South County Mall - A Look At Its Past And Present
For anyone who has spent time in Mehlville, Missouri, the South County Mall is, you know, a spot that likely brings up a whole bunch of memories. It’s a place that, in a way, helped shape how people shopped and spent their time in that part of the St. Louis area for many years. This shopping spot, which first opened its doors a good while ago, back in 1963, has seen a lot of things happen over the decades, reflecting how retail itself has changed and shifted.
This retail destination, located right there in Mehlville, has, as a matter of fact, gone through quite a transformation since its early days. It began its journey with a few main stores, often called "anchor" shops, that drew people in, and it also had a collection of smaller shops and places to eat. Over the years, some of those big, well-known names have, quite literally, moved on, and new ones have, in some respects, come and gone, showing the constant shifts in what people want and where they choose to shop.
We’re going to, you know, take a closer look at what the South County Mall is like these days, what kinds of places you can still find there, and how it’s managing to keep its place in the community as we move through 2025. It’s a chance to, sort of, see how a long-standing shopping spot adapts to new times and continues to serve the people who live around it, even as the world of shopping keeps changing.
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Table of Contents
- A Look Back at South County Mall's Start
- The Stores That Defined South County Mall
- South County Mall Today - What's There Now?
- South County Mall's Place in the Area
A Look Back at South County Mall's Start
The South County Mall, a spot many folks in the St. Louis area have probably visited at some point, has a rather long history, stretching back quite a bit. It first welcomed shoppers in 1963, which, you know, means it’s been around for over sixty years now. That’s a good chunk of time for any place of business, especially one that relies on people coming in to buy things. When it first got going, it was, in a way, set up with a few very large stores that were meant to draw in a lot of visitors, plus a number of smaller, specialty shops that offered all sorts of items.
It’s interesting to think about how a place like this, basically, becomes a central part of a community. For many years, this particular shopping spot really, truly, stood out as the main place to go for retail needs in the southern part of St. Louis. It was the kind of place where people would, like, plan a whole day around, not just to pick up one or two things, but to browse and enjoy the experience. The idea of having everything in one big building was, at the time, a pretty modern and appealing concept for shoppers, and this mall, in some respects, delivered on that promise.
Over the years, as you might expect with any long-standing establishment, the mall has seen its share of changes. What was once a bustling spot, full of activity and newness, has, you know, had to adapt to different times. The types of stores people want, the ways they prefer to shop, and even the general feeling of a shopping center can, quite literally, shift over many decades. So, looking back at its start helps us appreciate just how much it has, kind of, evolved to stay relevant.
How Did South County Mall First Open Its Doors?
When the South County Mall first began its operations, it was, in a way, a significant event for the Mehlville community. The year was 1963, and the concept of a large, enclosed shopping area was, you know, still somewhat new and exciting for many people. It was built with the idea of providing a convenient and comfortable place for people to get their shopping done, no matter the weather outside. The initial setup included a few very large retail establishments, often called "anchor" stores, which were the main draws, basically, pulling in a lot of customers.
These big stores were, in a way, the pillars of the whole place. They offered a wide variety of products, from clothes to household items, and their presence alone was enough to make people want to visit the mall. Along with these larger shops, there were, you know, many smaller stores offering specialized goods, plus places to eat. This combination meant that visitors could, more or less, find almost anything they needed or wanted in one trip, which was a huge convenience for families and individuals alike in the area.
The mall’s opening marked a new chapter for retail in that part of Missouri. It was, in some respects, a sign of the times, as more and more people were looking for modern, all-in-one shopping experiences. The design and layout were, you know, likely thought out to make it easy for people to move from one store to another, and the overall atmosphere was, basically, meant to be welcoming and enjoyable. It wasn't just a place to buy things; it was, in a way, a place to spend time, meet up with others, and experience the feeling of a new kind of shopping.
The Stores That Defined South County Mall
Over its long history, the South County Mall has, as a matter of fact, been home to many different kinds of shops, and some of them have, you know, really stood out as defining its character. These were the places that, in a way, people thought of first when they considered going to this particular shopping spot. They were the stores that, basically, drew in crowds and made the mall a popular destination for folks from all around the area. The presence of these larger, well-known names often determined what kind of shopping experience you could, quite literally, expect to have.
For a long time, this mall was, in some respects, a central spot for retail in South St. Louis. It was the kind of place where you’d find some of the biggest names in department store shopping. These were the places where families would, you know, go for everything from school clothes to gifts for special occasions. The fact that these major retailers chose to have a presence here really, truly, spoke to the mall’s importance in the community and its ability to, sort of, attract a steady stream of people looking to make purchases.
