A Shopping Haven in Sandy, Utah
Regional shopping mall in Sandy, Utah, The Shops at South Town, formerly South Towne Center, is a shopper’s paradise.
Located just east of Interstate 15 on State Street, the property boasts 1,300,000 square feet of retail space and houses over 100 stores and restaurants.
Evolution of Anchor Tenants
The mall opened its doors in 1986 with ZCMI as its single anchor, which later transformed into Meier & Frank and Macy’s. In 1992, JCPenney joined the mall, followed by Mervyns (later Forever 21) in 1994.
A Montgomery Ward Specialty Store was initially planned to open in 1995, the deal fell through, and Dillard’s took place in 1997. The mall featured four anchor spaces, with a fifth plot that was never built.
A Hub of Entertainment
Entertainment is a significant aspect of the mall’s appeal. A Cineplex Odeon cinema, the largest in the state then, opened in 1990, offering 2,350 seats across ten screens.
The cinema closed in 2001, and the building was later repurposed for an REI sports store and Momentum Indoor Climbing.
The mall also introduced Round1 Bowling and Amusement, providing a family-friendly atmosphere and extensive shopping options.
Renovations and Revitalization
From 2015 to 2017, the mall underwent the first interior and exterior remodel phase, officially unveiled on February 14, 2017.
The redevelopment was part of Sandy’s city center development project, The Cairns, which spanned over 1,100 acres. The mall’s management changed hands in 2013 when former management company Macerich sold the property to Pacific Retail.
In 2017, it was announced that a Round One Entertainment location would open in August 2018 as part of the mall’s ongoing renovation.
Other renovations in the second phase of the redevelopment included remodeling the former Dillard’s space; extending the concourse to include Round 1 Entertainment, HomeGoods, and other shops; remodeling an atrium and adding skylights; and providing additional lounge seating, digital kiosks, exterior glazing, and a new play area for children.
Changes in Anchor Tenants and Marketplace
Unfortunately, the mall faced challenges when Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy, leading to the closure of its South Town location in January 2020. Macy’s also closed in mid-2021 as part of a plan to close 46 stores nationwide, leaving JCPenney as the only traditional anchor store.
The Marketplace, an outdoor retail property adjacent to The Shops at South Town, opened in 1996 and spspanned12,000 square feet.
Anchored by a Super Target store, it also featured significant retailers like Barnes & Noble, Old Navy, and Buy Buy Baby. The Marketplace was built about a decade after the mall’s initial opening.
A Gathering Place for the Community
The Shops at South Town is more than just a shopping destination; it serves as a gathering place for the local community.
With the mall’s Dining Terrace, shoppers can take a break and grab a bite from national and regional retailers.
The diverse dining options cater to all tastes and preferences, allowing families and friends to come together and enjoy their time at the mall.
Fashion Forward and Family-Friendly
The mall features popular brands such as H&M, HomeGoods, and JCPenney and a range of local boutiques.
The Shops at South Town cater to shoppers seeking the latest trends in fashion, offering everything from children’s clothing to athletic apparel and beauty products.
The mall’s family-friendly amenities, such as interactive media experiences and the Round1 Bowling and Amusement center, ensured that everyone could find something to enjoy.
Embracing Technology and Modern Design
The renovation of The Shops at South Town demonstrated the mall’s commitment to innovation and modern design. By incorporating digital kiosks, exterior glazing, and a refreshed atrium with added skylights, the mall showcased its ability to adapt and evolve with the times.
The new play area for children was a testament to the mall’s dedication to creating a welcoming and engaging environment for all visitors.
Impact on the Local Economy
The Shops at South Town play a vital role in Sandy’s local economy, providing employment opportunities and supporting small businesses.
As a significant retail center, the mall attracts shoppers from the immediate vicinity and surrounding areas, boosting local commerce and spurring growth.
