20 Biggest Shopping Centres in the United States

The United States is home to some of the biggest malls in America, offering an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. From the largest mall in America to other sprawling shopping centers, these destinations are more than just places to shop; they are entertainment meccas and architectural marvels. Here’s a comprehensive look at the 20 largest malls in America, detailing what makes each stand out, ensuring you know where to find the ultimate shopping experiences.

The largest mall in America

The concept of the shopping mall has been a central part of American culture and commerce for decades. From coast to coast, the biggest malls in America offer a unique glimpse into the evolving landscape of retail and leisure. Shopping malls have evolved significantly since the first fully enclosed, climate-controlled mall opened in 1956.

20. Oakbrook Center

• Location: Oak Brook, Illinois
• Size: 187,500 square meters
• Year Opened: 1962

The Oakbrook Center in Illinois, with its sprawling 187,500 square meters, stands as a testament to suburban shopping luxury. Nestled in the Chicago metro area, it is celebrated for its beautiful outdoor setting, blending high-end retail with lush landscapes. Shoppers can enjoy a diverse selection of over 175 stores, including luxury and high-street brands, alongside dining and entertainment options that cater to a refined taste.

19. NorthPark Center

The interior of NorthPark Center in Dallas, Texas (United States). Michael Barera.

• Location: Dallas, Texas
• Size: 190,000 square meters
• Year Opened: 1956

Dallas’ NorthPark Center, boasting 190,000 square meters of retail space, is more than just a shopping destination; it’s an art enthusiast’s haven. With over 221 stores, it blends high fashion, technology, and fine dining with an impressive array of contemporary art exhibits, making it a unique cultural and retail experience in the Fort Worth metro area.

18. Green Acres Mall

• Location: Valley Stream, New York
• Size: 192,200 square meters
• Year Opened: 1956

Green Acres Mall, covering 192,200 square meters in the New York City metro area, is a hub of activity offering a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment. With staples like Express and H&M, this mall caters to a diverse clientele, hosting restaurants that range from casual to fine dining, making it a popular destination for shoppers seeking variety.

17. Lakewood Center

Lakewood Center corridor.

• Location: Lakewood, California
• Size: 192,200 square meters
• Year Opened: 1951

Lakewood Center, sprawling over 192,200 square meters in the Los Angeles area, is a community staple offering a wide range of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Its tenant mix includes big names like Costco and Macy’s, alongside a vibrant selection of eateries and entertainment venues, serving as a one-stop destination for shopping and fun.

16. Westfield Garden State Plaza

• Location: Paramus, New Jersey
• Size: 196,835.3 square meters
• Year Opened: 1957

With 196,835.3 square meters of retail space, Westfield Garden State Plaza stands as one of the nation’s most lucrative shopping centers. Located in the New York City metro area, it’s known for its luxury and mainstream retail offerings. The mall’s unique policies, including a ban on Sunday shopping for most retailers, reflect its commitment to balancing commerce with community standards.

15. Millcreek Mall

Millcreek Mall food court.

• Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
• Size: 200,000 square meters
• Year Opened: 1975

The Millcreek Mall in Erie, Pennsylvania, encompasses 200,000 square meters of retail space. It’s renowned for its vast selection of stores, including major department stores and specialty shops. The mall’s family-friendly environment, coupled with a range of dining and entertainment options, makes it a regional shopping destination.

14. Westfield Valley Fair

• Location: San Jose, California
• Size: 200,000 square meters.
• Year Opened: 1986

Situated in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Westfield Valley Fair offers a luxurious shopping experience across 200,000 square meters. It’s a fashionista’s paradise, featuring a mix of high-end brands and popular retailers, complemented by exquisite dining options and entertainment venues, embodying the Silicon Valley lifestyle.

13. Woodfield Mall

Woodfield Mall Schaumburg IL.

• Location: Schaumburg, Illinois
• Size: 200,114.4 square meters
• Year Opened: 1971

As the largest shopping mall in Illinois, Woodfield Mall offers 200,114.4 square meters of retail space in the Chicago metro area. It’s a family-friendly destination with a rich mix of stores, entertainment options, and dining experiences, making it a central hub for shoppers in the Midwest.

12. Palisades Center

• Location: West Nyack, New York
• Size: 205,996 square meters
• Year Opened: 1998

The Palisades Center, with its 205,996 square meters, is a marvel of retail and entertainment in the New York City metro area. Offering a unique blend of shopping, dining, and activities like an indoor ropes course and ice skating rink, it’s a destination that provides a dynamic experience for all ages.

11. Destiny USA

Destiny USA is New York’s largest shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.

• Location: Syracuse, New York
• Size: 220,000 square meters
• Year Opened: 1990

Destiny USA in Syracuse, New York, stands six stories tall, occupying 220,000 square meters. As New York State’s largest mall, it houses 250 retail spaces, an antique carousel, and a Margaritaville. Its extensive entertainment offerings, including a go-kart track, make it a family-friendly destination.

