Introduction to Fashion Place Mall
Fashion Place, located in Murray, Utah, has been a cornerstone of retail activity since its opening in 1972. Nestled along South State Street, this upscale shopping mall is known for its blend of high-end retailers and local charm. Over the years, it has become a favorite spot for shoppers looking for a diverse mix of stores and services.
The mall initially opened its doors with anchor tenants Sears and Auerbach’s, which later transformed into Nordstrom. These well-known brands laid the foundation for Fashion Place’s reputation as a go-to retail destination.
Fashion Place’s convenient location in Murray makes it a popular choice for “things to do in Salt Lake City, Utah.” Shoppers enjoy its accessibility, with major roads and public transit making it easy to reach.
The mall’s blend of anchor stores, specialty shops, and dining options ensures there is something for everyone, from casual visitors to dedicated retail enthusiasts.
Early Development and Anchor Stores
When Fashion Place opened its doors in 1972, it brought with it a new era of shopping convenience and variety to Murray, Utah. Anchored by Auerbach’s and Sears, the mall immediately became a retail hub.
Auerbach’s, a regional department store known for its upscale offerings, later transitioned into a Nordstrom location, marking a new chapter in the mall’s history. Sears, another founding anchor, remained a staple for many years before its eventual closure in the 2010s.
Castleton’s was another key player in the mall’s early lineup. Over the years, Castleton’s became ZCMI, a beloved Utah-based retailer.
ZCMI later transitioned into Meier & Frank, which eventually gave way to the Macy’s store shoppers, who are recognized today. This chain of transformations reflects the mall’s adaptability in a competitive retail market.
The Broadway was also among the original tenants. It later became Weinstock’s before finally transforming into Utah’s first Dillard’s in 1993.
The arrival of Dillard’s added another layer of prestige to the mall, reinforcing its reputation as an upscale shopping destination. These early tenants created a solid foundation, ensuring the mall’s place in the region’s retail economy.
Expansions and Renovations
Since its opening, Fashion Place has undergone several major changes, each designed to keep it fresh and appealing to modern shoppers. One of the most transformative expansions began in 2007.
This project introduced an outdoor lifestyle center, which added open-air retail spaces and new dining options. During this expansion, Nordstrom also relocated to a larger, more modern store, enhancing its appeal to customers.
In 2011, the mall underwent another update, adding stores like Crate & Barrel and H&M—both firsts for Utah.
These additions drew in shoppers who might not have previously considered Fashion Place their go-to mall. The move was a smart one, as it brought in retailers that catered to diverse tastes and budgets.
By 2013, changes were still in motion. Sears announced its closure, and by 2015, its former building was replaced with a new Dillard’s location.
Meanwhile, Macy’s made headlines in 2014 when it shuttered one of its smallest stores, located at Fashion Place. By the end of the year, the space had been repurposed to house Utah’s first Container Store.
However, Macy’s wasn’t gone for long—it returned to the mall in 2017, setting up shop in the old Dillard’s space. These renovations and reconfigurations have kept the mall relevant, constantly adapting to changing retail trends.
Notable Events and Cultural Impact
Fashion Place hasn’t just been about shopping—it’s also been involved in some unusual and memorable events.
On November 8, 1974, the mall became the site of a frightening encounter with serial killer Ted Bundy. Bundy attempted to kidnap Carol Da Ronch from the mall, but she escaped, leading to his first conviction.
In 1987, Fashion Place became a part of pop culture. The mall served as a backdrop for Tiffany’s music video for her cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now.”
The song reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, and the video introduced Fashion Place to a national audience. That brief moment in the spotlight gave the mall a unique place in music history.
More recently, on January 13, 2019, Fashion Place made headlines for a very different reason. A gang-related shooting erupted inside the mall, leaving two people injured—one critically.
Police evacuated the entire property and conducted a thorough investigation, leading to charges against five men. By the following day, the mall reopened, resuming business while the community processed the incident.
In January 2024, another shooting occurred in the mall’s parking lot, resulting from a confrontation between two groups.
The altercation led to gunfire, causing minor injuries to one individual who was treated at a local hospital. Multiple vehicles and a storefront sustained damage from the stray bullets.
Notable Stores and Dining Options at Fashion Place Mall
Fashion Place Mall in Murray, Utah, offers a diverse selection of retailers and dining establishments catering to a wide range of preferences. Below is an overview of some notable stores and eateries available at the mall in November 2024:
Anchor Stores:
- Nordstrom: A leading fashion retailer known for its extensive selection of clothing, accessories, and beauty products.
- Macy’s: Offers a variety of merchandise, including apparel, home goods, and cosmetics.
- Dillard’s: Provides a range of products from clothing to home furnishings.
Specialty Retailers:
- Apple Store: This store offers the latest in Apple technology, including iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks, as well as technical support services.
- Sephora: A beauty retailer featuring a wide array of cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance products.
- Lululemon: Specializes in athletic apparel and accessories for yoga, running, and other fitness activities.
- Zara: A global fashion brand offering the latest trends in clothing and accessories for men, women, and children.
Dining Options:
- The Cheesecake Factory: Known for its extensive menu and variety of cheesecakes, offering a full-service dining experience.
- P.F. Chang’s: Provides a menu of Asian-inspired dishes in a stylish setting.
- Brio Italian Grille: Offers Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and classic recipes.
- Red Rock Place: A local brewery and restaurant serving a variety of craft beers and American fare.
These establishments contribute to Fashion Place Mall’s reputation as a premier shopping and dining destination in the region.