35 Facts About Vancouver Mall

A Glimpse into Vancouver Mall's History

Vancouver Mall, a cornerstone of retail in Vancouver, Washington, has a rich history that spans decades. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic shopping destination.

1. Location and Ownership
   Vancouver Mall is located in Vancouver, Washington, within the Portland metropolitan area. Cenntenial Real Estate owns the mall and has managed it since its inception.

2. History of Development
   Plans for Vancouver Mall were announced in December 1972 by California-based Newman Properties and St. Louis-based May Centers. The project was valued at $50 million and involved constructing a fully enclosed structure with two retail levels at the intersection of then-unfinished Interstate 205 and State Route 500.

3. Grand Opening
   The mall opened in August 1977 with Meier & Frank, Nordstrom, and Sears as its anchor stores. A 50-foot oak tree was planted on the southwest side of the property to commemorate the grand opening, and this tree still stands today.

4. Phase Two Expansion
   During the second phase of expansion, a JCPenney store was added. Initially, a Lipman's store was planned but was not built. Instead, Mervyns opened where Lipman's had been planned.

Layout and Renovations

The mall has seen numerous changes and upgrades over the years, keeping it modern and appealing to shoppers.

5. Mall Layout
   The mall features two retail levels and is anchored by several prominent stores, including Gold's Gym, H&M, JCPenney, Macy's, AMC, Hobby Lobby, Round One, and Old Navy. Longtime past anchor stores included Meier & Frank, Sears, Nordstrom, and Mervyns.

6. Renovations and Expansions
   In 1993, the mall underwent significant renovations, including the addition of a new food court. The mall was sold by May Centers to Westfield America, Inc. in 1994 after all 19 remaining May-owned malls were sold to Westfield.

7. Name Changes
   In 1998, the mall was renamed "Westfield Shoppingtown Vancouver." However, in September 2005, "Shoppingtown" was dropped from the name, making it "Westfield Vancouver." Despite this change, most shoppers and locals continued to refer to it as "Vancouver Mall."

8. Sears Store Renovation
   In 2003, a full interior and minor exterior renovations were conducted on the Sears store at the mall. This renovation aimed to modernize the store's appearance and improve customer experience.

9. Meier & Frank Expansion
   In mid-2005, work began on a 60,000-square-foot expansion to the Meier & Frank store. This expansion added 30,000 square feet on each of two levels and was completed in 2006. Following the acquisition of the May Company by Federated Department Stores, the Meier & Frank store was renamed Macy's in September 2006.

10. Mervyn's Closure
    The 82,225-square-foot Mervyn's store closed in January 2007. On June 1, 2012, it was converted into the Cinetopia "Vancouver Mall 23" video movie theater.

11. Westfield’s Expansion Plans
    In 2009, Westfield considered expanding the mall. These plans included demolishing the former Mervyn's location to make way for additional retail space. However, these plans were not executed.

Current Anchors and Shopping Experience

Vancouver Mall continues to be a vibrant shopping destination with a variety of stores and entertainment options.

12. Current Anchors
    The current anchors of Vancouver Mall include Gold's Gym, H&M, JCPenney, Macy's, AMC, Hobby Lobby, Round One, and Old Navy. The mall continues to attract a diverse range of shoppers with its extensive array of stores.

13. Shopping Experience
    Vancouver Mall offers a comprehensive shopping experience with over 140 distinctive stores. The mall provides a variety of retail options, from clothing and electronics to home goods and entertainment.

14. Cinetopia 23 Movie Theater
    The Cinetopia 23 movie theater is a significant entertainment venue within the mall. It offers a state-of-the-art cinematic experience with multiple screens and a variety of movie schedules.

15. Food Court
    The food court at Vancouver Mall features a diverse range of dining options. From fast food to sit-down restaurants, the food court caters to various tastes and dietary preferences.

16. Accessibility
    Vancouver Mall is conveniently located near an interchange between Interstate 205 and State Route 500. The mall is open Sunday through Friday from 11 AM to 8 PM and on Saturdays from 10 AM to 8 PM, making it easily accessible for shoppers.

Community Events and Engagement

Vancouver Mall is more than just a shopping center; it's a hub for community events and activities.

17. Community Events
    Vancouver Mall hosts various community events throughout the year. These events include holiday celebrations, fashion shows, and other activities designed to engage the local community.

18. Santa Visits & Photo Packages
    One of the most popular events at Vancouver Mall is the Santa visits and photo packages. Available daily from November 8th to December 24th, these packages start at $39.99 and include professional photos with Santa. The event features an "Elf"-themed set inspired by the film "Elf," providing a unique and festive experience for families.