10. Ala Moana Center

• Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
• Size: 220,000 square meters
• Year Opened: 1959

Boasting 220,000 square meters, Ala Moana Center is the world’s largest open-air shopping mall. Located in Honolulu, it offers a blend of luxury retail, diverse dining options, and entertainment, set against the backdrop of paradise. Its unique setting and comprehensive retail mix attract both locals and tourists alike.

9. Sawgrass Mills

Sawgrass Mills Mall in South Florida.

• Location: Sunrise, Florida
• Size: 220,237 square meters
• Year Opened: 1990

Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise, Florida, is a giant among America’s shopping centers with 220,237 square meters. Known as the largest outlet mall in the U.S., it’s designed in the shape of an alligator, featuring a mix of high-end and outlet shopping, making it a major draw for domestic and international visitors.

8. Roosevelt Field Mall

• Location: Garden City, New York
• Size: 220,370.9 square meters
• Year Opened: 1956

Covering 220,370.9 square meters, Roosevelt Field Mall in New York combines history with modern retail. Offering a vast selection of stores and dining options, it stands on the historic site of Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight, blending aviation history with contemporary shopping.

7. The Galleria Mall

Stores people crowd inside the shopping galleria. Courtesy of Houston First Corporation.

• Location: Houston, Texas
• Size: 223,045.1 square meters
• Year Opened: 1970

The Galleria in Houston, Texas, spans 223,045.1 square meters, making it the largest mall in Texas. With luxury retailers, an ice rink, and two swimming pools, it’s a retail haven that offers an upscale shopping and entertainment experience to millions of visitors annually.

6. Del Amo Fashion Center

• Location: Torrance, California
• Size: 233,908 square meters
• Year Opened: 1961

With 233,908 square meters, the Del Amo Fashion Center is a premier shopping destination in the Los Angeles area, offering a wide range of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Its unique features, such as a living wall and plans for residential development, reflect its status as a forward-thinking retail hub.

5. Aventura Mall

Aventura Mall Outdoor view.

• Location: Aventura, Florida
• Size: 250,000 square meters
• Year Opened: 1983

Aventura Mall, covering 250,000 square meters, is the largest mall in Florida. Located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it offers a mix of luxury and high-street brands, along with art installations and an iconic slide tower, making it a cultural and shopping landmark.

4. King of Prussia Mall

• Location: King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
• Size: 259,500 square meters
• Year Opened: 1963

The King of Prussia Mall, with its 259,500 square meters, is a behemoth of retail in the Philadelphia metro area. It offers an unparalleled shopping experience with over 450 stores, luxury boutiques, and dining options, making it a major tourist attraction.

3. South Coast Plaza

Shoppers fill South Coast Plaza’s Carousel Court on Black Friday.

• Location: Costa Mesa, California
• Size: 260,000 square meters
• Year Opened: 1967

South Coast Plaza, occupying 260,000 square meters, is not only the largest mall in California but also a global shopping destination. Known for its luxury boutiques and cultural attractions, it offers an exquisite shopping experience in the Orange County area.

2. American Dream

• Location: East Rutherford, New Jersey
• Size: 280,000 square meters
• Year Opened: 2019

The American Dream Mall spans 280,000 square meters, making it a marvel of retail and entertainment. Located in the New York City metro area, it features a theme park, water park, and ski slope, alongside an impressive array of shops, redefining the shopping mall experience.

1. Mall of America

Theme-park rides at the Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota.

• Location: Bloomington, Minnesota
• Size: 520,000 square meters
• Year Opened: 1992

As the largest mall in the United States, Mall of America covers an astounding 520,000 square meters. Located in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro area, it’s a world-renowned shopping and entertainment destination, attracting millions with its theme parks, aquarium, and hundreds of stores.

Table summary of the largest malls in America

FAQs

What is the largest mall in America? The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the largest mall in America, with over 520,000 square meters of retail space.

What makes Mall of America stand out? Beyond its size, Mall of America incorporates unique attractions like an indoor theme park and aquarium, making it a multifaceted destination.

Are these malls only about shopping? While shopping is a major draw, these malls also offer a wide range of entertainment and dining options, making them comprehensive destinations for visitors.

Have malls in America been declining? Yes, the number of malls in America has been declining due to the rise of online shopping, changing consumer preferences, and other factors. However, the largest malls continue to thrive by evolving and adding unique attractions.

Which mall has the most stores? Mall of America has the most stores, with over 520 retail outlets.

Are there any malls with unique attractions? Yes, many of the biggest malls in America feature unique attractions such as theme parks, aquariums, ice-skating rinks, and more, distinguishing them from typical shopping centers.

How are malls adapting to changing consumer habits? Many malls are diversifying their offerings, incorporating more entertainment options, and utilizing space for non-retail purposes like health clubs or office spaces.

Can you find luxury shopping in these malls? Yes, malls like King of Prussia, South Coast Plaza, and The Galleria are renowned for their luxury brand offerings.

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