The Maine Mall; South Portland, Maine

February 05, 2007 | Maine | Posted by Caldor

I was going to write something about football in here, and about how I kind of want the Bears to beat the Colts, but I really just figured I should diffuse the uber-dorkiness inherent in writing blogs about malls while I’m not only watching the superbowl, but also hosting a superbowl party. Ouch. I am so cool it hurts.

A few weeks back, I was up in the Portland, Maine area and managed to swing by one of my favorite New England malls, the massive Maine Mall in South Portland. It’s the only true super-regional shopping mall in the entire state of Maine, and the only real enclosed mall serving the state’s largest metropolitan area, a somewhat cosmopolitan and affluent region with a population of about 500,000. (The next closest major mall is Newington, New Hampshire’s Fox Run Mall, an hour to the south)

Located on Maine Mall Road near I-95/I-295, the mall was built atop some former pig farms in the mid-1960s, in an area on the western side of town that was at the time considered very remote, but is now the state of Maine’s largest retail district. This site covers most of the detailed history of the center, but I’m pretty sure it began as a smaller dumbell-style center spanning between large Sears and Jordan Marsh anchor stores. This concourse is broad, with wildly vacillating ceiling heights and the grandiosity that’s common in most classic malls. The mall was expanded in 1983 with the long, meandering concourse heading to the back of the mall, which also brought new anchors in Filene’s and JCPenney, as well as a space that housed an outpost of Portland’s own Porteous Department Store.

Today, Macy’s occupies the space once filled by Jordan Marsh (whose nameplate disappeared in the mid-1990s), and Sears remains at the opposite end of the concourse. A third anchor in this portion of the mall–which was built in 1994 for Lechmere, who remained until 1997–is now occupied by Best Buy. The wing leading to the rear of the mall has also seen major changes; while JCPenney remains, a large food court was added in 1994, and the former Filene’s store now sits dark. Similarly, the Porteous store was demolished and replaced with a new store carved into two pieces: a Sports Authority on the second level, and a Filene’s Home Store on the first. Obviously the latter is now vacant.

I can’t help but love this mall; despite its success and many attempts at modernization, its retained enough of its classic gravitas that its personality is largely unchanged.

I was able to dig up one really neat vintage photo (of admittedly unknown origin) of the mall. The wintry shot of the mall at the top of this post–taken from the one of the twin cylindrical towers of the Sheraton hotel across the street (which I’ve enclosed pictures of below) was taken sometime pre-1997, as Lechmere was still operating in the front anchor space. The store is now a Best Buy.

EDIT 10/22/2007: Prangeway found this great 1986 Maine Mall commercial on YouTube! Remember when local malls had local commercials?!

263 Responses to “The Maine Mall; South Portland, Maine”

cleokid
February 5th, 2007 at 3:15 am

just an interesting note… i was actually just at this mall yesterday and found out that best buy is building a standalone store just across the street from their location in the mall to move to in the near future. no word as to what is or might be going in their soon to be vacant spot… but with (soon to be) two dark anchors, as well as all of the other development that has sprung up both around the mall and in nearby towns, you have to wonder what may come of the mall in the not too distant future.

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bagman64
February 5th, 2007 at 3:25 am

I really love the old Jordan Marsh building. I love the green awnings above the entrances, which means it was probably built back the same time the South Shore Mall in Quincy, Mass and Warwick Mall in RI was. It has a certain charm about it, unlike the boxiness of the current stores.

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Caldor
February 5th, 2007 at 4:03 am

I could be wrong, but I sincerely doubt that the Maine Mall is in any huge danger. I had heard a rumor about Best Buy moving out of the mall, and there are two other large vacancies (the two Filenes spaces), and it’s true that I’m not sure who will be able to replace these, but this mall has always been a first-tier mall with very little competition nearby.

If the mall faces any challenges filling its anchor spaces, it’s because Maine is in the corner of the country, and thus is not on the “edge” of any expanding chains. Target already opened a store near the mall, as did many other potential anchors (Dick’s, etc.). It makes you wonder why Best Buy is really leaving, since their location is plenty large enough and has good frontage (as you can see in the above photos).

I’m relatively confident it will continue prosper but it will be interesting to see how.

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Bobby
February 5th, 2007 at 5:21 am

http://www.geocities.com/zayre88/plaza-mainemall.html

Some history on The Maine Mall for ya.

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XISMZERO
February 5th, 2007 at 5:53 am

Being the “Main” Mall in Maine (Maine appears to be as under [indoor shopping] malled as neighboring New Hampshire, Vermont and those upper tiered tips of New England) it’s not terribly impressive although it scores points for having some vestigial charm (like low ceilings) beyond the former Jordan Marsh (which almost immediately caught my eye). Overall, the place has a typical today image; architecturally bland, featuring umpteenth time over used decor like most of today’s malls which have had their origins killed with sterile, safe-zone, visionless renovation.

There’s a Macy’s that looks just like this one in Bedford, New Hampshire near Manchester’s Mall of NH at the Bedford Interchange. I will have to get some shots of it soon – almost looks like it had a mall attached to it at one point but is a stand-alone.

I really like that first image with Lechmere in the snowy distance; I sure miss that store – great shot.

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bagman64
February 5th, 2007 at 5:57 am

Bobby, just viewed that site, not sure if its yours or not, but JM Field’s was headquatered in NYC, under JM Fields Inc. Im not sure if there were stores in the city itself, but thats where the offices were.

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Steven Swain
February 5th, 2007 at 6:12 am

I don’t say this often, but I really like the Macy’s at this mall. If they had preserved Jordan Marsh’s exterior showcases it’d be better, but it seems pretty faithful to the original design, and that’s a good thing.

I have a feeling a higher-end store will take Best Buy’s anchor position…this is not a mall in distress by any means.

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Kyle
February 5th, 2007 at 10:02 pm

Perhaps a store like Boscov’s or the Bon-Ton would do well in the Best Buy or Filene’s locations. I would have suggested Lord and Taylor, but since Lord and Taylor is in regression mode, maybe in the future, but it will not anchor here now. Is there an L.L. Bean at this mall?

Nordstrom should demolish the older Filene’s and build a new store here, like it has been doing at numerous other malls (just a suggestion).

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zayre88
February 6th, 2007 at 1:00 am

Hi, i’m the author of the http://www.geocities.com/zayre88/plaza-mainemall.html website. From what i know, Best Buy is moving out to where the Maine Mall Cinemas used to be. I’ll have to check back but i think that the mall wants to transform the Best Buy space into a new main entrance to the mall. The mall does not have any large main entrance. David’s Bridal is also in the former Lechmere space with Best Buy. Nordstrom, Boscov’s, The Bon-Ton, you name it, anything can happen but the mall is not in distress.

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JP
February 6th, 2007 at 1:21 am

I’m with ya, Caldor. This Patriots fan wanted to get away from anything Super Bowl-related by the 4th quarter, too…

For someone who goes through Portland 3-4 times a year, I don’t stop here very often, though Bangor Mall and Fox Run almost always are pit stops for me.

The problems with the stores the others mentioned is their geographical footprints. The Bon-Ton isn’t too big in New England (they only have 4 stores, 3 of them being somewhat close to the NY border), so I doubt they’d have much interest in Maine. Nordstrom doesn’t have too many stores in markets the size of Portland, either; and they’re just starting to enter the Boston area (granted, all through spaces vacated by Filene’s). Likewise, Boscov’s doesn’t have anything on this side of NYC.

I’m really at a loss right now as to thinking of which stores could fill the former Filene’s spaces…H&M maybe? Steve and Barry’s?

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bagman64
February 6th, 2007 at 3:03 am

How is the college population in the area? One company comes to mind that has expanded its market in the past few years. IKEA opened its first New England location in 2004 in New Haven, followed in Stoughton Mass in 2005/6. Maybe they can be an option for part of the space. Just a thought.

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XISMZERO
February 6th, 2007 at 4:35 am

A book store like Borders or Barnes could fit in here nicely. Just another new store to embarrass an outdated wood V-shaped JCPenney who refuses to update their facades.

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Lucyu
February 6th, 2007 at 2:08 pm

YOU KNOW THE MALL HAS A LOT OF STORES…JUST LIKE PORTLAND…..I AM FROM THE SOUTH..IT WOULD BE GREAT .IF SOME ONE WOULD OPEN UP UP A TACO BELL….YUMMY…THANKS.FOR MY LITTLE THOUGHT.THAT WOULD MEAN BIG DOLLARS FOR SOME ONE.

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Claudia
February 6th, 2007 at 4:10 pm

I lived in Portland in the early to mid 70’s. The mall had a grocery store in the early years. I went to Uof M with Steve King and the first time I saw “Carrie” displayed was at the mall. He was suddenly Stephen not Steve and my husband and I weren’t sure if it was really the guy we knew. I shopped Jordan Marsh at the sales for my baby boys. I could buy name brand clothes for 25 cents on the dollar. A hundred dollars bought 2 big bags of clothes and shoes.

I hope the mall is always there and healthy. I live in AZ now and have dozens of malls to choose from, but I love coming home and going to S. Portland to shop. I’m not sure why there isn’t a Costco in Maine. Altho it wouldn’t be in the mall, it would bring lots of people to the area and that could help increase mall shoppers.

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Allan
February 6th, 2007 at 8:38 pm

I do like how the Macy’s at this mall was faithful to the original design of Jordan Marsh and kept the original interior(and exterior) facades intact. I just only wish that the Macy’s signage that was used(when the Marshall Field’s and Famous-Barr stores in Illinois were converted to Macy’s back in September) were like the older Macy’s signage in place in malls such as here(without the ugly red star to the left of the Macy’s logo).

And thanks to Bobby for posting the link to the history of this mall, this filled me in very, VERY well about the history of The Maine Mall. And as for the Filene’s and soon-to-be-vacant Best Buy anchor spaces, I seriously doubt they’ll have trouble filling in these anchor spaces, or converting those spaces to some new use, such as a major mall entrance. I noticed on this mall’s website, they were owned by General Growth Properties, and they seem to have a good track record with other malls I’ve visited that they also own(i.e. Golf Mill Mall in Niles, IL, among others).

BTW, since I don’t know much about Bon-Ton stores, aren’t they mainly located in northeastern states and/or markets? I only know that they bought out the Carson Prairie Scott and all their sister stores(i.e. Bergners, Herbergers, Younkers, etc.) from Saks last year. (and sorry if this is posted twice somehow)

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Justin
February 10th, 2007 at 11:14 pm

Just a few notes: The Porteous building was not demolished; instead, the two floored building was split into two distinct spaces for different anchors: Filene’s Men’s store and Sports Authority.

Best Buy and David’s Bridal don’t want to leave the mall, they’re being kicked out to the outparcel so that GGP can build the new entrance as someone else said. It’s been said that Best Buy and David’s Bridal can survive on their own, they don’t depend on mall traffic… heck, David’s isn’t even connected to the mall.

And the main Filene’s store is set to be razed so that a new Regal 16-screen theater (replacing the one at Clark’s Pond just down the road) and several restaurants can be built.

Someone mentioned the possibility of Borders taking over the old Filene’s Men’s space: that would make sense except the mall has a Borders outlot. B&N would fit well there, as there aren’t any in the Portland area, but Borders must have some clause against GGP renting to both tenants. H&M or Steve & Barry’s wouldn’t surprise me at all for that space.

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bagman64
February 11th, 2007 at 12:52 am

We have a small, non-big-ticket, Bon-Ton which occupies the space of the former Steinbach store (originally Howland’s) in a Hamden strip mall. A one floor store that was expanded after the merger. It’s the only Bon-Ton in CT and from what I know about them, they are Pennsylvania based. I’m not even sure where the closest store is located, I rarely shop there. I do know that they tried to fit as many departments into this location as possible and the store is not only tiny, but difficult to shop as most of the home merchandise mixes together in one clump.

I’m not sure what the current situation is for Lord & Taylor, as far as expanding again, but to my knowledge, I don’t think they have stores further then Boston. Since they are now not part of the MayCompany, maybe a higher end store such as them would be nice in that part of the country.

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John Fenlason
February 16th, 2007 at 4:17 am

At this point, I don’t believe Best Buy has signed any formal contract to move, but the mall management apparently is working on it. The plan is to build a new formal entrance to the mall in front; to accomplish that, Best Buy’s old building will be demolished. Many high-end retailers have expressed interest in locating there, and COACH and THE WALKING COMPANY are already moving in, and CACHE has recently opened. I believe Regal Cinemas plan a 16-screen cpmplex in the Filene’s Main Store, and although they haven’t been announced yet, there are 4 new restaurants coming as well. The Maine Mall is doing very well, but with so much big box construction in nearby Biddeford, as well as Auburn and Augusta, the Maine Mall needs to add more high-end stores in order to offer their patrons something that the smaller shopping areas in Maine do not offer.

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John
March 2nd, 2007 at 2:59 am

The South Portland board of appeals has apparently approved the construction of the 16 screen movie theater in the old Filene’s main store. The story I read also stated that JCPenney is going to be expanded, and that four new restaurants, including SMOKEY BONES, will be built.The planning board still has to approve it. I’m not sure if all 4 of the new restaurants are going to built as outparcels, or if any of them will locate within the mall itself. The article said that parking is going to be increased. Word is that Best Buy will be in their new location by Christmas, but as of yet I haven’t heard that they’ve signed anything to move across the street. But I’ve heard that many high-end retailers are indeed interested in locating in the new front wing where Best Buy currently is located. A 3,500 COACH is under construction now; will open in the spring, and THE WALKING COMPANY will open a store very soon as well.

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John
March 5th, 2007 at 11:50 am

I am at the mall at least twice a week for my walking exercise. I enjoy talking to the employees concerning the upcoming changes. From what I’ve heard most recently, Best Buy workers were informed that the move will NOT be taking place. Apparently they’ve decided to enlarge or renovate their current store; at least that’s the latest I’ve heard. I expect to see more high-end stores moving in as current stores’ leases expire. The d.e.m.o. store is closing, and I notice that the temporary craft store in the main wing has closed as well, making room for two more possibilities. At any rate, the Maine Mall continues to offer a popular mix of stores, with a bright, pleasant and safe atmosphere; more than can be said about other malls I’ve visited lately.

