A Mall on the Move—How Patrick Henry Mall Became a Retail Landmark
In 1987, Patrick Henry Mall opened its doors in Newport News, Virginia. Before it was a shopping destination, the land belonged to the Yoder family, who ran a dairy farm.
For decades, cows grazed where storefronts now stand. The mall took its name from the nearby Patrick Henry International Airport, a decision that tied it to the region’s growing economy.
At the time, the Peninsula had two enclosed malls—Newmarket North and Coliseum Mall—but Patrick Henry Mall introduced something new.
It was the first in the region to have a food court, which encouraged shoppers to stay longer.
The layout positioned three anchor stores—Hess’s, Leggett, and Bradlees—around a central concourse lined with smaller retailers.
The late 1980s were a competitive time for retail, and Patrick Henry’s developers, Crown American, wanted a mix of high-traffic stores.
Hess’s brought in fashion shoppers, Leggett catered to department store customers, and Bradlees attracted bargain hunters.
But change came quickly. In 1988, Bradlees rebranded to Uptons. By the mid-1990s, Hess’s struggled. Proffitt’s took over in 1995, only to sell to Dillard’s three years later.
That same year, Leggett was also absorbed into Dillard’s, marking a shift in the mall’s retail lineup.
With each new tenant, Patrick Henry adjusted to keep foot traffic steady. It wasn’t just about stores; it was about making the mall a destination.
As the 2000s approached, malls had to evolve, and more expansions were on the way.
Expanding and Replacing—How Patrick Henry Mall Kept Retail Moving
By the late 1990s, Patrick Henry Mall had outgrown its original footprint. The retail industry was shifting, and so were consumer expectations.
To stay competitive, the mall needed more space, new stores, and a fresh look.
In 1998, a major expansion brought in Hecht’s, a department store known for its mid-range fashion and home goods.
The move marked a turning point. Hecht’s arrival signaled that Patrick Henry wasn’t just a regional mall anymore—it was becoming a dominant retail force on the Peninsula.
Anchor stores changed hands frequently. Uptons, which had taken over Bradlees’ space in 1988, shut down in 1999. JCPenney stepped in the following year, solidifying its presence in Hampton Roads.
Dillard’s also restructured its operations, consolidating into the former Leggett building in 2004.
The shift left the old Hess’s/Proffitt’s space vacant, but the mall had plans for it.
In 2005, demolition crews arrived. The site of the old department store made way for a multimillion-dollar expansion that introduced new retailers and entertainment options.
Dick’s Sporting Goods became the new anchor, alongside Borders Books & Music, Red Robin, and a relocated Victoria’s Secret.
National chains like Bath & Body Works and Express moved into updated spaces, reflecting the push toward lifestyle-focused retail.
Not every addition lasted. Borders, a key part of the 2005 expansion, shut down in 2011 as the bookseller collapsed nationwide.
Forever 21 took its place the following year. Some closures were signs of the times; others, like Old Navy’s 2017 departure for Jefferson Commons, reflected growing competition.
Each shift in tenancy reshaped the mall’s landscape, proving that in retail, adaptation wasn’t optional—it was survival.
The Stores People Came For—What Kept Shoppers Walking Through the Doors
Patrick Henry Mall was never the biggest shopping center in Virginia, but it knew how to draw a crowd.
People came for the anchors—Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s, and Dick’s Sporting Goods—but they stayed for the mix of national brands and smaller specialty shops.
The early 2000s brought steady foot traffic. Retailers like American Eagle Outfitters, Hollister, and Abercrombie & Fitch made Patrick Henry a go-to destination for teens.
Parents and professionals browsed Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Banana Republic, while jewelry stores like Kay, Zales, and Helzberg Diamonds saw a steady flow of shoppers during the holiday rush.
The food court played a major role in keeping customers inside. But as shopping habits changed, so did dining preferences.
More restaurants opened with standalone locations outside the mall, giving shoppers options without requiring them to step inside.
Some stores left quietly. Brands like Charlotte Russe and Payless ShoeSource disappeared as their parent companies filed for bankruptcy.
Others, like Forever 21, weathered financial struggles and stayed. Even as anchor stores held steady, smaller retailers faced constant turnover.
Patrick Henry Mall adapted by keeping its directory fresh, but in an era of online shopping, filling vacancies became harder.
What worked in the past wasn’t guaranteed to work tomorrow.
But for decades, one thing remained true: people still came, whether for a new outfit, a meal, or just to walk the halls of a place that had become a familiar part of Newport News.
Reinventing the Experience—Beyond Shopping at Patrick Henry Mall
Malls were no longer just about buying things. By the 2010s, Patrick Henry Mall had shifted its focus to experience-driven retail.
Shoppers still browsed the shelves at Macy’s and Dillard’s, but foot traffic relied just as much on entertainment and dining.
The biggest shift came in 2017. Tilt Studio moved into the former AMC 7 theater space, bringing arcade games, a laser tag arena, mini bowling, and a full-service restaurant.
It was a direct response to changing consumer habits—people weren’t just coming to the mall to shop. They wanted a place to spend time.
Dining options expanded, too. Red Robin and The Twisted Crab became staples, drawing customers who might not have otherwise stepped inside.
The food court remained popular with Sbarro, Chick-fil-A, and Auntie Anne’s, but stand-alone restaurants outside the mall grew more popular.
National chains like Outback Steakhouse and local spots like Schooner’s Grill gave shoppers reasons to linger in the area.
Retailers adjusted to the new landscape. American Eagle introduced an Aerie location. Apple and Pandora stayed competitive by offering products customers preferred to buy in person.
And while fast fashion struggled, brands like H&M held onto their customer base.
The shift wasn’t unique to Patrick Henry Mall. Across the country, malls had to become destinations rather than just shopping centers.
Some succeeded. Others shuttered. Patrick Henry was still standing.
What’s New at Patrick Henry Mall—Keeping Up with the Times
As of 2025, Patrick Henry Mall is still drawing shoppers, adding new brands, and keeping things fresh.
A mall has to be more than a place to buy things. Patrick Henry keeps the calendar busy with events that bring people through the doors.
In March, St. Patrick’s Day promotions spotlighted seasonal deals at Claire’s, Lovisa, and Bath & Body Works.
These aren’t headline-making changes, but they add up. The goal is to give people a reason to come in, even if they’re not planning to spend much.
Mall hours haven’t changed—doors open at 11 am most days and noon on Sundays. That consistency matters.
Some malls have had to cut back due to lower traffic, but Patrick Henry hasn’t. It’s still holding steady, still finding ways to make itself useful.