The Birth and Evolution of Tysons Corner Center
When Tysons Corner Center opened its doors on February 4, 1968, it was a game-changer for the retail landscape of the Washington metropolitan area. Developed by Lerner Enterprises, the mall initially offered 1.2 million square feet of retail space on a single level. Fast forward to today, and the mall has undergone several expansions, now boasting over 2.4 million square feet of retail space.
The mall’s ownership transitioned to Macerich in 2005, a move that further solidified its status as a retail powerhouse. Macerich has been instrumental in maintaining the mall’s allure, ensuring it remains a go-to shopping destination for locals and tourists alike.
Over the years, Tysons Corner Center has undergone several renovations to keep up with the times. The most recent renovation in 2014 saw the addition of a 22-story office building and a 28-story residential tower, making it more than just a shopping center.
Today, the mall is a bustling hub of activity, attracting over 22 million visitors annually. With its diverse range of stores and services, it’s no wonder that Tysons Corner Center has stood the test of time, evolving from a single-level mall to a multi-faceted commercial complex.
The Anchor Stores of Tysons Corner Center
Bloomingdale’s at Tysons Corner Center
Bloomingdale’s is a luxury department store that offers a wide range of high-end products, from designer clothing and accessories to home goods and cosmetics.
At Tysons Corner Center, Bloomingdale’s is a destination for shoppers seeking premium brands and exceptional customer service. The store often hosts exclusive events and offers personalized shopping experiences, making it a standout choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Nordstrom: A Shopper’s Paradise
Nordstrom is another luxury department store that anchors Tysons Corner Center. Known for its exceptional customer service, Nordstrom offers a variety of high-quality products, including designer apparel, beauty products, and home furnishings. The store also features a range of services, such as personal stylists and a comprehensive shoe department, making it a one-stop shop for fashion-forward consumers.
Macy’s: Affordable Luxury
Macy’s is a department store that offers affordable and luxury items. Macy’s caters to a wide range of consumers, offering everything from apparel and fashion accessories to furnishings and home essentials. Renowned for its periodic sales events and special offers, the store attracts value-seeking customers unwilling to sacrifice quality.
AMC Theatres: Entertainment Hub
AMC Theatres serves as the entertainment anchor of Tysons Corner Center. With multiple screens featuring the latest movies, AMC offers a top-notch cinematic experience with comfortable seating and high-quality audio-visual systems. The theatre also provides various food and beverage options, making it a perfect night out or weekend activity spot.
Each anchor store brings its unique flavor and customer base to Tysons Corner Center, making the mall a diverse and vibrant shopping destination.
A Kaleidoscope of Retail: Famous Stores at Tysons Corner Center
Tysons Corner Center is not just a mall but a sprawling retail utopia catering to various tastes and preferences. Each category offers a selection of renowned stores that have made their mark in their respective industries.
High-End Fashion
Gucci and Louis Vuitton are the epitome of luxury and style. Located on Level 2, these stores are a haven for fashionistas. With its iconic double-G logo, Gucci offers a range of handbags, shoes, and ready-to-wear collections. Louis Vuitton, another luxury giant, is famous for its monogrammed luggage and leather goods. These stores are not just retail outlets; they are experiences that offer a taste of the high life.
Technology
Apple and Samsung are the titans of technology that reside in Tysons Corner Center. Apple’s minimalist store on Level 2 is a hub for the latest iPhones, MacBooks, and other gadgets. Samsung, also on Level 2, offers a range of smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices. Both stores are equipped with the latest products and provide in-store customer service that is second to none.
Sportswear
Adidas and Under Armour are the go-to stores for sportswear and athletic gear. Adidas, famous for its footwear and casual wear, is located on Level 2. Under Armour, situated on Level 1, offers performance gear and is a favorite among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Both stores offer various products catering to casual shoppers and serious athletes.
Literature
Barnes & Noble is the literary giant occupying ample space across Levels 1 and 2. With an extensive collection of books across multiple genres and a cozy café, it’s a sanctuary for book lovers. The store also hosts occasional book signings and readings, making it a cultural hub and a retail store.
Beauty
Sephora and L’Occitane represent the beauty category, offering a range of skincare, makeup, and fragrances. Sephora, located on Level 1, is a beauty enthusiast’s dream, offering many brands and products. L’Occitane, on Level 2, is known for its natural ingredients and provides a sensory shopping experience.
With over 280 stores and services, Tysons Corner Center offers a diverse retail landscape, making it a one-stop destination for all shopping needs. From high-end fashion and cutting-edge technology to athletic gear, books, and beauty products, the mall offers something for everyone.
A Culinary Journey: Dining Options at Tysons Corner Center
Tysons Corner Center is not just a shopping destination; it’s also a gastronomic paradise that caters to a wide range of culinary tastes. The dining options here can be broadly categorized into Fine Dining, Fast Food, International Cuisine, and Cafés and Desserts. Each category offers a selection of eateries that have carved a niche in the food industry.