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Amelia
March 5th, 2007 at 7:56 pm

wow, this is interesting… I just moved out of South Portland 5 months ago (and ALSO moved to Arizona), I lived in South Portland my whole life (19 years) until 5 months ago – I can’t believe all the changes being made now though! The old picture from 1997 is funny to look at because I don’t remember how it looked back then! I’d like to see some big retailers like Coach, Costco, etc. go into that mall, because I think it needs some new stores, a lot of them have been there a long time and the Mall needs some new flavor to it. Just like Claudia said there are a lot of places to go here in AZ, and I’d like to see that happen somewhat back in South Portland so that when I go home to visit I’m not so bored… hahaha! I’ve heard A LOT in the past years that they were going to put a movie theatre in the mall and I’m glad to hear from Justin that it really may be happening this time, more parking space would also be GREAT!!! A lot is happening in that area, such as the new bridge, Super Walmart, Lowe’s, Best Buy moving to the old Cinema location, and I can’t believe – MORE RESTAURANTS!!!! I think 4 more restaurants in all the same location is going to be a bit much, they need to spread them out a bit more! As for some stores closing and leaving I have heard rumors that either their leases are up or they can’t afford the prices ever since the Maine Mall was bought out by a new company… I have to say I was sad to hear the Orange Julius was shut down, seeing as they have been there LONGER than I can remember!!! But like I said I am excited for all the new improvements they are making around my home town, and it woul dbe the BEST DECISION for the board to make when they approve all the new construction ideas!! I know that there are a lot of people living in South Portland (that I know personally) that are truely bored of the Maine Mall and think that it needs to be updated, wish it hadn’t taken them THIS long to finally do it, but better late than never!!!!

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John
March 6th, 2007 at 3:02 am

Actually, if the Maine Mall is in a hurry to attract new high-end tenants, keeping BEST BUY there is a good idea for two reasons: First, they’re going to add one of those “Million Dollar Rooms” like the larger BEST BUY stores, and second, if BEST BUY were to move, they’d have to tear down the old structure to rebuild the new stores. This way, they can simply either add a wing, or a new level without demoloshing anything. At any rate, they have several alternatives they are looking at. Although there was mention in the paper about a JCPenney expansion, no formal announcement has come forth to the employees as of yet. But I’m sure in the next year or so, there’ll be many changes there. I think one reason for the long delay in the update department was because the former owner, SIMON, signed many tenants for very very long leases, so the mall wants to upscale itself, it has to wait until these leases to expire, which for some stores will be a long time. But be patient.

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Carl
March 6th, 2007 at 7:46 pm

FWIW, most Best Buy stores are on stand alone parcels or in in-line shopping centers, like at The Crossings at Fox Run. They did use the former Lechmere real estate to stage a quick entry into New England.

Simon never did own the mall, it’s owners paid them a managment fee after S.R. Weiner decided they were going to exit the management side to concentrate on the power centers. GGP outbid Simon when the owners (Weiner, Cigna Corp., and the New York State Teachers Retirement System) decided to sell the property.

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JF
March 31st, 2007 at 1:51 am

There isn’t too much news that’s publicly been reported lately concerning the mall. SEARS is adding a LANDS END department. COACH is expected to open the first weekend of April; looks like a very attractive space to me. By the end of April, THE WALKING COMPANY should open its doors. WALDENBOOKS has been in the news lately, as nearly half of them are being closed by BORDERS. Does anyone know what that will mean for the Maine Mall WALDENBOOKS? The lot across the street is bring studied as well, now that BEST BUY is remaining in its present location. Hopefully if there’s a new big box store to be built across the street, it will be something new to Maine, with possibly some smaller stores and a restaurant. I have heard that the new Cabela’s development will have space for other retailers, and they too are talking with high-end ones. For the first time, the mall may have some real competition in landing first-class tenants. There’s also the Wal-Mart space to consider, when the new supercenter opens. There will be retail space there as well. There are rumors that within the new cinema complex at the mall, there will be an IMAX screen, but I read in the paper that the owners of ZYCORP (CINEMAGIC) are building the IMAX in Southern Maine, not REGAL that is occupying the mall cinema. The AU BON PAIN space is being worked on, and I’ve heard there are interested parties. The change is slow, but it’s good to see some progress anyway.

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JF
May 29th, 2007 at 10:16 pm

This week, two long-time businesses at the Maine Mall either closed or announced their closing. Lerner/New York and Company is offering a 60% sale on merchandise, as they will cease business soon. Rumors of that store closing have been circulating for months now. Although THE DREAM MACHINE had operated in the former EASTERN MOUNTAIN SPORTS location next to BEST BUY for quite some time, that space was always considered VACANT by mall management. Well it finally closed for good this weekend. Upscale replacements to both of these stores are supposedly in the works, but as of late May no formal announcement has been made as to what or when we’ll see these replacements.

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Debbi
May 30th, 2007 at 7:34 pm

I’ve never been to the Maine Mall, but the news of NY & Co. closing there as they’re not “upscale” enough is a head-scratcher to me, especially as I have seen them doing well in many malls that cater to that exact crowd. Or perhaps Lerner is in more trouble than I thought?

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mallguy
May 31st, 2007 at 12:28 am

Isn’t Lerner/NY & Co part of The Limited? They’ve renovated a lot of stores here in NJ, so I doubt they’re in trouble.

Speaking of The Limited and its divisions, I am very excited that Reuhl is expanding…great store!

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Matt from WI
May 31st, 2007 at 2:51 am

Limited consists of these banners currently:

The Limited
Bath & Body Works
White Barn Candle Co.
Victorias Secret
Victorias Secret Body
New York & Co. (aka Lerner New York, but this name is being phased out)

Why didn’t I list Express? Because they just got spun off / sold to another firm. Their ‘Limited’ stores aren’t doing too hot. Right now their core niche that is successful is the Bath & Body Works and Victorias Secret divisions.

Over the years, they also dumped off these chains, aside from the recent Express sell-off.

Structure (phased out for Express Mens banner)
Limited Too (At the time they spun this off, the chain was hurting)
Limited Express (became Express in the 1990s)

I’m sure they had other banners, but these are all I recall.

I’m not sure how they got NY & Co. I recall the stores from way back when they were called Lerner Shops (Shorterned to Lerner in the 1970s, then became Lerner New York in the late 1980s.

I can’t believe they’d be failing so soon. They’ve just only begun reopening stores in malls they used to be at back in their ‘Lerner’ days, and as stated, remodeling other former Lerner-branded locations to the new “NY & Co’ banner.

They’re mid-market, not upscale. Not going anywhere soon I don’t think.

[Reply]
Gary Nelson
May 31st, 2007 at 3:34 am

Just how upscale is the Maine Mall? Even with the departure of NY & Co., there are still a good number of stores that aren’t considered upscale. Unless the mall plans to incorporate a Nordstrom into the mix, I don’t really see the need to evict stores unless they’re performing poorly.

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Jonah N.
May 31st, 2007 at 8:57 am

I remember The Limited! There used to be one in my mall. Now it is a Steve & Barry’s. (along with several other stores that were sucked up)

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JF
May 31st, 2007 at 11:10 pm

The Maine Mall, at this point, cannot be considered upscale, and being in Maine, probably can only go so far. But at this point it doesn’t have much choice. Years ago customers from a wide radius came to shop there, but with so many mid-level stores opening lately in Augusta and Biddeford, the Maine Mall is in danger of losing much of its customer base, unless they can offer choices that the new centers in Maine do not offer. An article in the Portland paper mentioned that the former Scarborough Wal-Mart will be demolished for an upscale center once the new Wal-Mart supercenter is open, and the Scarborough Gallery just added 90,000 square feet to its proposal – not to mention the Cabela’s project nearby, which also will attract retail. In addition, Freeport is planning a lifestyle center with the new L.L. Bean renovation. In contrast, the Maine Mall has sort of dragged on for quite a few years without a lot of change, but unless it upscales itself some, there’s not much left in the “mid-range” to add.
Nordstrom will probably expand into every state eventually, but Northern New England apparently isn’t on their short term list for expansion yet. Maine Mall’s Filene’s is going to become a 16 screen movie theater. I agree with Mr Nelson – I wonder if NY & Company was doing poorly, or if another retailer wanted that space? Many of my co-workers like New York & Company, and are sorry to see it go.

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JF
June 14th, 2007 at 9:18 pm

A new tenant will begin construction of their Maine Mall store beginning the third week of June. It will be a prestige store found in most upscale malls. It will replace NEW YORK AND COMPANY. Portland shoppers should be excited about it.

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John
August 2nd, 2007 at 11:21 pm

JF, whats the name of the store?

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zayre88
August 5th, 2007 at 10:26 pm

A 1969 aerial photo of Jordan Marsh, before the Maine Mall! The area was pretty empty back then…

http://pictopia.com/perl/ptp?provider_id=326&ptp_photo_id=339016

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JF
August 7th, 2007 at 2:48 pm

The new store is BANANA REPUBLIC. It says on the site that it will be open this fall.

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JF
August 20th, 2007 at 10:43 pm

FYE is undergoing a reconstruction at this time. It’s been temporarily re-located, but when it reopens in the fall, it will be 1/2 the size that it presently is. Most CD stores are either downsizing or closing altogether in this downloading age, so it’s good that it’s remaining open. It’s rumored that T & C NAILS will move into the other half of the FYE space, freeing up another space for new retail in the mall. So far, the Au Bon Pain space is empty, what was supposed to be DISCOVERY CHANNEL STORE is still empty, and the d.e.m.o. space is also without a tenant. With the exception of BANANA REPUBLIC, the mall hasn’t made any public announcement of any more changes, including the long-delayed movie theater.

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Jonah Norason
August 21st, 2007 at 9:46 am

JF: Like I said in the Cherry Hill post, Discovery Channel Stores are gone, so it will never be filled in, at least not with DCS.

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JF
August 30th, 2007 at 11:13 pm

Jonah: Yes, I am aware DCS are gone; I expressed my words unclearly; sorry.

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JF
September 8th, 2007 at 10:19 am

SPENCER’S is in the process of changing locations. They’re going to take a space that was previously occupied by part of F.Y.E. (The CD store). Some employees had said T & C nails was going to make the move, but obviously it’s SPENDER’S.. F.Y.E. itself is undergoing a renovation, and like most CD stores these days, will be reduced slightly in size when it reopens. ORIGINS will be moving soon as well, to a location just to the left of COACH.

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JF
September 16th, 2007 at 8:05 pm

That was SPENCER’S; not SPENDERS. The Maine Mall, in my opinion, just plods along while other malls to the south grow and change. NORDSTROM has moved in to former Filene’s spaces in Massachusetts, but they’re not scheduled north of Boston as of yet. A movie theater should have opened by now in the former Filene’s, but construction hasn’t even started, poerhaps because of a lawsuit that needs to be settled ; not sure. The Filene’s mens is also still empty, and there are 11 other empty spaces in the mall just sitting there. What gets me is if General Growth was so quick to purchase this mall, which was one of the most successful in the country, why has nothing been done to revive it? They’d better get their act together, because a lifestyle center is being planed for Freeport that will contain upscale stores, plus a new shopping area is being planned at the site of the old Scarborough Wal-Mart, as soon as the new Supercenter opens, not to mention the new Cabela’s, which is estimated to attract millions of customers each year. I hope for better days in the Maine Mall.

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Geno
September 17th, 2007 at 9:15 pm

I havent lived in Maine for over 6 years, and have not been to the Maine Mall since. Banana Republic should be a welcomed addition to the tenant mix!!! Its intersting to find Maine is beginning to become more “upscale” hopefully the Maine Mall wont stray to far from its roots, change is growth , hopefully all the changes will benefit everyone who shops the Maine Mall.

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JF
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:03 pm

I also love the Maine Mall. I have so many great memories of it, ever since it was built. I remember Jordan Marsh sitting out there all alone for nearly two years before anything was attached to it. I also remember Portlanders saying “Why would anyone drive all the way out into the country when everything’s we’d ever want is right here on Congress Street?” Number one in the “How wrong can you be” category! I still have the insert that came with the Sunday Telegram for the 1971 grand opening. The first item I ever bought in the mall was a copy of Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” That was #1 on WLOB when the mall opened. I got it at Krey’s Disc Shop there. Gloria Jean’s Coffee occupies that space today. The mall has changed a lot since those days, and even though some complain that there aren’t enough new stores, at least the mall is neat,clean and safe. The stores that are there must be doing well, because they’re all staying open. Usually if a store in the mall closes, it’s not due to slow business, rather because the lease has expired and was not renewed.

[Reply]
JF
October 25th, 2007 at 6:39 am

On October 23rd, the South Portland Planning Board voted in favor on the current Maine Mall expansion plan. As the article stated, plans for a 14-screen cinema are still propsed, a 40,000 square foot expansion of the JCPenney store, three new restaurants – two of which will be free-standing; the third as part of a concourse leading from the present mall corridor into the movie complex. According to the report, the entire project would take five years to complete. The pending lawsuit would have to be settled before some parts of the expansion can begin. For me, I’m so disappointed that all they’ve been able to come up with is a movie theater for that prime space, and although the restairants have not yet been announced, some of the more popular choices in other malls such as Cheesecake Factory, or California Pizza Kitchen apparently are NOT being considered. The Maine Mall may be still considered ripe for retail expansion, but at this point, only three new retailers have added space there. Maybe in five years, we’ll be surprised. Some of us will be too old by then!!!

[Reply]
JF
October 28th, 2007 at 5:26 pm

BANANA REPUBLIC opened their new MAINE MALL store on Oct 28, 2007; very nice looking store, and a great addition. FYE has completed its downsizing, and reopens on Monday October 29th in their same space, only smaller and with SPENCER’S next door.

