’s operations. Irving Mall continues to serve the community with its diverse offerings. As of 2024, the mall features five main anchor stores.
Macy’s occupies the former Foley’s location and offers a range of clothing, home goods, and accessories.
Dillard’s Clearance Center, which moved from Plymouth Park Shopping Center in 1984, offers discounted fashion and home items.
Burlington Coat Factory opened in the former JCPenney space in 2006 and remains a popular destination for shoppers seeking affordable clothing and home products.
Las Lomas Irving Banquet Halls Event Center, which took over the first floor of the old Mervyn’s space in 2014, caters to events and large gatherings, adding a unique dimension to the mall’s offerings.
Shoppers World took over the former Barnes & Noble space in 2012, bringing an extensive selection of discounted products to the mall.
This store became a go-to destination for bargain hunters, offering everything from clothing and home goods to electronics and seasonal items.
Shoppers World was vital in maintaining foot traffic in that part of the mall, appealing to a wide range of customers with its affordable pricing and diverse inventory.
Over the years, Irving Mall has adapted to changing consumer preferences. The introduction of new stores and services reflects this adaptability.
Despite financial challenges, Irving Mall remains a vibrant part of the Irving community. The ongoing presence of major retailers and the introduction of new attractions demonstrate the mall’s resilience and its ability to evolve with the times.
Store Closures and Economic Shifts
JCPenney closed its doors at Irving Mall in 2001. This closure was part of a broader effort to shut down 44 underperforming stores nationwide. JCPenney’s departure marked a tough period for the mall, as it lost one of its original anchors.
Sears, another founding anchor, closed in early January 2019. This closure came after Sears Holdings announced a plan to close 142 stores nationwide.
The vacant Sears space remains a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by traditional retail giants.
La Vida Fashions in Irving Mall offered various stylish clothing options, attracting shoppers looking for trendy apparel.
The store provided a range of fashion choices, from casual wear to more formal attire, catering to different tastes and occasions. However, La Vida closed its doors in 2022, leaving a vacant spot in the mall that once buzzed with activity.
These closures and changes highlight the economic shifts and evolving retail landscape that have shaped Irving Mall over the decades.
Incidents and Safety
Irving Mall has seen its share of incidents over the years. In 1990, Eddie Edwards chased his girlfriend in the parking lot and shot her with a .38 caliber revolver.
Another man, Tom Broom, intervened and shot Edwards with a .44 caliber Magnum, killing him. This incident shook the community and highlighted safety concerns.
In 1993, a gang conflict at the mall led to a shooting that killed an innocent bystander, Kevin Reuss Bacon. This tragic event underscored the need for enhanced security measures to protect shoppers and staff.
On September 4, 2022, an argument between two individuals escalated into gunfire inside the mall.
Thankfully, no one was injured, but the incident raised alarm among patrons and reinforced the importance of maintaining a secure environment in public spaces like Irving Mall.
In August 2023, Irving Mall made headlines when three suspects attempted a jewelry heist. The incident occurred at one of the mall’s jewelry stores, where the suspects used a hammer to break into glass display cases.
However, the store employees’ quick action thwarted the robbery. The suspects fled the scene before they could take any valuables.