The well-known Village at Orange Mall, located in Orange, California, is set to close a significant part of its structure. The mall's management team has decided to shut down the interior section of the shopping center, citing its operation as 'no longer viable' after many years of service to the community.
This major closure is scheduled for January 31, marking a significant change for the mall, a staple in the California retail scene. The decision follows careful consideration by the property managers and reflects the evolving landscape of retail shopping centers.
Shoppers and visitors can expect the interior portion of The Village at Orange to cease operations by the end of the month, as reported by NBC Los Angeles. This move signals a new chapter for the mall as it adapts to the changing demands and trends in the retail industry.
California Mall's Exterior Remains Open Amid Demolition Plans
In a recent development, the iconic California mall, despite facing partial demolition, will keep its exterior sections open for business. This information comes from the Villa Park local blog, offering a glimmer of hope for the mall's regular visitors.
This decision marks another challenging moment for American shopping malls, which have long been a cornerstone of the U.S. retail landscape.
However, there's good news for the mall's loyal customer base. Many of the mall's largest and most popular stores will continue operating, ensuring local shoppers can still access their favorite shopping destinations.
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Village at Orange Mall Closes After Over Half a Century
The Village at Orange Mall, a staple in the community for more than 50 years, has closed its doors, leaving a legacy of memories among its patrons and business owners. On Monday, these individuals took a moment to reflect on their time at the mall.
Randy Woltz, a piano technician at Piano Empire Megastore, tuned pianos for one last time before the store's closure. "Well, like everything in life, we move on to other things," Woltz remarked, humming a nostalgic melody.
In September, shop owners received notices informing them that January 31 would be their final operating day. Joseph Zeeb, who ran J&C Creative Designs, a jewelry repair shop in the mall for over 30 years, expressed his sentimentality. "It feels sad because you leave a place that's like a second home," Zeeb shared, highlighting the deep connection people often have with their jewelry.
Briana Martinez, a regular visitor, and her boyfriend reminisced about their experiences at the mall. "That used to be Hot Topic, where I waited for new movies like Twilight," Martinez recalled. "Coming back here is nostalgic, but it's a sad nostalgia, not seeing the mall thrive as it once did."
In its heyday from the 1970s through the 1990s, the Orange Mall was more than just a shopping center; it was a vibrant community hub. The mall buzzed with activity on weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights. People gathered at the AMC Orange Mall 6 Theater or popular spots like Hickory Farms, Russo's Pet Store, and the Broadway Department Store.
Other memorable establishments included Woolworth's, Sweats n Surf, and the unique finds at Spencer's and Richman Brothers. The Sears basement completed this iconic social scene with its candy counter, arcade, and nearby Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour.
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