[Reply]
Dan
November 24th, 2007 at 5:12 pm

I just came from this mall a few hours ago. I only live a few miles away. I have worked in the mall at a few stores. I have a quite a few friends that work at this mall; some of wich work in the Best Buy. Speaking to one of them, I learned that Best buy will not infact be moving, they chose to stay at there current location. I also have learned that a multi-plex cinema will be moving to the former two story ladies Filenes. I have herd rumers swirling of some restraunts filling the other filenes. The mall also plans on a revitalization project to remondel the mall its self. This project will also include the expansion of the JC Penney anchor. With new high end store such as coach, and banana republic. Maybe with in the next few years this mall might see a Nordsrtom, Lord and Taylor or a Bloomingdales…Hopfuly it will I could really use some new places to shop =]

[Reply]
JF
December 10th, 2007 at 7:42 pm

Although everything is just rumour at this time, Nordstrom doesn’t have any Northern New England location as part of its five year plan for expansion. As for Lord and Taylor, they are under new ownership, and many of their underperforming stores have closed, so I think they’re concentrating on just keeping what they have. Bloomingdale’s seems too upscale for this market, but who knows? My guess is to look out for the old Filene’s men’s and furniture store. I’ve heard new stores are coming there, and the whole area may be redesigned. I’ve also heard that the wing toward Sears will be an area of focus, since there’s not much down there to attract shoppers aside from Lines and Things. The entire Maine Mall Road/Payne Road area is becoming more competitive, because of the new Lowe’s/Wal Mart Center, and the Cabela’s Gateway Project in Scarborough. According to the South Portlander website, restaurants are in talks with management of all of these centers, not to mention the high-end lifestyle center planned for the old Wal-Mart site once the new Supercenter opens. I think we’ll see a lot of new shopping opportunities in the Southern Maine market in the next few years, but the biggest changes may not be at the Maine Mall.

[Reply]
Jeff
December 19th, 2007 at 2:55 am

I would just like to know where all the shoppers for all these “high end” stores are supposed to be coming from? Every mall I visit in the Northeast seems to be reconfiguring to be a clone high end retail center, with the same overpriced stores and the same white tile. Meanwhile, all I’ve heard for years is that there are no high-paying jobs to be had in Maine, and with all the economic indicators (especially the mortgage mess and housing market) pointing toward a meltdown, who ARE all these shoppers who apparently won’t set foot in a mall unless they are offered the opportunity to go into even more debt? It all seems like insanity to me.

[Reply]
danroman
December 19th, 2007 at 12:03 pm

That’s a good question Jeff. What’s the point of adding high-end stores if the area can’t support that? The economy is in very bad shape for all these overpriced stores to be invading malls everywhere, what’s the point of it all?

You’d think with the tough times today, outlet stores would be a much better choice, but I don’t know…

[Reply]
JF
December 26th, 2007 at 6:11 pm

I agree with both Dan and Jeff. Even in areas where the market easily supports the high-end stores, people are probably overspending there as well. One big problem is perception. If well-heeled shoppers in Maine are aware that “better” retail choices exist in Massachusetts, they’ll head there, just as they did back in the 50’s before the Maine Mall was built. When that type of exodus occurs, the mall management will bring in the new stores to keep shoppers close to home. Maine is one of the last states to be affected by the new high-end retailers; new stores are being supported in markets with less population AND less income than Southern Maine. But in ten years, who knows? Many of these stores will perhaps go out of business, due to the flat economy. While I feel that Maine should have the same retail opportunities as other states with similar population, I won’t be able to afford many of the high-end ones.

[Reply]
CE
December 29th, 2007 at 9:48 am

FWIW, the K-B Toys store is being closed. It is not on the list of this being liquidated by DJM, like Auburn Mall and Brunswick. Perhaps it is just a normal lease expiration. Also, the Sheraton Hotel has been reflagged as a Wyndham.

Many of the affluent shoppers are already shopping high end stores from Maine via the Internet or catalog options (i.e. Bloomingdale’s by Mail, Nordstrom, etc.) These higher end stores have been more immune to the economic pressures affecting Wal-Mart, Penney’s, even Target.

[Reply]
JF
February 29th, 2008 at 9:51 pm

An article appeared in the February 26 and 27th editions of the Portland Press Herald regarding a huge project being planned in Westbrook called “Stroudwater Place.” The article stated that eventually, there would be 1 million square feet devoted to retail, and the developers are looking for high-enders such as Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, Cheesecake Factory, and Legal Sea Foods among other nationally known upscale tenants. In addition, there would be a large farmers market, offices, sports and movie entertainment, indoor gardens, and a convention center. According to the developers, high-end retail is a segment that Maine shoppers have never had, and would support in large numbers. It would be built in stages over 6 to 8 years, with the retail part probably coming first. With the 4,000 permanent jobs it will create, the center has a great amount of support from all over Maine.
The Maine Mall, on the other hand, will face stiff competition for the first time if this “Destination Center” is built. With limited space available to suit upscale tenants, no space at all to expand up or out, and with a lawsuit dragging on and on, the Maine Mall, in my perception, will definitely lose its edge as the premier shopping experience for Southern Maine. Like so many other cities across the country, the Portland market finally will be able to offer its retail customers a choice they’ve earned!

[Reply]
Jonah Norason
March 1st, 2008 at 8:49 pm

Hmm…sounds like the “Riverplace” project that could’ve killed Pheasant Lane Mall!

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Ben
March 2nd, 2008 at 2:14 pm

i like this idea… seems like everyone’s expanding except Northern Maine!
A question about a previous post, the NY & Co, don’ t they have a store in Bangor? At least that’s what the website said…..
I would also like to see the Bangor Mall expand, there’s so much it has now and it probably will want more soon, but there’s just no room left… i believe almost every store is filled with something…. what are they going to do? I know the Bangor area is expanding, their getting a WalMart supercenter and restaurant (Red Robin) coming soon…

[Reply]
JF
March 2nd, 2008 at 9:43 pm

I read that the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua is planning to add on a “Lifestyle” component, in response to the objections to the proposed “Riverplace” in nearby Hudson. I think Bangor could do well with something like that. Bangor doesn’t have as much population around it as Portland or Nashua, but it DOES have the advantage of being close to New Brunswick, and with the Canadian dollar as it is, many Canadianas are flocking to Bangor as it is! Bangor is also the major shopping center for a good part of Aroostook County! I agree with Ben; Bangor Mall is nearly full, which is more I can say about South Portland, which has at least 8 empty spaces currently not spoken for. I wonder how many stores the mall could get if they added a second floor? If Bangor can’t get the upscale stores, why not add an outlet center, like Wrentham or Kittery? That would attract many shoppers from Central and Northern Maine, as well as Canada. Bangor is a small city, but I think it offers more than most cities its size. It has great potential!

[Reply]
Ben
March 7th, 2008 at 8:27 pm

yeah, it sounds like a good idea to add a second floor, but unfortunately if Portland does have a second floor on their mall, there’s no way Bangor’s just suddenly going to have the largest mall in the state. Aroostook County people already come to Bangor for their things more than any other place, in fact, the JCPenny and Sears that are all ready up here don’t offer as much as what Bangor and portland have, we have the leftovers up here! I don’t know of any other retail coming to Bangor, fill me in please, I know their getting a Hilton Hotel last time I was there, it was just going up. There’s the walmart project, and is that it? I would love for Bangor to get a Chuck E Cheese or some other upscale store, we will see. They certainly have the retail to support it!

[Reply]
JF
March 7th, 2008 at 11:25 pm

Some have suggested that Bangor will look more attractive as a retail destination once the Hollywood Slots project is complete. But from my experience in Connecticut with Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods, visitors there rarely leave the building, and the retail is built within the casino’s walls. Unless Hollywood Slots decides on its own retail space, there probably won’t be much spillover. I’m not sure. I know that the Maine Mall here in South Portland is working hard to fill its empty spaces; I would imagine with the slowing economy it’s much more difficult, as it is everywhere in the country these days. But construction WILL begin soon on the Filene’s Home Store renovation. No tenants have yet been announced, but rumor has it there’ll be fairly upscale retailers brand new to Maine. That will be something to look forward to! From my perception, the upscale stores added in Portland – Pottery Barn, Coach, Banana Republic – have proven to be popular, so this should act as a stimulus for other upscale retailers to locate at either the Maine Mall or the proposed Stroudwater Place.

[Reply]
TrickyNicky
March 8th, 2008 at 2:27 am

“Speaking of The Limited and its divisions, I am very excited that Reuhl is expanding…great store! ”

mallguy – Ruehl is actually a division of Abercrombie & Fitch, which was severed from Limited Brands in the 90s. New York & Company was also split off from Limited Brands in 2003 and is now a separate company. Ironically, Limited Brands sold controlling interest of its namesake brand to Sun Capital Partners in August 2007 … I wonder how much longer the company will be called Limited Brands, considering it doesn’t own The Limited anymore. They also sold off Express and Express Men brands to Golden Gate Capital in May 2007. Their reasoning was to focus on its personal care and intimate apparel chains (Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, LaSenza, etc.)

[Reply]
SEAN
March 8th, 2008 at 12:47 pm

To add to what Tricky Nicky said above, something else that Limited Brands is doing, is reinvesting in real estate in their hometown of Columbus Ohio. A mega development called “Easton” includes apartments, headquarters for some current & former chains of Limited Brands, other office uses & a 1.5 million square foot lifestyle/ town center. http://www.eastontowncenter.com

The project was developed in partnership with a local specialty developer Steiner Associates & The Georgetown Company of New York.

Based on the calliber of the tennents they have on board, the project has been nothing short of fantastic. Be sure to check the link above & you’ll understand why Les Wexner Made those choices, it was a no brainer.

[Reply]
JF
March 9th, 2008 at 4:44 pm

Sean – I clicked on that Easton Town Center; WOW! It has all of the tenants the Maine Mall CLAIMS are interested (and then some!), but with GGP doing next to nothing attracting new tenants, The Maine Mall will never see anything close. But the Stroudwater Place proposal is focused on upscale development – I’m confident they’ll work a lot harder than GGP, since there’s more of a local connection. Perhaps at least SOME of these great stores may find their way to Maine sometime soon! We can only hope!

[Reply]
SEAN
March 9th, 2008 at 6:55 pm

I never understood the GGP way of doing things in terms of atracting new & better stores to it’s malls.

I saw a video were the company had a press conference after buying some malls, and when the members of the business press questioned how the transaction was handled finantially the CEO lost his cool & had a mini meltdown with cameras rolling. This happened several years ago, but it was quite memmerable, because it was not the first time the CEO went off on the press.

[Reply]
JF
March 9th, 2008 at 8:42 pm

If GGP doesn’t get its act together, their property here in Maine will eventually become a dead mall. Although there is construction soon to start on at least two new stores, there are still ten other spaces sitting empty (including a Filene’s), and it’s nothing to do with how unattractive the Portland market is; but rather GGP’s dragging its feet, due to either lawsuits or its unability to satisfy prospective tenants with what’s available. For months, you watch the GO! Games temporary store, or the Puzzle Store, or the Tiffany Lamp store, or the Calendar Club store switch from empty space to empty space. It gets really old and lame fast!!! One of the temporary spaces has boats on display; probably they’ll stay there all summer. It truly gives the illusion of nothing going on, which for me is certainly my impression! But for those who are ready to give up, at least the Stroudwater Place proposal means that SOMEONE has faith in our market.

[Reply]
JF
March 14th, 2008 at 6:55 pm

Well, one thing that’s improved – the boats have disappeared; guess they won’t be there all summer. The property across the street from the mall reportedly is being negotiated by a major bookseller (BARNES & NOBLE?) and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. Those would be wonderful choices for that property. Recently it was announced that FOREVER 21 will take over part of the Filene’s Home Store location, with an international clothing chain looking for space in the other part of Filene’s Home Store. A computer store and cosmetics store are also in negotiation, it was reported. (SEPHORA and APPLE???)
If those go through, that would be a major step in the right direction; just the shot in the arm the Maine Mall needs. CRACKER BARREL is also looking for space somewhere in the mall area, after being rejected in Scarborough.

[Reply]
Jonah Norason
April 3rd, 2008 at 8:23 pm

I really like this mall for some reason, whether it be the Best Buy or the octagonal-shaped Filene’s Home store! I think I’m just a sucker for unusually-shaped anchor stores. (that’s why Queens Center is cool, too!)

[Reply]
JF
April 4th, 2008 at 10:13 pm

General Growth has apparently abandoned its plans for a movie theater in the former Filene’s building. In the couple of years since Regal Cinemas made this proposal, a 16 screen Cinemagic opened a few miles away in Westbrook, and the former Clarks Pond Cinema re-opened with an upsacle 10-screen complex known as Cinemagic Grand. Consequently, the area has been saturated with theaters already. The article I read states that mall management is still working hard to fill the present vacancies within the mall itself, and to develop the parcel across the street. Those plans have not been dropped. With the economy taking a downturn, and with no major tenants for Filene’s, it may end up sitting
empty for quite a while longer. The proposed STROUDWATER PLACE destination center in Westbrook is planned to be built in stages, so as the ecomony improves, new stores can be added gradually, unlike the Maine Mall, which has empty spaces that need to be filled immediately. I do think that over the next few years, the Maine Mall will lose its edge in the Portland area as the dominant retailer unless GGP gets busy and adds more upscale retail. Progress is horrendously slow there. But from what I’ve heard, the Westbrook proposal has had positive reaction, so my hopes are turning to this project, as I am losing interest in the Maine Mall rapidly!

[Reply]
JF
April 30th, 2008 at 8:38 pm

As of early May, there are signs of change in the Maine Mall. Both TEAVANA and APPLE have advertised for job openings, and four or five other great tenants are rumored to have either signed or are close to signing leases to move in. I noticed that the Vogel’s Hallmark store has “STORE CLOSING” signs on their windows. This is one of the original stores left from the mall’s opening in 1971, and along with Sears, in its original location. Both Lamey-Wellehan and Radio Shack have moved, and Waldenbooks expanded. Although the Maine Mall probably doesn’t need two Hallmark stores, it’s sad to see employees lose their jobs. One woman said she’d been working there for 25 years. I hope these dedicated workers find new employment soon. It hasn’t been announced where APPLE’S location will be. The mall has been known to shuffle some retailers around, so time will tell what the Hallmark space will be used for. But with that location gone, there is room in that wing for APPLE’S arrival.

[Reply]
RK
May 20th, 2008 at 7:55 am

Any word yet on the Apple location?

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JF
May 21st, 2008 at 5:53 am

I have heard that APPLE doesn’t advertise its location until about a week before its store opens. But once VOGEL’S HALLMARK closes, I have a feeling it will move to that spot, which is across from POTTERY BARN and AEROPOSTALE.

[Reply]
JF
May 21st, 2008 at 8:31 pm

WALDENBOOKS’ last day in the mall will be May 31. There was a talk of renovation, but I guess that won’t happen. I have heard that the MAINE MALL’S major focus in the next year was going to be the wing between WALDENBOOKS and G.M. POLLACK’S. Apparently, they are holding true to that promise. There are now five empty spaces there, all vacated by stores which had long since served their purpose.(Wilson’s Leather, Finish Line, Hammett’s Learning World, Spencer’s (moved to a new location), and Waldenbooks) I’m excited to see the mall breathe new life into that wing. It’s much needed!