However, like many shopping centers across the country, the South County Mall has, you know, seen some significant changes in its retail lineup. Some of the very large, long-standing stores that were once main attractions have, basically, closed their doors for good. This kind of shift is, in a way, a reflection of bigger changes happening in the world of shopping, where online options and different consumer preferences are, quite literally, reshaping the retail landscape. So, while some familiar names are gone, others have, in some respects, taken their place, or the mall has, sort of, had to find new ways to use its space.
What Big Shops Were Part of South County Mall's History?
Throughout its years of operation, the South County Mall has, as a matter of fact, been known for having a few very large stores that, in a way, served as its main attractions. These were the "anchor" shops, and they played a huge role in bringing people through the doors. Originally, you know, places like Dillard's, Macy's, and JCPenney were among the big names that you could count on finding there. These department stores offered a wide range of products, making them, basically, one-stop shops for many families in the area.
There was also, you know, a Famous Barr store at one point, which was another significant presence. For a long time, these types of stores were the heart of many shopping centers, and their presence at the South County Mall really, truly, cemented its status as a major retail destination. People would, like, often plan their trips around visiting these specific big shops, and then they’d, in some respects, explore the other, smaller stores located throughout the mall. It was a common way to, sort of, spend a day out, combining necessary purchases with a bit of browsing.
One of the more recent and, you know, perhaps noticeable changes was the departure of Macy's. This particular store had been a very important part of the South County Mall since 2006, serving as a key anchor. Its closure, which happened earlier this year after an announcement in January, marked the end of a long chapter for that specific location. Interestingly, the closure of Macy's at this mall also, basically, ended a connection to Victor Gruen, who was, in a way, a visionary behind some of America's earliest indoor shopping centers. The property where Macy's once stood was, you know, later sold for about $2 million, showing how these big spaces get, sort of, repurposed over time.
Another very big name that, in a way, vanished from the South County Mall was Sears. Sears had, for many years, been a very familiar part of shopping centers across the country, and its absence from this mall, basically, left a significant space. There were, you know, plans for that former Sears spot to become a Round One Entertainment place, which would have brought a different kind of attraction to the mall, something focused more on fun and games. However, those plans were, in some respects, cancelled in 2021, so that particular space has, sort of, remained in a state of transition, waiting for its next chapter.
South County Mall Today - What's There Now?
As we move through 2025, the South County Mall is, as a matter of fact, still a place where you can go to shop and find things, even with all the changes that have happened in the retail world. It's holding on, and it continues to offer a variety of options for people in the area. While some of the very large, well-known stores have, you know, moved on, the mall still has a collection of shops and places to eat that keep it going. It’s a bit different than it used to be, but it still serves a purpose for many in the community.
The mall’s current lineup includes a mix of places, from stores where you can buy clothes and accessories to spots where you can grab a bite to eat. It also has, you know, what are sometimes called "junior anchors," which are stores that are bigger than your average shop but perhaps not as massive as the traditional department stores. These places, basically, help fill the space and provide a good range of products and services. So, even though the overall retail landscape has, in a way, shifted, the South County Mall has, sort of, adapted to keep its doors open.
It’s interesting to see how a shopping center like this, after so many years, continues to find ways to attract visitors. The experience might be, you know, a little different now compared to decades past, but there’s still a sense of community around it. People still come here for specific needs or just to, like, spend some time browsing. The mall’s ability to, in some respects, maintain a presence, even as major retailers depart, shows its resilience and the continued demand for physical shopping places, at least for some things.
What Kinds of Stores Can You Find at South County Mall These Days?
If you were to visit the South County Mall these days, you’d, as a matter of fact, find a mix of places to shop and eat. It’s reported to have, you know, around 96 stores, though some information suggests it could be closer to 121 or even 130 shops, so there’s, in a way, a good number of options available. Among the main stores that are still there, you’ll find Dillard's and JCPenney, which have, basically, been long-standing presences at the mall. These two continue to offer a wide variety of goods, from clothing to home items, for people looking to make purchases.
Beyond the big department stores, there’s, you know, a good selection of other shops that cater to different interests. For instance, you can find places like Bath & Body Works, which offers personal care products, and Buckle, a store known for its clothing and accessories. The Children's Place is there for kids' apparel, and Forever 21 provides, basically, trendy clothing options. So, there’s, in some respects, a range of styles and products to explore for those who enjoy shopping for clothes and other personal items.