19. Santa Arrival Party
    The Santa arrival party is another significant event held at Vancouver Mall. On Saturday, November 9th, from 10 AM to 12 PM, the mall hosts a free community event where Santa makes his grand entrance. Activities include crafts, letters to Santa, and professional photos with Santa.

20. Pet Photos with Santa
    For pet owners, Vancouver Mall offers pet photos with Santa on select Mondays from 4 PM to 7 PM. This event allows families to include their pets in the holiday photo shoot, creating lasting memories.

21. Sensory-Friendly Santa
    On Sunday, December 8th, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, Vancouver Mall hosts a sensory-friendly Santa event. This event is designed for children with sensory sensitivities, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Vancouver Mall plays a vital role in the local economy and reflects the cultural diversity of the region.

22. Shopping Center
    Vancouver Mall serves as a major shopping center in Southwest Washington. With over 140 stores and a variety of dining options, it provides a one-stop destination for both locals and tourists.

23. Geography and Location
    Located in Clark County, Washington, Vancouver Mall is situated near the intersection of Interstate 205 and State Route 500. The mall's strategic location makes it easily accessible from both Vancouver and Portland.

24. Population and Demographics
    The city of Vancouver, where the mall is located, has a population of approximately 190,915 as of the 2020 census. The mall attracts shoppers from both Vancouver and the surrounding areas, including Portland, Oregon.

25. Economic Impact
    Vancouver Mall has a significant economic impact on the region. As a major retail destination, it generates substantial revenue for local businesses and contributes to the overall economic growth of the area.

26. Historical Significance
    Vancouver Mall has been a part of the local community for over four decades. Its history reflects the growth and development of the region, with various renovations and expansions reflecting changing consumer preferences and economic conditions.

27. Architectural Design
    The mall's architectural design has evolved over the years to accommodate changing retail trends. From its initial design in the 1970s to the current layout, Vancouver Mall has been modernized to provide a comfortable and convenient shopping experience.

28. Environmental Consciousness
    Vancouver, the city where the mall is located, is known for its environmental consciousness. The mall itself has likely implemented various sustainability measures to reduce its ecological footprint, aligning with the city's green initiatives.

29. Cultural Diversity
    Vancouver, Washington, is a culturally diverse city with a significant Asian population. The mall reflects this diversity by offering a variety of international cuisines and cultural events, making it a welcoming space for all shoppers.

30. Community Engagement
    Vancouver Mall actively engages with the local community through various events and activities. This engagement helps foster a sense of belonging among residents and encourages community participation in mall events.

Customer Service and Security

Ensuring a pleasant and safe shopping experience is a top priority for Vancouver Mall.

31. Shopping Trends
    The mall keeps pace with current shopping trends by offering a mix of traditional retail stores and modern entertainment options. This blend ensures that the mall remains relevant and attractive to a wide range of shoppers.

32. Customer Service
    Vancouver Mall prioritizes customer service by providing a clean and well-maintained environment. The mall's staff is trained to offer excellent service, ensuring a positive experience for all visitors.

33. Accessibility Features
    The mall includes various accessibility features such as wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. These features ensure that the mall is inclusive and accessible to all shoppers, regardless of their abilities.

34. Security Measures
    Vancouver Mall has implemented robust security measures to ensure the safety of its patrons. These measures include CCTV cameras, security personnel, and emergency response plans.

35. Future Developments
    While there have been no recent announcements about major expansions or renovations, Vancouver Mall continues to evolve with the changing retail landscape. The mall remains committed to providing a superior shopping experience for its customers, ensuring its continued relevance in the region.

Vancouver Mall: A Retail Gem in the Pacific Northwest

Vancouver Mall stands out as a major retail hub in the Pacific Northwest. Since opening in 1977, it has evolved with the times, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. With over 140 stores, including anchors like Macy's, JCPenney, and AMC, it caters to a wide range of shoppers. The mall's strategic location near Interstate 205 and State Route 500 makes it easily accessible. Community events, such as Santa visits and sensory-friendly activities, foster a strong connection with locals. Vancouver Mall's commitment to customer service, accessibility, and security ensures a pleasant experience for all visitors. As retail trends continue to shift, the mall remains adaptable, poised to meet the changing needs of its patrons. Vancouver Mall isn't just a shopping center; it's a vital part of the community, reflecting the growth and diversity of Vancouver, Washington.