[Reply]
JF
May 23rd, 2008 at 8:11 pm

APPLE may not be coming to the HALLMARK spot after all…No one is saying where its location will be, or when it will open.

[Reply]
Six Reasons Why Freeport is a Better Location for an Apple Retail Store than the Maine Mall
May 25th, 2008 at 9:11 am

[...] An Apple Computer retail store is finally coming to Maine. Justin Ellis of the Portland Press Herald broke the story in mid-April (after discovering job postings by Apple), but to date there has been no formal announcement of timing or location. The job posts, unfortunately, indicate the location is the Maine Mall so it’s possible that this post is too late. But no one I’m aware of, including the vigilant folks who write about the Maine Mall on the LabelScar blog, can identify a specific site under construction yet. Apple brilliantly controls its PR and is notoriously clever in their public relations. Maybe, just maybe, this isn’t a done deal. [...]
JF
May 28th, 2008 at 9:41 pm

I agree with “Six Reasons” – until the APPLE logo appears, I don’t think anyone can say with certainty that it’s coming. Right now, the wing beyond G.M. POLLACK’S is pretty dead. There are presently 4 spots in a row vacant, except for the temporary RAVE-X store, and by the end of the week WALDENBOOKS will be empty as well. It’s odd; GGP paid so much for this mall, yet when stores close, they often sit empty for months, even years before something new comes along. I notice down on the food court, there’s an auto credit dealer moving in to the old Dream Machine #1 spot. With all the stores Maine Mall needs, that’s best they could do there???? It certainly gives the impression that nothing is going on, at least for now. Over at the former Porteous is where the changes are coming at the moment.

[Reply]
JF
May 29th, 2008 at 10:19 pm

I would say the VOGEL’S HALLMARK location and the old PORTEOUS locations are spots in the Maine Mall to watch. From what I hear, good things are happening at those two hotspots. Maybe what was originally expected at the HALLMARK store is coming after all, since the job postings are still online to see!

[Reply]
Kerry
June 7th, 2008 at 7:45 pm

They should have a crate and barrel in one of the empty spaces. I think it would do pretty well. Im sooo exited for forever 21 to go into the mall

[Reply]
Ed Ruskin
June 20th, 2008 at 1:38 am

Kind of weird, why the heck did Macy’s closed the Filene’s stores, they has 2, they should ahve just closed the original Macy’s Jordan Marsh and kept the 2 Filene’s stores, that’s stupid, why close the 2 locations? the same happened on the North County Fair Westfield in Escondido CA, they had 2 Robinson May stores, both close and they kept their original Macy’s! What a waste, just close the one Macy’s and keep the dual location! By the way, i hated the Discovery Channel Stores, i was happy when the one in the same mall (NoCoFa) closed! DCS were for nerds

[Reply]
GENO
June 21st, 2008 at 12:35 pm

Does anyone know when the H&M store is going to open in the Maine Mall, and are they going to carry mens items?? The Salem NH store has womens and childrens clothing only.

[Reply]
CE
June 25th, 2008 at 8:03 pm

A Coldwater Creek store is being built in the former Spencers Gifts and Wilsons Leather shells.

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JF
June 25th, 2008 at 11:21 pm

With FOREVER 21, H & M, COLDWATER CREEK, and APPLE coming in, the MAINE MALL is certainly upscaling itself. I’m not sure when H & M is set to open. I know CRAIGSLIST has ads for managers at the Maine Mall H & M store; if it opens when FOREVER 21 does, it would probably be September or October. WILLIAMS/SONOMA is planning a major move up to the center court early next year, and the store will expand greatly. Rumors are that a popular makeup and cosmetics chain (SEPHORA?) will be taking their vacated space.

[Reply]
Scott
June 30th, 2008 at 2:39 pm

I can confrom that the Apple store will be opening at the former Vogel’s Hallmark (Store E-107) site.

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JF
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:05 pm

The FOREVER 21 store in the Maine Mall will be 26,000 square feet, and the H & M store will be 17,000. COLDWATER CREEK will take up the two former stores to have a combined space of 6,600 square feet. APPLE, which may not announce its opening, I understand, until the day before it actually DOES open, will be 5,500 square feet.

[Reply]
Bengee
July 6th, 2008 at 12:57 am

H&M is said to be opening late fall/early winter. I’m very excited!

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JF
July 6th, 2008 at 7:10 pm

In response to GENO, who was wondering if men’s clothing was going to be available at the Maine Mall H & M, my guess is yes. The store is 17,000 square feet which makes it larger than the Rockingham store, and the photos on their “opening soon” sign show two men and two women posing with H & M’s latest fashions!

[Reply]
GENO
July 6th, 2008 at 8:23 pm

JF,

Thanks for the info, I havent been in the mall, in a few weeks, its good to know they should be carrying mens items in additionto womens clothing. Next I hope we get to see California Pizza Kitchen!

[Reply]
JF
July 9th, 2008 at 7:48 pm

I did a little investigation whether H & M would carry men’s clothing. If you look under GGP’s website, you can get a downloadable plan of every mall they own, which lists each retailer and square footage within their malls.Then, on H & M’s website, you can look up any of their stores and find out what departments each H & M store has. I noticed that every H & M store of 14,000 square feet or more carried men’s, but there were quite a few, including some upscale malls (Providence Place, for one), that did NOT have a men’s department. The Providence store is less than 8,000 square feet, but the Brass Mill H & M in Waterbury CT (a fairly low-end mall) has a men’s department because it is 26,000 square feet. So the Maine Mall’s H & M is 17,000 square feet, which should be enough to have a men’s department. I hope.

[Reply]
Jutty
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:55 am

When I was at the mall last week I asked customer service, I asked about it and was told that H&M would be men and women’s but Forever 21 would be only Women’s. I was expecting that H&M would take up most of the space that used to be Filene’s, which would be almost all the same size at The Sports Authority. Wouldn’t it make sense that Forever 21 would be smaller than H&M? I’ve been to 3 Forever 21 stores, two of them are in NYC, one of those two which is at Union Sq. has a men’s section the other doesn’t. The other Forever 21 i’ve been to at West Farm’s in CT has a men’s section.

[Reply]
N
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:44 pm

does anyone know what space in the mall teavana will be occupying and when it’s slated to open?

[Reply]
JF
July 27th, 2008 at 1:29 am

From my experience, Customer Service in the Maine Mall is usually the LAST to know anything, so if they say FOREVER 21 will be only women’s, don’t take their word for it. I asked just last week if H & M would have a men’s, and the girl at the desk said she’d never heard of H & M, even though their enormous “coming soon” banner practically faces the information desk! I’m from Hartford, and the Westfarms FOREVER 21 is smaller than ours is supposed to be, but there is a small men’s section there. Westfarms also has FOR LOVE 21, which is the same company, but sells accessories. The H & M coming to Westfarms is also smaller than ours, and there’s been no anouncement if there’s a mens or not there. But I would say at 17,000 sq feet here in South Portland, a men’s is almost certain. The smaller CT H & Ms, such as Danbury, do not have a men’s, but the 15,000 sq foot one in Waterbury does. As for TEAVANA, I heard that they’re still coming but there was no space right for them. They need a small space – 800 square feet, I was told. Now I heard that Williams-Sonoma is moving up to where THE DREAM MACHINE was, locating on both sides of GLORIA JEAN’S COFFEE. Perhaps if all that space is larger than W/S needs, TEAVANA could occupy 800 square feet of that. I’m not sure, WALDENBOOKS and DISNEY space is too big, and the vacant spots next to A T & T are too big as well.

[Reply]
Jessica
July 27th, 2008 at 9:43 pm

I use to be a big target at this mall. Back in 1997 when I was 17 Sears use to have a fundraiser where if you pay a dollar to these teeneged male Sears employees they not kidden give you a Piggy Back ride through the whole mall, even the one time when I was shopping for straight 2 hours this guy Piggy Backed rided me through the whole mall into all the stores and I pointed out what I want and it held all the bags while he was carrying me. I didn’t even have to request this he just saw me and requested me before someone requested him. I havent seened him in years though.

[Reply]
JF
August 15th, 2008 at 9:57 am

FOREVER 21 has a table set up near the information desk, taking applications for their new MAINE MALL store. In my last blog, I mentioned that usually the customer service reps are always the LAST to know anything. Well, sure enough….I asked if the MAINE MALL FOREVER 21 would have a men’s department, and both of the representatives from FOREVER 21 said YES, even though customer service had said NO.. So as far as I know, both H & M and FOREVER 21 will sell men’s fashions.
Rumor has it also that A T & T will be moving into the space vacated by DISNEY, freeing up even more space in the dead wing between G M POLLACK’S and SEARS. I would imagine that the more open space there is down there, the greater the choices for new tenants there would be. With LINENS N THINGS doing poorly nationally, and OLD COUNTRY BUFFET near the end, the mall probably needs to wait and see what happens with them before they start to make any plans. But at least COLDWATER CREEK is a good start for new blood in that wing. I also notice that the wonderful seasonal Halloween and Christmas stores will be returning, as well as ITZ A PUZZLE. Whoopie.

[Reply]
JF
August 18th, 2008 at 7:44 pm

URBAN BEHAVIOR is closing. They have signs in their windows that read merchandise 50% to 90% off. That’s another space in the dead wing open for something better. I’m hoping.

[Reply]
N
August 19th, 2008 at 5:30 pm

A small space needs to open up so Teavana can finally open in the mall. I’m been waiting forever for them to come here.

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N
August 19th, 2008 at 5:32 pm

When did the Disney Store close by the way? I’m not at the mall that often but often enough to notice that the Disney Store hasn’t been gone very long.

[Reply]
N
August 19th, 2008 at 5:34 pm

should have just made one post but I keep thinking of things..

so Old Country Buffet is closing? If so, that location would be perfect for a California Pizza Kitchen.

[Reply]
JF
August 19th, 2008 at 11:56 pm

I can’t remember the exact date that the Disney Store closed, but I know that the signs were up around Memorial Day. The signs in the window kept counting down the number of days left. I’ve noticed quite a few Disney Stores not doing well in various malls I’ve visited. There are many who say Disney stores charged too high a price simply for their name, and from what I’ve seen in there, I can’t help but agree. I think the store’s closing was a good idea, considering the upscale stores that are moving into this wing. With the success of the more higher-end retailers such as COACH, CHICO’S, CACHE, WALKING COMPANY, BANANA REPUBLIC, the mall can offer Maine shoppers a higher level of choice, and this space is a great location to keep that momentum going. Rumors were around that A T & T would move from their present location to that spot, but to me, a phone store doesn’t fit into the mix that the mall has created there. An employee in the now closed Waldenbooks said that California PIzza Kitchen had been rumored to be interested in part of their space. Apparently they changed their minds, but if Old County Buffet does eventually close all their restaurants, maybe CPK would be interested again, since that space would be much larger.
Then again…there’s STROUDWATER PLACE. Tonight the Westbrook City Council approved to change the zoning, clearing the second hurdle for this project, which when complete, will have a million square feet of upscale retail, office and exhibition space; larger overall than the MAINE MALL. If this project goes through, and the developer is said to have good connections, the big name stores will be going there.

[Reply]
Jordan
August 21st, 2008 at 5:06 pm

The Maine Mall was always the place I went for back to school shopping, because that is where all the good stores were when I was a kid (which wasn’t all that long ago. Think early-mid 90s.) My family drove the 2.5 hours down to South Portland from Bangor, making a stop in Freeport, and later adding Augusta to the list as it got built up (had the best Old Navy, and currently the best, in the state.) Everything was bigger and better in Portland, and it still has certain stores that have their only foothold in the state there (Banana Republic for example.)

Bangor has only recently been attracting typical mall stores. I live in VA, but I’ve heard that recently in the mall there has opened a Hollister, a Charlotte Russe, a Trade Secret, Starbucks, and an Arie. This is the most the mall has grown since I was in 7th grade when the Filenes (now Macy’s) wing opened.

Even with the recent growth of the Bangor Mall, I suspect that most Bangor residents are still going to travel south for the outlets and the Maine Mall. There’s nothing too much to worry about, though it would be cool if a Sephora went into the Filene’s homestore spot.

[Reply]
N
August 25th, 2008 at 12:58 pm

another idea that popped into my head the other day was the vacant spot that vinny’s t left open next to chucky cheese’s…that building would make a good location for a P.F. CHANG’S. i’m sure if that westbrook mall deal gets approved and what not then that would be a more attractive of a location for Chang’s than the old Vinny T’s spot.

[Reply]
N
August 25th, 2008 at 12:58 pm

another idea that popped into my head the other day was the vacant spot that vinny’s t left open next to chucky cheese’s…that building would make a good location for a P.F. CHANG’S. i’m sure if that westbrook mall deal gets approved and what not then that would be a more attractive of a location for Chang’s than the old Vinny T’s spot.

[Reply]
JF
August 25th, 2008 at 6:08 pm

I read in the “South Portlander” website a few months ago that P F Chang’s was indeed in discussions with opening a location here. I think the spot is across the street where the old movie theater/Pizza Hut/IHOP property once was; now known as “MAINE MALL COMMONS.” Barnes & Noble is still in talks as well for that location. P F Chang’s is building in Farmington CT at the Westfarms Mall there; right by one of the entrances. It looks like a palace there. With the stores found there, and compared to Burlington and other malls in Massachusetts, the Maine Mall is years and years behind the times, even with the 4 new stores coming.

[Reply]
Jutty
August 26th, 2008 at 12:47 pm

I was at Westfarms mall yesterday afternoon for about a half hour. The H&M is open there now. It has men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. I’m not sure the size of that store, I asked an associate but she didn’t know. I’m guessing that the H&M at the Maine Mall will be like the one at Westfarms. When I was at Westfarms a month ago, I visited the Teavana store and was talking to the woman working there about the one opening at Maine Mall, she said that It was planning to open in September. I’m not sure where its going to be located. I think that maybe Journey’s could move to a larger location and Teavana coud go in that spot.

There are a number of stores that are both in the Bangor Mall and the Maine Mall, that opened at the Bangor Mall first like American Eagle Outfitters, and Hot Topic.