When it comes to food, the South County Mall has, you know, a food court where you can grab a quick bite, plus several other restaurants located throughout the property. Places like Noodles and Co. and Qdoba offer, basically, different meal choices for when you need a break from shopping or just want to get something to eat. And, for the younger visitors, or families with little ones, there’s, in a way, a Chuck E. Cheese, which provides entertainment and food, making it a spot for kids 12 and younger to have some fun. This kind of mix, you know, means the mall tries to cater to different age groups and preferences.
Other specific shops mentioned that you might come across include Pink and Victoria's Secret, which, basically, offer intimate apparel and related items. One visitor even, you know, recalled a very helpful employee named Nicki at Victoria's Secret who assisted with sizing, showing that even with all the changes, good customer service can still be a highlight. So, the mall continues to host a variety of retail and dining spots, aiming to, in some respects, meet the needs of those who come through its doors.
South County Mall's Place in the Area
The South County Mall has, as a matter of fact, a particular spot in the larger St. Louis area, and it serves a certain kind of shopper. It's located in Mehlville, Missouri, at 18 South County Center Way, which is, you know, in St. Louis County and less than 10 miles from downtown St. Louis. Its position, right at the intersection of Interstates 55 and 255, makes it, basically, quite accessible for people coming from different directions. This accessibility is, in a way, a key factor in why people might choose to visit this specific shopping destination.
While it’s a shopping spot, it’s also, you know, known for being a bit different from some of the other, much larger malls in the St. Louis area. It might not be as huge as some of those other places, but that can actually be a good thing for certain visitors. If you’re someone who prefers to, in some respects, avoid very large crowds and wants a more relaxed shopping experience, then the South County Mall could be, basically, a good choice. It tends to be a bit less overwhelming than some of the truly massive shopping centers, which can be a real draw for some people.
One interesting aspect of this mall’s place in the area is, you know, what it doesn’t offer. Unlike some other malls that are designed to bring in people for entertainment like movies, the South County Mall doesn’t have a movie theater. This means that the people who come here are, basically, primarily focused on shopping or dining. It’s not a place that, in a way, brings in the crowds who are just looking for a film, which further contributes to its potentially less crowded atmosphere. This focus on retail and food, you know, helps define its particular role in the community.
Some people, you know, might choose to go to South County Mall for convenience, especially if it’s closer to their home or on their regular routes. One person mentioned, "I will go to South County for convenience but if I need something I prefer West County," which, basically, highlights that while it’s handy, some shoppers might have other preferences for more extensive shopping trips. This kind of feedback, in a way, shows that the mall has a specific niche it fills for the local population, often serving as a quick and easy option for shopping needs.
Why Choose South County Mall Over Other Spots?
Choosing to visit the South County Mall often comes down to, you know, what a person is looking for in a shopping experience. One of the main reasons people might pick this particular spot over others in the St. Louis area is, as a matter of fact, its size and atmosphere. It’s not as enormous as some of the other malls, which means it can feel, basically, a bit more manageable and less overwhelming. For those who don't enjoy dealing with very large crowds or who prefer a more relaxed pace, this can be a significant advantage.
The mall’s location is also, you know, a key factor. Being situated at the meeting point of Interstates 55 and 255 makes it, in a way, pretty straightforward to get to for many people living in the surrounding communities. This ease of access means that a trip to the South County Mall can be, basically, less of a hassle than going to a more distant or complicated location. So, for a quick shopping trip or when convenience is the main priority, it often stands out as a practical choice.
Another point that, you know, sets the South County Mall apart is its focus. As mentioned, it doesn’t have a movie theater, which means the people who are there are, in some respects, generally focused on shopping or eating. This can contribute to a different kind of feeling inside the mall, perhaps one that’s more about the retail experience itself rather than a broader entertainment outing. If you’re looking to, like, simply get your shopping done without the distractions of other entertainment options, this mall might be, basically, exactly what you’re after.
Some people have, you know, fond memories associated with the South County Mall, which can also play a role in why they choose to visit. For example, one person recalled working in Famous Barr while their partner worked in a men's clothing store, basically, about halfway between the food court and Famous Barr. These kinds of personal connections and past experiences can, in a way, create a sense of familiarity and comfort, drawing people back to a place that holds a special meaning for them. So, while it may not be the biggest or newest mall, it certainly holds a unique spot for many in the community.
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