Fine Dining
Capital Grille and Eddie V’s are the epitome of fine dining at Tysons Corner Center. Capital Grille, known for its steak and seafood, offers an elegant dining experience with an extensive wine list. Eddie V’s, another upscale dining option, specializes in fresh seafood and prime steaks, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or romantic dinners.
Fast Food
Five Guys and Chipotle Mexican Grill are the fast-food giants that have made their home in the mall. Five Guys is famous for its customizable burgers and fries, offering a quick yet satisfying meal. On the other hand, Chipotle offers a range of Mexican dishes like burritos and bowls, allowing for a fast but flavorful dining experience.
International Cuisine
Taste of India and Istanbul Kitchen represents the international cuisine category, offering a taste of different parts of the world. As the name suggests, Taste of India provides an array of Indian dishes, from butter chicken to paneer tikka. Istanbul Kitchen brings the flavors of Turkey to Tysons Corner Center, offering words like kebabs and baklava.
Cafés & Desserts
Starbucks and Haagen-Dazs are the go-to spots for coffee and desserts. Starbucks, located on multiple levels, offers a range of coffees, teas, and light snacks, making it a popular choice for a quick break. Haagen-Dazs, situated on Level 2, provides a variety of ice creams and desserts, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
In summary, Tysons Corner Center offers a diverse culinary landscape, making it a one-stop destination for all your dining needs. The mall has something to satisfy every palate, from upscale restaurants and fast-food joints to international eateries and cafés.
Tysons Corner Center and Public Transit
Accessibility is one of Tysons Corner Center’s strong suits. The mall is conveniently connected to the Washington Metro’s Silver Line, making it an easily reachable destination. The Silver Line station opened in 2014, providing a much-needed boost to the mall’s foot traffic.
In addition to the Metro, several bus lines, including Metrobus and Fairfax Connector, serve the mall. These public transit options have made the mall more accessible to people living in the broader Washington metropolitan area, further solidifying its status as a retail giant.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
The New Additions of 2023
Tysons Corner Center has been bustling with activity in 2023, welcoming several new stores to its retail lineup. Notable among them are:
- UpWest, a lifestyle brand known for its comfortable and sustainable clothing;
- Kendra Scott, a jewelry store that combines natural stones with creative design;
- Everlane is a fashion brand that emphasizes transparency and ethical manufacturing.
These additions signal the mall’s commitment to offering a diverse and contemporary shopping experience.
Apple’s Big Move
In a significant development, Apple relocated to a new, more expansive location within the mall on May 19, 2023. This move came on the 22nd anniversary of opening the first-ever Apple Store at Tysons Corner Center. The new location promises to offer Apple enthusiasts a more interactive and immersive experience.
The Klarna Experience
To merge online convenience with in-store experience, Tysons Corner Center has partnered with Klarna, a leading global payments and shopping service. Shoppers can now “Shop In-Store, Pay Later With Klarna,” offering a seamless and flexible payment experience. This feature was prominently advertised on the mall’s website.
Community Events and More
Apart from retail and dining, the mall also focuses on community engagement. Events like the Fall Festival, featuring Pumpkin Carving Demonstrations and live music, are part of this initiative. There’s also a “L-O-V-E Photo Op” where visitors can snap pictures with fall-themed LOVE letters, adding a touch of whimsy and community spirit to the shopping experience.
Future Expansion Plans
In a significant move toward long-term development, Tysons Corner Center received approval from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for its revised development plan in September 2023. The changes, spearheaded by property owner Macerich, aim to enhance the mall’s plaza, relocate planned office spaces closer to the Metro, and introduce more street-level activities.
The plan includes replacing the former Lord & Taylor building with a 26-story office building or a 34-story mixed-use building featuring retail spaces and pedestrian connections. The second development phase will add a 20-story office building and a 27-story residential building atop an existing parking garage, complete with a linear park and elevated plaza.
The development strategy also addresses pedestrian safety by relocating One Tysons Place to allow uninterrupted access to the new linear park. While no changes are proposed for phase 3, the fourth and fifth phases will see the addition of residential and retail buildings, contributing to a total development size exceeding 6 million square feet.
These ambitious plans reflect Tysons Corner Center’s commitment to evolving into a community hub rather than just a shopping destination, ensuring its relevance and vibrancy for years.
In summary, Tysons Corner Center is keeping pace with the changing retail landscape and setting trends. From new store openings to innovative payment solutions and future expansion plans, the mall is a dynamic entity that continues to evolve and adapt.
Conclusion
Tysons Corner Center has come a long way since its opening in 1968. From being one of the first fully enclosed malls in the Washington metropolitan area to becoming a multi-faceted commercial complex, it has continually evolved to meet the needs of its diverse customer base. With its rich history, extensive retail offerings, and significant economic impact, Tysons Corner Center is a retail and commercial powerhouse in the Baltimore-Washington area.