[Reply]
JF
August 26th, 2008 at 6:05 pm

I know that Teavana had job postings for the Maine Mall, but the former manager said to me that Teavana needed 800 square feet, and it didn’t want to move into any of the spaces that were then available, because the spaces were too large. An associate in the mall said people had been talking about its possible location. Apparently, Williams/Sonoma is going to make a major move soon, locating in the original wing on either side of Gloria Jean’s.If they take the space that’s now occupied by Picture People/Ritz Camera/and the vacant spot to the right,it makes a total of 5578; add to that the space of the old Dream Machine, that totals 10,538. I don’t think W/S will take all of that, but there would be space for Teavana in that area. Many in the mall are saying that cosmetics store SEPHORA will take the W/S location as soon as they move.

[Reply]
HA
August 28th, 2008 at 2:12 pm

I would LOVE it if we finally got a Sephora. I have always wondered why we don’t have one here. I’m hoping those rumors are true.

It is about Maine got with the times here! It is not the freakin Ice Ages. A Nordies would be great too…maybe someday.

Does anyone know when H&M and F21 are opening? I know sometime this fall but does anyone know more specifically?

[Reply]
JF
August 29th, 2008 at 10:49 pm

I wsa at the mall on Thursday the 28th, and I asked one of the workers on the Forever XXI side when they were opening. He had no idea, but I can see that the light fixtures are mostly in, and the walls look all painted and ready. The H & M side has walls and some fixtures up as well, so I think both of them will open in September. Apple’s blog also says September; Coldwater Creek I can’t see through the cracks well enough to make out their progress.
I spoke with the mall’s former manager two years ago, and at that time Sephora was interested in coming. It’s not that these major retailers don’t want to be here. I’ve heard that when SIMON was in charge of the leases, they signed many stores for longer-than-average leases, and they haven’t run out yet. I do think that when some of the lower end leases expire, the mall will add more upscale choices. As for Nordstrom, Mr Snyder who is developing the Stroudwater Place project, says he’d like to bring stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale’s to the area. I also think that having a destination store like Cabela’s nearby strengthens the whole Southern Maine market. It has a long way to go, but I think it’s improving. We’re pretty much on par with Rockingham Park in Salem NH, and certainly better off than either Manchester, Nashua, or Newington NH.

[Reply]
John Fenlason
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:27 pm

September 20 opening date for FOREVER XXI
November 8 for H & M – or so they’re saying -they’re both having job fairs now

[Reply]
Ben
September 5th, 2008 at 7:56 pm

I wonder if Hollister is going to come to the mall- surprised Bangor has it but Portland doesn’t….. hmmm……

[Reply]
JF
September 6th, 2008 at 12:19 pm

I too wish Hollister would come to the mall. A representative for the Maine Mall said that Hollister does want to come to South Portland, but there are no spaces at the moment that are large enough. I think that a few stores, WIlliams/Sonoma for one, that are planning major expansions or moves, so some of the stores that are now empty will be used for temporary locations when the moves are going on. Once the moves are complete, new spaces will appear.I still would be surprised if Hollister does NOT come in the bext two years.

[Reply]
JF
September 6th, 2008 at 4:46 pm

I was at the mall on Saturday,September 6, and the barricade in front of APPLE has come down. The workmen are putting finishing touches in back, but the tables are all ready and it looks like the store will open early next week. It will certainly be a great addition. I also heard from mall employees that Forever XXI doesn’t have a full crew quite yet, so probably will open a little later than September 20th. H & M apparently has moved their opening ahead to sometime in October, I heard.

[Reply]
F.M.
September 8th, 2008 at 9:17 pm

APPLE GRAND OPENING 9:30 September 13

[Reply]
BT
September 9th, 2008 at 8:10 am

Does anyone know whether the Maine Mall H&M will carry children’s clothing?

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Jutty
September 10th, 2008 at 12:57 am

Does anyone know the size of the H&M at Westfarms in CT? I was in there 2 weeks ago. They have women’s men’s and children’s clothing, I ask an associate but she didn’t know. I noticed the the store locator at hm.com doesn’t list men’s as available at the Westfarms location even though they do have it.

[Reply]
JF
September 10th, 2008 at 7:13 am

I too was at Westfarms two weeks ago. Judging by the size of the South Portland H & M, I would say that South Portland’s is slightly larger, and that’s 17,000 square feet. I’d say Westfarms is between 13,000 and 15,000, although I can’t find out for sure. But H & M’s store locator DOES list a men’s for Westfarms. South Portland has a men’s also. The Brass Mill Center, in Waterbury CT, a not-too-exciting mall, has nonetheless a very large H & M that’s over 25,000 square feet! For the size of the South Portland store, my guess is that it would carry children’s, since it’s one of the larger New England H & M’s.

[Reply]
JF
September 10th, 2008 at 10:17 pm

H & M will carry mens and childrens. They will not carry juniors. H & M opens NOV 6 – FOREVER 21 opens SEPT 19

[Reply]
JF
September 13th, 2008 at 10:14 pm

The new APPLE store opened on September 13 to a long line of waiting and excited fans. The first 1,000 people got a free T-SHIRT! In addition, FOREVER XXI took its barricade down on Friday night, revealing a high-class marquis, classier than any FOREVER XXI I’ve seen yet. H & M’s manager promises their entry will be even more spectacular. I just hope the MAINE MALL keeps this momentum going, after the four new stores open.

[Reply]
Bob
September 14th, 2008 at 9:58 pm

I don’t think anyone has mentioned that AMATOS has opened in the food court in the old au bon pain location.I’ve been there a few times during busy times and they had no customers.The majority of customers in the food court are usually at McDonalds or Taco Bell.

[Reply]
nl
September 15th, 2008 at 10:50 am

I heard F21 isnt supposed to open until the first weekend in October due to hiring complications.

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Jutty
September 17th, 2008 at 12:09 am

The last time I bought food at the mall beside either cookies or ice cream, I got something from Amatos.It was a Saturday this summer and they were pretty busy.

Forever 21 must have taken down the barricade after the mall closed Friday, because I was there, probably until 7 or 7:30 and it was still up.

JF on 9/10 you posted “South Portland has a men’s also”, where did you find this out, I’m glad this has been confirmed because I love H&M and won’t have to drive to Boston to shop at one. I did find out that they will have men’s on the forum on the H&M Myspace page. I’m thinking that this store will me similar to the one at Westfarms. I think the Downtown Crossing H&M in Boston is the largest in New England.

Any more info on Teavana? I’ve been thinking that maybe journey’s could use a larger space and Teavana could go there. What had been T&C Nails would had been perfect. The mall also needs and American Apparel.

[Reply]
JF
September 17th, 2008 at 6:18 am

I walk in the mall about three times a week for exercise, and I talk to so many people. The former manager also spoke many times with me. He was very friendly, and all the employees were fond of him. Anyway, I found out about the mens department from three sources. One of the employees at the customer service desk said she had heard it; I asked the employees who were conducting the job fair, and they confirmed it, and now the store manager is conducting interviews himself, and he also said yes. At 17,000 square feet, this is a much larger-than average H & M. Forever XXI also has a mens, according to the employees at the job fair there.
I have to be careful about what I eat these days, so I have stopped at AMATO’S there every so often, and every time I stopped, I had to wait in a long line.
As for TEAVANA, I haven’t heard lately, but I was told that it’s still coming, but they’re waiting for a space that’s right for them. They need 800 square feet, and all the spaces now available are too large. So what someone thought would happen was when WILLIAMS/SONOMA makes their big move, part of the space includes the old EMS, or DREAM MACHINE space up by BEST BUY. Maybe they could move into a slot there, and be close to GLORIA JEAN’S. I’m not sure; I don’t think the mall has any other definite stores lined up until after the holidays. But I’ll keep walking and try to find out any plans they have!

[Reply]
N
September 19th, 2008 at 9:52 am

Forever XXI opened today at 9:30. I stopped in real quick on a break from work to check it out. The store is f’n massive. I’ve been to the flagship Forever XXI with my girlfriend in Pasadena, CA which is huge but this store blows that one of the water. The Maine Mall really needed this…bad. The men section isn’t bad at all. Good size. Today I think is the soft opening. Tomorrow is the true Grand Opening according to the store’s GM.

[Reply]
N
September 19th, 2008 at 10:09 am

Once we finally get a Teavana, American Apparel, P.F Chang’s, and California Pizza Kitchen, I will never have to stop/eat at another other mall in New England lol. My girlfriend and I usually take mini trips every now and then around New England and usually try and stop at the mall in the area we are in since the Maine Mall has lacked in good stores until most recently.

[Reply]
N
September 19th, 2008 at 10:10 am

oh, and also Cracker Barrel and Trader Joe’s..then I will be a happy camper. haha.

[Reply]
e
September 19th, 2008 at 6:01 pm

Does the “true grand opening” mean there will be free stuff? I was surprised they didn’t hand out anything this morning…

[Reply]
JF
September 19th, 2008 at 8:44 pm

While I think the four new openings are wonderful, the MAINE MALL still has a long way to go. In the SEARS wing, there’s nothing beyond COLDWATER CREEK of any value on that side. The FILENE’S main store still sits empty, VINNY T’S is vacant; there’s a total waste of time used car dealer in the food court, there are all these temporary storees like GO! GAMES, ITZ A PUZZLE, HALLOWEEN STORE, RAVE-X, DAY BY DAY CALENDAR that really give the impression nothing is happening. Soon URBAN BAHAVIOR’S space will need to be filled, not to mention LINENS N THINGS or OLD COUNTRY BUFFET if either of these chains go under.Though they say WILLIAMS/SONOMA is planning a move up to center court, it’s taking forever to happen. Doesn’t it seem like the MAINE MALL is slow at filling vacant spaces after a store moves out? It seems as though other malls are able to end leases of non-performing stores, and quickly add new ones. But here, the same loser stores seems to keep going on and on. I guess that’s because they’re still popular. Not with me. I love seeing the changes. These four new stores are really a big help, but it can’t stop there. We need SEPHORA, WHITE HOUSE/BLACK MARKET, bebe, GILLY HICKS, NIKE STORE, JANIE AND JACK, RESTORATION HARDWARE, J CREW, j jill, MARTIN & OSA, HOLLISTER, METROPARK, CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN, CHEESECAKE FACTORY, PF CHANG,CRATE & BARREL, POTTERY BARN KIDS, not to mention NORDSTROM. If these were here, I wouldn’t go out of state to shop. EVER.

[Reply]
JF
September 20th, 2008 at 3:25 pm

When I went to the grand opening of FOREVER XXI, I walked into the mall through SEARS, At SEARS, I could have counted the number of customers I saw on one hand. But FOREVER XXI had hundreds of customers, plus two long lines at the register; each with at least 100 people waiting. At 25,000 square feet, it’s a large FOREVER XXI by New England standards, and the men’s department is a lot larger than I envisioned. Even though I’m past my prime, there’s quite a few shirts or slacks I could get away with wearing without people think I’m suffering a mid-life crisis. For any critics out there who think Maine can’t support new retail, they’re out of their mind. The Southern Maine market is extremely under-retailed for what it could support. The problem here is that there are too many of the same stores that build within a few miles of each other, such as Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, Staples, Lowe’s, Kohls, Rite Aid, et cetera. But if Maine shoppers are given the variety that other markets enjoy, and they’ll come in droves. The fact that so many excited shoppers came to the grand opening of this, and the APPLE store last week shows how hungry this market is for this variety and change. When Westbrook’s new Stroudwater Place comes up before the board soon, I’m sure there will be comments against it, but the argument that Maine can’t support any more retail is completely unfounded. I hope customers are just as kind to Coldwater Creek and H & M when they have their respective openings.

[Reply]
Jonah Norason
September 20th, 2008 at 7:27 pm

Wait, a used car dealership in the food court? Are you kidding? Interior entrance? Drive-away right there?

I don’t see it on GGP’s official mall directory.

[Reply]
JF
September 21st, 2008 at 8:18 am

To Jonah,
The lovely used car dealership signed a one-year lease. It’s located between a U.S. Cellular store (there’s a company that’s way overbuilt in this area) and the BC SPORTS store. It’s called CREDIT NOW AUTO SALES. They have one car in their showroom, and as I pass by, the poor young lady who works there spends most of her day standing at the door, or sitting at her desk alone; sort of like being in prison. I can’t believe this was the best the mall could do for that spot. But then again, the Maine Mall has lots of wasted space that major retailers apparently don’t want. If GGP ever reads these blogs, it would be nice if they made a major effort to bring life back to ALL the sections of the mall, once the big four have completed their grand openings. The former manager was aware of this situation, and said GGP was in the planning stages of restoring life to the SEARS wing. At present, the SEARS wing is an excellent place to fall asleep. The food court area is busy, but the quality and choices are so limited for those who need to watch their fat intake and cholesterol. Many new upscale malls eliminate their food courts altogether and replace the fast food restaurants with better quality sit-down ones. Even the CHEESECAKE FACTORY, which is not known for nutrition, has several healthy choices in their menu. At least you know you’re not getting all the processed and pre-packaged foods that you find at some of the food court offerings.

[Reply]
e
October 4th, 2008 at 10:13 am

H&M will be open October 30th at Noon

[Reply]
JF
October 4th, 2008 at 9:25 pm

You know, with the economy the way it is, the Maine Mall has done remarkably well. It’s always been in the top ten percent of dollar-per-sqaure foot malls in the country. I’m not sure if it still is or not, and I’m certain some stores are seeing less revenues than last, but the Maine Mall certainly seems to have more customers than many other centers I’ve walked through lately. I’ve heard that quite a few chain stores around the country are facing bankruptcy, and I notice that General Growth, who owns the mall, is planning to sell off some of its properties soon to pay off a debt. It’s hard to know what will ultimately happen here, but I’ll bet the Maine Mall will fair a lot better than many – and H & M, our next new store to open, has reasonable prices and high quality fashion that’s popular around the world. A great addition!

[Reply]
JF
October 6th, 2008 at 8:13 pm

BC SPORTS COLLECTIBLES has “STORE CLOSING” signs out front. Although this vacancy will add more available space in the MAINE MALL for new stores, it’s not in a highly desirable location, so I’m wondering whether it will sit vacant for a long time. But at least “CREDIT NOW USED CARS” is still there. The fact that THIS business was added just screams “DESPERATION” or “LOWERED EXPECTATIONS” for me!

