I took a drive out to Mesa on Sunday and while I was there, I decided to go inside Fiesta Mall, the mall I featured at the end of last month. I was curious to see what it looked like inside. I remembered it as being a new and attractive mall back in the 80's. From the outside I got the impression that Sears and Best Buy were the only two stores still open. I was wrong.
Although there were quite a lot of empty stores, there were still lots of stores that were open.
Then I noticed that Dillard's was open which surprised me. I saw hardly any cars on that side of the mall. When I went inside Dillards I noticed that there were signs everywhere saying "Inventory Closeout" and it had that warehouse look to it with racks and racks of sale items. It looks like Dillard's will be closing soon.
I stopped by the food court for a quick peek. I was there at noon and as you can see, not many people were getting lunch.
On the end of the mall by Sears, there was a very nice playground that was being used by quite a few children.
One thing that impressed me was that the mall was quite attractive. I think I was expecting it to be a bit run-down but, that wasn't the case at all. It was just very, very quiet. Not at all what it's like when I visit Scottsdale Fashion Square. I'm glad I stopped to see what it is like now.
The photos present an eerie scene. I have noticed that it beginning to happen here at my local mall...yet some other malls are thriving.
ReplyDeleteIt's so sad to see this very attractive, well maintained mall deserted. I would have gladly taken Panda Express for my lunch too!
ReplyDeleteMust be an unusual feeling walking through this once busy place.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame. It's a beautiful mall. What in the world has happened. Love Dillards...but if they can't make it...
ReplyDeleteA beautiful mall and beautiful photos, Sharon !
ReplyDeleteIt looks desolate, but pretty inside. Perhaps a rethink is in order... I can think of a mall near where my father lives that years ago looked to be on its deathbed, but has since been resurrected.
ReplyDeleteIt's really so sad to see such a lovely mall almost deserted Sharon. It made me so curious to know why.. according to Google since it was built in the 80's quite a few more shopping malls have been built in that area which didn't help much..
ReplyDeleteWhat a mystery to see the place so quiet, Sharon!
ReplyDeleteIt does seem sad as others have noted, particularly as the mall seems well taken care of and looks quite nice. However, I'm betting that its mostly because the business is not there anymore. Companies these days live and die by their Bottom Line and I'd guess that all the newer fancier malls in the area have taken away the traffic. Shoppers are pretty fickle folks.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a shame to see this. It seems so wasteful -- a big, beautiful, shiny mall dying a slow death. The mall I grew up with in Florida (of the same vintage) is going through the same death throes. It's sad!
ReplyDeleteThe Dillard's at my old mall is also full of sale and clearance racks, but it has been for a while. I think it's turned into some kind of Dillards clearance center. Maybe this one in your mall is the same?
This is sad to see, especially since the mall seems to be very well taken care of. The same thing was happening to a mall near me for several years and then a new company stepped in and bought the property. They redesigned it as an indoor/outdoor shopping space which also includes an amphitheater for live shows, an indoor ice rink, more upscale restaurants and even an arts center. It seems to be succeeding so far.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great looking place. I wonder what happened.
ReplyDeleteWe have so much wasted real estate in this country. So many things work against brick-and-mortar retailers these days. A weak economy and internet sellers and too many real estate developers wanting the big score.
ReplyDeleteDillard's closed around 2008 or 9. What you see at Fiesta Mall is a Dillard's Clearance Center on the first floor. Metrocenter is the same. Dick's Sporting Goods closed earlier this year. Someone commented on a video of mine that Best Buy is closing in October. What I had read online from the local news, the anchor that last housed Macy's is being converted into office space, with plans to reopen the parking deck for the office tenants. If it's successful enough, the parking deck will see an expansion.
ReplyDeleteI walk around this mall sometimes and reminisce. Grew up with this mall. I think we're both about in the same shape...