[Reply]
CE
October 8th, 2008 at 9:04 am

Linens & Things just asked the Bankruptcy Court for permission to sell and close ALL the remaining stores. There is a faint hope of a white knight. Otherwise, this will leave a rather large hole in the Sears wing. Maine Mall did at least dodge the first and second round of store closings, unlike Bangor Parkade and Biddeford Crossing.

[Reply]
JF
October 17th, 2008 at 10:38 pm

I see that LINENS N THINGS has Going Out of Business signs out front. Besides the fact that one of the strongest stores in this otherwise weak end of the mall is closing, there are many fine employees who work there. I have shopped LINENS N THINGS often, and I feel badly that such valuable workers will have to find other jobs. They will be missed by a great many, and I hope they’re able to find other positions soon.
COLDWATER CREEK will open on Tuesday October 21, and H & M has a banner advertising its opening on October 30. Word is out that WILLIAMS/SONOMA will make their move to “Center Court” in May 2009, and SEPHORA is still rumored to be coming to the spot it vacates. Where will PICTURE PEOPLE and RITZ CAMERA relocate. Will they relocate?

[Reply]
J
October 22nd, 2008 at 6:31 pm

Make sure to check out http://www.mainemall.com under events to see some interesting news about H&M’s Grand Opening!

[Reply]
Jutty
October 27th, 2008 at 10:34 pm

I’m planning to go the grand opening of H&M, Do you think there will be alot of people there? How early should I get there to get in line?

[Reply]
Dan
October 31st, 2008 at 1:03 pm

I think that the empty LINENS N THINGS would be a great place for a Nordstrom RACK, Saks off 5th, or a LAST CALL Nieman Marcus. Also, any new news on what GGP proposes to do about the still vacent two story Filenes?

[Reply]
Jonah Norason
October 31st, 2008 at 4:56 pm

I don’t think that the Linens N Things would be anything Dan mentioned. This is isn’t “Maine Mills” here.

[Reply]
Bobby
October 31st, 2008 at 6:47 pm

You can’t be too sure about that. I’ve seen plenty of non-Mills malls with Nordstrom Rack/Off 5th/Last Call. If not, they can just do what Pyramid always does and keep splitting up the anchors until they end up with 28 big box stores in the mall.

[Reply]
JF
November 1st, 2008 at 3:52 pm

At the Christiana Mall in Newark, Delaware (also owned by GGP), they are taking a former Lord & Taylor store there and converting it to a destination called “THE EPICENTER”. It features 60-or-so online retailers, each with their own space and catalog, and apparently a computer so that the customer can order products, with “free home delivery”, plus choose from an array of merchandise on display as well. The empty LINENS ‘N THINGS would work for that, although slightly smaller. If Jason Snyder is true to his word, and can indeed bring NORDSTROM to the Stroudwater Place development in Westbrook, I can’t imagine what clothing retailer would be left to occupy the old Filene’s. I’ve heard rumors from employees at the mall who think it will eventually be torn down. Another idea that they were floating around is after the building is demolished, build a new structure featuring a row of upscale restaurants with both outside and inside entrances. With the economy the way it is, and with GGP the way IT is, I don’t think anyone is in a rush for any of that.
Would a NORDSTROM RACK open in an area where there is no real NORDSTROM? Since the Maine Mall’s focus is on upscale stores, I would think they would set their hopes higher for the LINENS ‘N THINGS space than for a NORDSTROM RACK, or any off-price establishment.

[Reply]
Jonah Norason
November 1st, 2008 at 5:53 pm

Except Epicenter Collection/The Epicenter was in development for nearly two years and I’ve just heard radio silence. Neat idea, though.

[Reply]
CE
November 1st, 2008 at 9:39 pm

Nordstrom had a shoe-only outlet in downtown Honolulu for many years before opening a full line department store at Ala Moana Center earlier this year. I realize that Maine and Honolulu, HI, are quite different but there is precedent for something like that.

FYI: Both Boston papers are reporting that the Tweeter chain is going to be liquidated shortly. The only Maine location is directly across from the Maine Mall.

[Reply]
Dan
November 11th, 2008 at 2:42 pm

According to Fox23, southern maine’s Fox affiliate; says that General Growth Properties might be selling the Maine for to offset a 27 billian dollor debt.

[Reply]
Variety House
November 13th, 2008 at 7:26 pm

The Maine Mall is a good one, and I always thought the size was perfect – very large, but not absurd and overwhelming.

[Reply]
JF
November 22nd, 2008 at 8:41 pm

In this time of economic hardship, one still cannot dismiss the popularity of this mall. On the afternon of November 22nd, I counted three tour buses in the parking lot; one from Vermont, another from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and a third one from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Although Halifax is the largest city in Atlantic Canada, many Haligonians take the 800 mile trip here because of the many American stores that Atlantic Canada does NOT have. I was in Sydney a few years ago, and the manager of the hotel where I stayed told me he brings his family to South Portland once a year for a shopping experience. For him, he said it was the closest large mall to home, which by the way is 1,000 miles. Of course H & M is worldwide, including quite a few Canadian stores, but none as of yet in the Atlantic provinces. So whatever happens with General Groweth Properties, the Maine Mall, and the area around it down to Cabela’s, continues to be a major shopping destination for a vast hinterland to the north and east. We who live close to it tend to take it for granted, but we ARE very fortunate in the Portland area to have it in our back yard.

[Reply]
D
November 23rd, 2008 at 11:32 pm

I was at the Maine mall today. It was full of people, and they looked like they were actually shopping as apposed to just hanging out in the mall…everyone had shopping bags and this is still fairly early in the holliday shopping season. I think the Maine mall is still going to have a good shopping season considering the downed ecconemy. However, this years “Rock’n Shop’n eve” will be the last for the Maine mall. Apparently there was to much theft along with people getting drunk out in the parking lot and acting disorderly inside the mall. That pared with the fact that “Rock’n Shop’n eve” didint bring in much revanue is why the mall chose not too continue this popular event. But still, I think the Maine mall is going to do well. Oh, and the new F21 and H&M stores were PACKED!

[Reply]
Shawn Levasseur
November 29th, 2008 at 9:17 pm

The mall is the victim of its gradual purge of more downscale stores. There used to be a CVS drug store, next to Sears used to be a…. Woolworths? (If that wasn’t it, it was similar in style to one) There used to be a top notch comic shop not too far from the food court, Moonshadow. The arcade just off the food court, a staple of the Maine Mall for decades, has gone. There used to be a newsstand and two bookstores. Today the only reading material you can buy is a newspaper from a machine (assuming even THAT is still there)

Outside of the anchor stores, unless a business sells only high margin items or high volume, they just can’t afford to be in the mall now, I guess. This probably served the mall well in better times, but has driven the diversity of stores inside the mall down.

The Maine Mall used to have a unique character to it. They lost it over the years. I doubt they will be able to get it back (though I will say that Amato’s joining the food court does help matters)

The only additions in recent years that attracted me has been Linens & Things (OOPS! Out of Business), and the Apple Store.

The growth of retail outlets elsewhere in the state, and in the portland area, along with that loss of uniqueness, all contribute to the fact that the Maine Mall is no longer the must go place for shopping that it used to be.

[Reply]
Jutty
December 1st, 2008 at 12:46 am

I think the mall is improving with the additions of store like H&M and Forever 21. No more having to drive to Boston to shop at H&M. I have been going to the mall for a long time. I do remember there being a comic book store where Express is now located. There was a CVS not to long ago where I beleive Ann Taylor is now located.

[Reply]
JF
December 1st, 2008 at 10:56 pm

I have to disagree with a couple of recent comments made about the Maine Mall. When that greasy rundown arcade finally closed for good, multitudes of people celebrated its demise. I also disagree that a local comic book store or a Woolworth’s can be called major shopping destinations. In the first place, Woolworth closed all of its U.S. operations, and if you want comics, you can cross the street and go into Newbury Comics; for a bookstore you can walk out of Macy’s a few steps to Borders. I don’t recall a second bookstore in the mall besides Walden, but Borders chose to close ALL of their Waldenbooks locations; the mall didn’t make that choice. The Maine Mall is but a tiny wheel in the retail industry of America. When a national chain closes, the Maine Mall store goes right along with it. I for one am thankful for the new additions there, such as Coach, Cache, Coldwater Creek, Chico’s, Banana Republic, The Walking Company, H & M, XXI Forever, and Apple. I don’t regularly shop in all of them, but these retailers are found in virtually every major market across the country, and it’s about time that Maine residents at last have the same retail choices as shoppers elsewhere have been enjoying for years. Once the economy improves, watch the changes in the Sears wing. In two years, you won’t recognize the place, with the new stores I’ve heard are planned for that area. Once we start bringing back Moonshadow Comics or Dream Machine, we’ll know the mall is in trouble. Those kind of stores, along with the temporary ones that always pop up just before the holidays, give the illusion that nothing is going on. These types of businesses are simply not found anywhere in successful malls anymore.
General Growth Properties is having trouble paying off its debt, due partly to overbuilding in the Las Vegas area, but notice that the Maine Mall is not one of the properties it plans to sell off to pay the debt. Apparently all of the tourbuses from ATlantic Canada that appear in the Maine Mall parking lot every weekend are filled with shoppers who enjoy the mall’s selection. One woman from Halifax told me that her children love PacSun, Aeropostale, Abercrombie, Banana Republic – stores that the MicMac Mall or Halifax Shopping Center don’t offer. The exchange rate has been almost even, but for Canadians it’s not just the exchange – it’s the selection!!! I am certain if we brought back the mall to its 1970’s “diversity”, the exodus to Boston would happen in droves; just like it existed before the mall arrived. I love the changes in the Maine Mall, and look forward to its further upscaling. For me, it’s a change LONG overdue.

[Reply]
AceJay
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:33 am

Don’t knock mall arcades

[Reply]
Big Bri
December 6th, 2008 at 5:10 am

The mall needs entertainment! I want a mall that has a movie theatre, arcade (a good one), restuarants, a bowling alley, pool hall, rock gym, fitness center and coffee shops that actually have seating. Is that too much to ask.

[Reply]
JF
December 7th, 2008 at 5:16 pm

Perhaps I’m a lot older than the previous two bloggers, but what I hear being described is more Old Orchard Beach than a mall. But I do agree that entertainment is important. Many upscale malls include fitness gyms; some have movie theatres, but because of the proximity of 26 screens to the Maine Mall, that’s NOT a good idea. In Natick, they’re building condos. I wouldn’t want to live at a mall, but maybe some people like that concept. I would like to see the food court be replaced with four or five high-end sit down restaurants like PF Chang’s Ted’s Montana Grill, Cheesecake Factory, or California Pizza Kitchen. Those restaurants are so common everywhere else, but not here as of yet. The huge mall is West Nyack, New York (Palisades Center), has an amusement area with rides; also an IMAX. But that mall isn’t going in the upscale direction that the Maine Mall seems to be going, so I would be unhappy to see a bowling alley or an arcade there. But with the economy the way it is, who knows what they’ll decide? Would a comedy club work?

[Reply]
Jonah Norason
December 7th, 2008 at 6:42 pm

Maybe the Filene’s could be converted into an ice rink, which is an “upscale” attraction. Other entertainment ideas include a carousel, climbing wall, bungee jumping, or a waterslide. I’ve always wondered what the old Hydrotubes looked like inside malls.

[Reply]
AceJay
December 7th, 2008 at 9:10 pm

Pallisades actually has 3 arcades, 5 if you include Dave & Busters and Lucky Strike. They get great business, and it really saddens me to see upscaling malls kicking out the arcades.

[Reply]
JF
December 7th, 2008 at 11:20 pm

In Westchester and Rockland Counties, however, there are several choices for malls. The WESTCHESTER in White Plains is really the upscale mall, and the PALISADES CENTER resembles the MAINE MALL and all of its satellite stores – only they’re all attached. If it’s an arcade you want, why not use the former STRAWBERRIES location, or any of the open spaces over by TJ MAXX? Once the Scarborough WAL-MART moves to its new supercenter, the present WAL-MART property will surely include retail space. You could take out a loan, and open a nice arcade in any of those spots, and watch the millions of dollars roll in! SInce I’m not a teenager anymore, I look at the mall in a different way. I know as a fact the reason many malls have eliminated arcades and movie theaters is because of problematic kids who hang out and intimidate other shoppers. The WESTFARMS MALL in Connecticut had complaints and lawsuits – concerning shoplifters, purse snatchers, and in general, rude,self-centered teenagers just “hanging out”,bothering other shoppers walking by. Once they got rid of these low-end teen establishments (such as arcades, or in this case, a theater),and brought in quality retailers like Restoration Hardware and Nordstrom, the problems all but disappeared. I don’t think the MAINE MALL has ever had problems this severe, but to me it doesn’t matter. People of all ages who visit ANY mall for shopping have the right to feel safe, secure and comfortable while they are there. I’ve been spoken to rudely by many a teenager at the back door when the DREAM MACHINE was by the food court. It doesn’t bother me at my age now, but nonetheless, it’s not fair to have to walk past an intimidating crowd of kids “hanging out”, if you’re elderly or uncomfortable. The mall is a place to shop, not a place for teenagers to just “HANG OUT”. In many malls, the only reason an arcade is there at all is because the mall can’t attract anything better. Maybe with the economy this bad, the MAINE MALL will bring it back. But if it doesn’t, I think it’s time to say goodbye to the 70’s. For now, the arcade is gone. Live with it.

[Reply]
SEAN
December 8th, 2008 at 10:41 am

JF,

To your remarks about arcades in malls, White Plains has an electronic games ordenance on the booksI,E arcades are illegal in the city limits. The ecceptions are rentals for parties.

Infact the AMC theatre in Paramus NJ removed there games & seating area for aditional cuing space for movies with larger crowds.

[Reply]
JF
December 9th, 2008 at 9:36 pm

SEAN -
Thanks for sharing that information. I was not aware of that, but it’s as it should be. The mall (referring to ANY mall) should be a place that all generations should be able to enjoy. The teenagers have their stores; Abercrombie, XXI Forever, Areopostale, Hot Topic, Spencer’s, Claire’s, FYE, Game Stop; there’s enough for them without having to infringe on the rights of others with arcades.
…and let me add something else…It’s not only arcades…FYE, Spencer’s, Game Stop, and Hot Topic are also stores that, in some malls, are not seeing their contracts being renewed when they expire. Store owners, particularly in this economy, are victims of increased shoplifting, and it’s more common in stores that cater to the “arcade” crowd. I was at the Maine Mall a short time ago and witnessed a teenager in FYE testing the security barrier as he stole a pile of video games. The employees in the store were nowhere to be found, but I saw the manager around the corner, and he called security immediately. When mall management gets these low-end stores out, along with the arcades, the lowlife people are gone as well. I spoke to the former mall manager repeatedly about the problems a movie theater in the old Filene’s would bring about for nearby stores such as The Gap, or Lane Bryant.. It’s sad that Filene’s is still empty, but shoppers should be thankful it’s not a theater. It’s a shame that a handful of “bad apples” ruin it for others, but apparently there are enough of these bad apples for malls all over the country to stand up and take their stores back.

[Reply]
Jonah Norason
December 10th, 2008 at 12:50 am

On the flip side, if you get rid of all the stores that are remotely interesting and fill it with dull clothing stores and overpriced food joints, you exclude others, too. Like you said…malls should be a place for all generations to enjoy.

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AceJay
December 10th, 2008 at 2:47 am

News for you buddy, what happens if there are no teens at the mall? Oh, that’s right, 20% usually more of mall stores would go out of business, which could possibly cause the mall to fail. There goes your shopping!

Where the hell do you think teens are supposed to hang out? Taco Bell parking lots? In the alley doing drugs? Get real.

And what makes you think that teens are the only people who tend to steal things? Seriously.

[Reply]
SEAN
December 10th, 2008 at 11:01 am

Teenagers spend more per square foot then any other segment of the population. To exclude them is playing finantial russion rulette.

Many teens at that age don’t drive & use transit to get to the mall, with that in mind malls in the past few years have tried to BAN busses from there properties. The practice is illegal, but they do it anyway because the belief is no transit, no problems.

The other issue is if you don’t want teens shopping in your property, why then do you sign leases for A&F, gap, spencers & stores like that in the first place?

[Reply]
Jonah Norason
December 10th, 2008 at 8:04 pm

Beats me, I thought that the teenage stores should be kept.
It also seems malls want to eliminate minorities, too.

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JF
December 10th, 2008 at 10:35 pm

This entire discussion started with an arcade. Of course teens contribute greatly to the mall’s economic success. No one would want to see any of the Maine Mall stores that cater to teens dropped; particularly the new H & M and XXI FOREVER, which probably do the most business of any mall stores. I was referring to teens who “hang out” for the sole purpose of disturbing other shoppers; some of those “other shoppers” are themselves teens. There are high-end malls that have eliminated arcades and theatres because of incidents concerning large crowds who come to “hang out”. I’ve spent many a time in Dream Machine in my younger past, and I recall employees asking people to leave if they were standing around and not using the machines. Where I used to live, the problems in the arcades/theatres were serious enough for the mall to not renew their leases. Where should teens “hang out”? If they’re going to harass and intimidate others who are trying to enjoy their shopping, then the mall is not the place for them. The mall is for shopping. I wouldn’t think that Taco Bell would appreciate a large crowd in their parking lot, either.
Although this is a whole other subject, I too have heard and read complaints from minorities who claim they are being discriminated against in retail centers. In some cases, chain stores vary what clothing styles they send to their stores, depending on how much diversity or population exists in the radius around the city. And of course, Maine is not considered diverse enough in the eyes of many retail chains, so Maine, and the Maine Mall are both victims as well.

[Reply]
AceJay
December 10th, 2008 at 11:54 pm

Sorry, but the mall is also a place to hang out. If you’re too scared to go to a mall because you think that 5 or 6 teens talking, having fun near an entrance are causing trouble or going to annoy you, you might want to check out online shopping.

[Reply]
Matt from WI
December 11th, 2008 at 12:43 am

Let’s remember how malls started folks. They started as utilitarian places where people could buy everything in one place, either configured as a strip of shops, an outdoor ‘garden’ (ala Old Orchard, Mayfair, Oakbrook in my neck of the country), or enclosed suburban ‘town centers’ (ala: anything the late, great Gruen put together).

The whole ‘teenager’ element didn’t come into play until the early 1980s. “Going to the mall” was by this time, an activity groups of teens all did…it was part of their daily lives and mall management took full advantage of this, shoving away all the variety malls had (at the time, ie: replacing local and regional shops) and replacing them with your chains like the Gap, Chess King, County Seat and the behemoth Merry Go Round conglomerate of banners. Not to forget the oodles of shoe stores that came inline with the stalwarts Thom McAn and Kinney, and other accessories type places (Claires, Afterthoughts, etc). It also brought in this newfangled thing called the ‘Food court’ to malls across the nation.

My take on the whole ‘malls getting rid of teenagers’ element isn’t so much them getting rid of those spending money. They love those and want to keep those folks. They dislike the element who only use the common areas to ‘hang out’. Now this isn’t to say all of them who just ‘hang out’ cause trouble, but those that do….mall owners want none of that crowd. Keep in mind, malls are private property that serve a public function…not the other way around.

Let me spin this in an easier direction. How would you like it if you had kids who caused trouble that you didn’t know in your house, which of course, is private property? It would cause distractions for yourself as well as others in the house.

Now you know how mall owners and management feel, and thus why you’re starting to see many malls starting to impose ‘curfews’, and blocks of time where they have to be accompanied by a parent.

I hit up my local mall every couple weeks…twice a month. I’ve not come across any teens that I’d consider unruly. It really depends on the mall’s location, access to mass transit (especially the bus system), how clean / upkept it is, and the tenant mix.

Easy solution….take malls back to the old days, where they served a utilitarian purpose as well as being a town center where activities are held. Size them down too…..they may as well, since there’s much fewer national chains to go around these days.

Until that happens though, either ignore them (the teens) or shop online.

I’ll take the mall or online shopping over going to a mega-grocery-discount-type store filled with families each with 15 kids all screaming for something-or-other any day.

[Reply]
JF
December 14th, 2008 at 5:54 pm

MATT -
I totally agree. The management of the Maine Mall has said, along with many managers of many malls, that they frown upon teens who just come to “hang out”, and not buy anything. In their opinions, arcades and movie theatres were two of the establishments that attracted this type of a crowd. In West Hartford, CT, the WESTFARMS MALL business improved drastically when the higher-end stores replaced the “hang-out” places. I’m not sure where the hanger-outers went. Maybe they DID go to the alley or Taco Bell. But this blog is about malls, so it’s not important where they went. They’re gone from the mall, and the shoppers, including the teen shoppers, have made this mall a destination once again..There’s nothing wrong with a group of teens talking as a group at an entrance, but if they cause trouble or annoy customers, this IS a major problem and businesses will quickly suffer the effects. All walks of life; whether it be teens, parents, children, the elderly, have the right to be safe and comfortable in a mall. I can’t imagine anyone being selfish enough to tell an elderly person to go shopping online. My mom doesn’t own a computer and has no knowledge of them, yet apparently it’s the right of the teens to intimidate her and bother her as she walks by the entrance? That has never happened at the Maine Mall, to my knowledge.(Thank goodness) And with the direction that the Maine Mall is trying to head, I don’t see it happening anytime in the future, either.

[Reply]
Gary
December 14th, 2008 at 11:26 pm

Unlike today, malls were not created with only shoppers in mind. When malls were designed in the 50s and 60s, they were essentially community centers. Originally open-air and later enclosed, its initial function was to serve as a gathering space for the area that it served. Retail shops, restaurants, supermarkets, etc were still part of the mall concept, but the incorporation of fountains, trees, birdcages and carousels were added to create a virtual main street. The fact that malls were originally created to encourage people watching (and window shopping) is part of the aspect that make malls unique.

Instead of having management turn their backs on most teens (the ones who act civil, mind you) who come to the mall to hang out, they should instead embrace them, give them a reason to enjoy their experience. Many teens choose to hang out at the mall for a number of reasons. A lot of them may simply be bored and want to get out for a few hours. My local defunct mall once held dance parties in its center court, which many of the teens attended. It was pretty successful and gave them something productive to do on a Friday night. If more malls would actually do things like that, it may even help their bottom line, not hurt it.

[Reply]
JF
December 27th, 2008 at 11:18 am

The Sebago Brewery will move their restaurant out of the mall parking lot early next year, when their new one is completed, in front of the Homewood Suites Hotel. Office Depot is closing too, next to Toys R Us. But apparently the slowdown in the ecomomy hasn’t halted the plans for the Maine Mall Commons, across the street from Sears. It looks as though Barnes & Noble, along with two more retailers and two restaurants (I heard one of them is PF CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO) are all set to go!

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Jutty
December 31st, 2008 at 12:33 am

When I was at the mall monday evening I noticed that Hallmark was having a moving sale. Anybody know where they are moving too? I wonder what will go in that space?

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CaribouMan
January 3rd, 2009 at 1:27 am

I was at the mall today, and I asked someone at the Hallmark store where they were moving. She said no one was sure, but they definitely are staying in the mall, but moving to larger quarters. I think the RAVE-X skateboard store (which I hear is doing very well, considering it’s supposed to be temporary) is moving to the Hallmark site, which will free up yet another space in the SEARS wing. I figure the more free space in that wing, including the 40,000 square feet from LINENS N THINGS, the better it will be for new tenants. Hopefully, some of them will buck the economic trend and locate there.

[Reply]
JF
January 17th, 2009 at 10:43 am

I was told by an employee of the Hallmark store that they still haven’t heard where it is they will move. Someone thought perhaps near Sears, where there’s acres of open space at the moment. As far as the skateboard store goes, it could be a different one than RAVE-X. The CREDIT NOW Auto Sales dealership, in the food court, is gone. J B ROBINSON’S JEWELERS, has closed. WILLIAMS/SONOMA is not moving to a new location, as planned. CIRCUIT CITY is liquidating all its stores – doesn’t sound like 2009 will be a year of positive changes in the retail sector, but stores that truly offer quality and affordable merchandise along with knowledgeable and helpful staff will fare a lot better. From what I’ve read, CIRCUIT CITY’s departure was expected, due to their low level of customer service. In this economy, it’s survival of the fittest.

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JF
January 19th, 2009 at 6:46 pm

KAY’S JEWELERS now occupies JB ROBINSON’S former space. The KAY space is rumored to be a new location for a store already in the mall. If the rumor is correct, it will free yet ANOTHER space in the SEARS wing, which hopefully will be a completely new wing if and when we see improvement to our economy. Up next to POTTERY BARN, the GO! GAMES store has moved to the SEARS wing. I’m wondering if that space has a new tenant coming, or if GO! GAMES just needed a larger space.

[Reply]
JF
January 30th, 2009 at 10:50 pm

Today there was an article in CURRENT discussing the financial difficulties of General Growth Properties, and speculation that Jason Snyder’s STROUDWATER PLACE project in Westbrook would never be built, given the economy, and the fact that Southern Maine’s population is fairly stagnant; meaning that new retail will simply drain away revenues from existing businesses. I think that skeptics of this project need to remember back forty years, when the present-day Old Port was virtually empty, abandoned, and written off as being unfit human inhabitation – where Congress Street was the ONLY place to shop in Greater Portland, and, considering that STROUDWATER PLACE is going to be built there, how Westbrook has evolved from a one-industry paper mill town to its present diversified economy. Could anyone predict, back in 1969, that 40 years later, huge institutions like Porteous, Benoit’s, Owen Moore, Rines, Casco Bank, Maine National and Maine Savings Banks would all be gone, yet small but steady HAVEN’S CANDY KITCHEN would still be here? They all laughed, just as people are laughing about the STROUDWATER PLACE project. I disagree totally with anyone who thinks the new development will devour the MAINE MALL. It’s incorrect to say that the Southern Maine market is not large enough to support two major centers, because other markets smaller than the Portland Metropolitan area do it all the time. Take Charleston SC – they have two malls; one west of the Ashley River and one in North Charleston; besides that, their Main shopping street downtown has become a haven for high-end retail chain stores. Nearby Mount Pleasant has a lifestyle center, and there is a new outlet mall with about 150 stores in it as well. Granted, Charleston has its share of upper-level incomes, but many of those residents don’t even stay in the city during the summer months because of the unbearably hot weather. The city has to depend on tourists, who are more likely to frequent the local shops and avoid the chains. Yet all the centers are still there. Charleston’s metro population is 572,000, while the Portland-Biddeford-South Portland population is 612,000; not to mention OUR tourists who visit every summer; many from Canada who enjoy the American stores that they cannot find back home. There are a great many stores that, when and if our economy gets better over the next couple of years, have never been in Maine. Why not give them a try, and see if they do well? I see nothing wrong with giving Maine shoppers the same advantages that shoppers in other cities of similar size already enjoy. Linens N Things, Tweeter, and Circuit City didn’t close simply because their business in Maine was down. Many of their financial difficulties began way before the economy began tanking. The MAINE MALL is a lot healthier than many centers across the country. I believe strongly that whether STROUDWATER PLACE is built (and I hope it succeeds) or not, the MAINE MALL will also continue to do well.

[Reply]
JF
January 31st, 2009 at 6:34 pm

I feel so badly; I was at the MAINE MALL today, and discovered that the GINGER PAD had closed. That was the best restaurant, to me, in the food court area. The employees were always so friendly and courteous, and the food was fresh and delicious, unlike many of the fast food trash left there. I guess its slow business meant it wasn’t that popular, but for me, it’s a sad loss to the mall.

[Reply]
Nancy
February 1st, 2009 at 7:37 pm

Aww I’m glad you loved Ginger Pad! I worked there as a waitstaff and it was very sudden. Corporate came in and said they were shutting us down. I didn’t know until my boss texted me to come in the next day to sigh paper work. I talked to the mall securities and they told me that corporate wasn’t supposed to do that without notifying management. They thought Ginger Pad got robbed or something, so they called the patrol officers. We girls will miss all our customers. We all cried because it was such a great place to work and we were surrounded by such wonderful people. But we hope we will see our customers again and that you guys will be able to find another great place!

[Reply]
CE
February 1st, 2009 at 8:32 pm

Maine Mall Commons has been postponed indefinitely, according to published reports. GGP will continue with the approvals process so they can build when the economy (and GGP itself?) rebounds. The six store and four restaurant complex was to be anchored by Barnes & Noble.

BTW: JF, I’m 99% sure I know you in the “real” world. It’s a small world after all.

[Reply]
JF
February 4th, 2009 at 9:52 pm

As someone who has been ill, and uses the mall to exercise at least three times a week, I have a lot of attachment to the place, and want to see it succeed. In this economy, it’s difficult to think ahead and hope for better times, but hopefully, one day we’ll be out of this mess and the retail sector will improve once again. Several years ago, I was asked by a former mall employee to apply for a job at the information desk, as there were a few jobs open for the summer. This employee interviewed me, and, knowing I would be a desirible candidate for the position, set up a second interview with the then manager of the info desk. I went in, answered questions pertaining to “how I would tell a customer to get to one store from the other” ,which for me was easy. But then he asked me why I wanted to work at the mall. I replied that I had spent a great deal of time at the mall over the years, watching the growth and changes. I told him that I worked at Jordan Marsh during Christmas season in my college days, and I actually was there at the grand opening. He said, “Oh, yes, way back in 1982(I think it was 1982 he said – not sure of the date, but it was the wrong date)…” I said No, that would be 1971. That’s the year the stores were added onto Jordan Marsh.” He then said, “No. The mall opened in 1982″. I said, “I’m sorry. It was 1971. It was before you were born. I was there.”
Needless to say, I didn’t get the job. I discovered later that he had hidden my application way way up to the back of the slot so no one would notice it, and it was only discovered after my employee friend called to ask why I’d never applied. By the time they found my application, they’d already hired the people they needed, and that manager had been let go; not because of my application, but for some other reason. But he certainly would have been more successful if he showed more respect to us old folks!
I find the staff at the info desk to be the most friendly and helpful the mall has had in years. A short time ago there was a very rude young lady there who spent most of her time playing video poker. But the girls there now are all highly professional, and extremely courteous. With the economy the way it is, it’s getting so that when a customer asks for diections, they can reply. “I’m sorry. That store isn’t here anymore.” I hope it never comes to that. I think one aspect of the mall we all could do without is the obnoxious salesmen from T-MOBILE who annoy customers and seem to think they’re God’s gift to the world. I’ve heard so many people complain about them at the info desk. Yet they always seem to have customers, so I guess some enjoy being annoyed.

[Reply]
Jutty
February 10th, 2009 at 1:28 am

I was at the mall this evening and noticed that Cinnabon is gone.

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JF
February 10th, 2009 at 9:58 pm

Poor CINNABON. I recall walking in the mall one afternoon, and noticed the two employees with their feet way up on the counter. With that attitude, goodness knows what was in the food! While I would never eat that miserable food anyway, the thought of that made me sick every time I walked past. There are so many retailers at malls everywhere who make it their practice to hire kids with no knowledge of their product (Like Circuit City), or with an attitude, such as this Cinnabon. And then they pay enormous fees to marketing strategists to determine why their clientele disappears! Gee, I wonder why? A real no-brainer to me.

[Reply]
JF
February 21st, 2009 at 11:54 pm

I’m saddened when I travel to other cities and see malls with NO empty spaces and new construction going on. What really gets me is the overpriced and unsuccessful NATICK COLLECTION, that’s still being worked on by GGP, even though so many high-end stores have either closed or decided not to come. CRATE & BARREL is expanding their store, and the young ladies are coming from far and wide to the new AMERICAN GIRL doll store there. Yet there’s almost no customers in the new expensive wing, at least this Saturday in mid-February 2009. GGP spent a fortune to build this tribute to greed and extravagance, but many of its other malls, including our MAINE MALL, have been practically ignored. I’m not too surprised that GGP is close to filing Chapter 11, but I wonder who, if anyone, will buy us, if we become for sale. We have the potential to make this one of the best shopping destinations in New England, but we need a reliable company, like perhaps Taubman, who can elevate the Maine Mall up to quality standards. Taubman malls never have any vacancies, and if they do, the spaces are quickly filled. They’re also famous for short leases, which is also helpful in getting the most bang for the buck. How I wish a representative from Taubman could come here, and see this untapped market of Southern Maine.
On the other hand, maybe the Maine Mall as it exists today is as good as it gets. I sure hope not.

[Reply]
Jonah Norason
February 22nd, 2009 at 10:53 am

If GGP sells off Natick Collection, it might be able to save its soul.

[Reply]
SEAN
February 22nd, 2009 at 12:15 pm

Stamford TC a Taubman mall has 10% of it’s stores unoccupide at any one time. Although Forever 21 opened an enormous 2 level store near Barns & Noble & restaurant row, which dropped that percentage somewhat. There are key locations that still need to be filled, example several spots in the food court & where Sharpper Immage use to be.

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Jonah Norason
February 22nd, 2009 at 7:36 pm

Out of curiosity, what did the Ginger Pad offer? Was it sit-down or order at the counter?

[Reply]
Dan
February 24th, 2009 at 1:43 am

It was an asian sit down restraunt. I only went there once but the food was pretty good.

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Jaon
February 27th, 2009 at 3:04 pm

I am surprised to see that so many people think this mall is “nice”. I go there only because there are things I need occasionally or in a pinch. If I have my choice and have time, I order online, go to the Old Port boutique stores or go to Boston. I find the mall to be terribly kept – there is trash littering the outside all the time, the doors to the large department stores are so old and heavy, I wonder how someone with a stroller let alone a handicapped person can enter. The only halfway decent department store is Macy’s, and that is an embarrassment to say the least. They supposedly went through a remodel years ago – I wonder if they have anyone cleaning the place. Their rugs are all torn and stained, and their bathrooms have not been redone probably since 1980’s. I would never bring anyone from out of state in that mall – it is a disgrace. I can not understand why it can’t be kept up. I do, however, understand why big name stores like Nordstrom, JCrew, Crate and Barrell, etc wouldn’t want to come. With the oversight such as it is, I certainly wouldn’t want the sidewalk outside my door to have trash flying around it. . . . . I will be thrilled if Stroudwater Place becomes a reality. Until then – I will take my business elsewhere and hope for a miracle for the Maine Mall, or watch it fail miserably.

[Reply]
JF
February 27th, 2009 at 10:29 pm

While I find the interior of the Maine Mall to be reasonably clean, I thoroughly agree with the last blogger in regards to the piles of trash outside. I went walking there one afternoon, and in one of the bushes near Macy’s, there was a newspaper stuck there. I happened to be there a couple of days later, and no one had collected that newspaper. It was still there, along with endless numbers of cigarette buts, tissues, and other assorted trash. I also think Macy’s overplayed their “renovation”. They did nothing at all to the second floor, and I too find the bathrooms old and tired. Sears supposedly is built on unstable land, so the possibility of a second floor is out, so all of their clothing racks are jammed so tightly together, customers can barely move. The JCPenney lacks many departments that other JC Penneys have, that haven’t got as much volume as the South Portland store.I heard that at one time, JCPenney was planning to expand, but I guess that is not going to happen.
According to mall officials, however, neither Crate & Barrel nor Nordstrom’s decisions not to come were based on the trash situation. This past weekend I was down at the “Natick Collection”, also owned by General Growth. The trash outside is equally as bad a problem as the Maine Mall; even with high-end stores like Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. On top of that, Natick has no customers in their high-end wing. The Neiman employees were waiting on each other. I am NOT kidding; my friend and I were the only two customers we could see on the entire floor while we were there! Maybe one can blame the economy right now for the cutbacks on trash pickup. But, I do agree with the above message; the trash problem has been going on for a long long time. I also hope that Stroudwater Place comes to pass. And you know…if Jason Snyder happens to run into difficulty getting tenants (he claims he already has some prospects), perhaps some Maine Mall stores will jump ship and move over there once their leases expire. It would serve the Maine Mall management right!

[Reply]
E Ruskin
February 28th, 2009 at 12:04 am

I was planning to go to Maine (not anymore since my father got fired and me and my mother are the only ones working, i had to cancel my trip) i am trying to go to every macy’s in the US but i was wondering, is there a restaurant in the Maine Mall Macy’s, or am i imagining it? Also, it;s sad that a lot of stores are closing, not only at MM but at countless other malls, such as LNT, how sad but hopefuly they can open a Nordstrom Rack!

[Reply]
JF
February 28th, 2009 at 6:17 am

At one time, the second floor Macy’s DID have a restaurant, and a bakery. You could smell the aroma of their bread baking. But it’s not there any more. Actually, Macy’s took the restaurant out. It was there when the store was still Jordan Marsh.

[Reply]
CE
February 28th, 2009 at 9:21 am

It was called The Bakery at Macy’s before it closed. The store leased out the space to a lady. She still sold the “Jordan Marsh Muffins” until her supplier of batter finally retired. It would get mixed and frozen in Massachusetts and shipped up here. The Boston Globe had a story on it a couple of years ago.

The department stores at The Maine Mall, like most, own their own buildings and the land underneath them. Therefore, mall management most likely doesn’t have the authority to make them install lighter weight doors, for example.

[Reply]
Jutty
March 8th, 2009 at 4:31 pm

I was at the mall yesterday and discovered that Forever 21 no longer has guy’s clothing, I’m thinking that it was just that store because its still available on their website.

[Reply]
JF
March 20th, 2009 at 8:53 pm

An article in the paper on March 20 stated that the new mall manager would begin full-time on April 1st. Apparently he does not put up with empty stores, and according to the article, he would have 93 percent of the under 40,000 square feet stores filled by the end of summer. Zumiez, the famous surf and skateboarding store, has been signed, as well as the very nice Brighton Collectibles. Words is as well that several tenants have been discussing dividing up the Linens N Things space. It’s nice to hear that while a GGP mall is Louisiana is being foreclosed upon, and that the very large Providence Place mall is for sale, the Maine Mall is still continuing to do well, maybe not at the pace it once was, but at least well enough to be attracting interested tenants. Cudos to the manager as well, for working to fill up the empty spaces, most of which, by the way, were left by retailers that closed nationwide, not just here.

[Reply]
JF
March 31st, 2009 at 8:21 pm

I have heard that GYMBOREE is moving to a brand new home, between POTTERY BARN and BANANA REPUBLIC. While preparations are being made, GYMBOREE is temporarily setting up shop just to the right of RITZ CAMERA. Their old location across from COACH will be taken by BRIGHTON COLLECTIBLES, so I’ve heard. I’m happy to see that good quality stores are still coming despite the recession, and work is being done to fill the empty spaces with retailers that Southern Maine shoppers will enjoy.

[Reply]
Bob
April 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 pm

Speaking of Ritz Camera.Ritz Camera has filed Chapter 11.
http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_11765886
Will they survive?

[Reply]
Jonah Norason
April 13th, 2009 at 1:07 pm

What did Linens N Things used to be?

[Reply]
CE
April 13th, 2009 at 3:59 pm

What did Linens N Things used to be?

Woolworth’s.

[Reply]
JF
May 4th, 2009 at 9:31 pm

dELIA’S has its signs up. They’ll be located where the Disney Store used to be. They’ve been working since February, when they took out their building permit. So that makes four stores that have at least signed leases. But the Maine Mall still has a long way to go to become competitive with other malls across the country that supposedly are as successful. I think before they can attract quality merchants such as CRATE & BARREL or NORDSTROM,they need to clean up the piles of trash outside. I spend a great deal of time at many shopping malls along the East Coast, and this one is about the least attractive from the outside; thousands and thousands of cigarette butts, paper, and trash collected all winter and never cleaned up. The parking lot is a disgrace with all the potholes, and the sand that still hasn’t been disposed of. GGP may be bankrupt, but they’re still adding more and more to their NATICK COLLECTION – their CHRISTIANA MALL in Delaware has added a new NORDSTROM, plus SEPHORA and about 10 more stores are being added on by next year. As usual, Maine is at the end of the food chain, or so it seems. But perhaps by summer, with the new manager and all, we’ll start to see signs of improvement. Is the old FILENE’S going to be torn down? It makes me so sad to see it just sitting there, while in Peabody, Burlington, and even little WIlmington Delaware we’re seeing NORDSTROM fill all of these spaces. We could support so much more than we have so easily, but we have no one here who pushes hard enough to give Maine shoppers the choices that others have.

[Reply]
Jutty
May 23rd, 2009 at 11:38 pm

I was at the mall this evening and noticed that Teavana is finally coming. They are opening in the location next to Godiva that Crabtree & Evelyn formerly occupied.

[Reply]
JF
May 25th, 2009 at 4:38 pm

GYMBOREE has its signs up; taking the location between POTTERY BARN and BANANA REPUBLIC. ZUMIEZ has its sign up as well, in the old HALLMARK location. With BRIGHTON COLLECTIBLES, dELIA’s, and TEAVANA, the MAINE MALL is at least looking like something is going on. The outside still looks messy, but inside the new stores are coming – certainly a lot better than the mall in Manchester NH, where I counted 12 empty spaces, as of Memorial Day, and nothing new being announced. It’s even worse at the FOX RUN MALL in Newington NH. So for all the complaining I seem to do about South Portland, I should be thankful for what we have!

[Reply]
CE
May 30th, 2009 at 4:44 pm

JF: How bad is Fox Run? I was considering going down this summer because I haven’t been there since 2006. Worth the tolls?

[Reply]
JF
May 31st, 2009 at 5:18 am

To CE,
FOX RUN does have a HOLLISTER, which the MAINE MALL does not have, but then again, Bangor has a HOLLISTER too, so it’s just a matter of time before we get one here. Aside from that, there would be, for me or for young shoppers, no reason to choose FOX RUN over South Portland. Besides the many vacancies there, I’m noticing a lot of mom-and-pop stores moving in, which, although good for mom-and-pop and good for those who support local business, seem to give the impression that they’re having trouble attracting more popular national retailers. I would say that if you’re looking for no-tax, any of the other three Southern New Hampshire Malls; Rockingham Park, Pheasant Lane, or the smaller Mall of New Hampshire all have better selections at this time than FOX RUN. It would not be worth the tolls for me.

[Reply]
Jutty
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:08 pm

If you’re looking for no tax shopping and plan on mostly clothing purchases go to Massachusetts.

[Reply]
Jutty
June 2nd, 2009 at 9:10 pm

Do you think the former Waldenbooks might become a Holister?

[Reply]
JF
June 4th, 2009 at 9:00 pm

I agree with Jutty. When I lived in Connecticut, many shoppers there also came up to Massachusetts for clothing purchases. Besides, the malls in Burlington, Natick, and Peabody all have Nordstrom (although I’ve heard many are disappointed with the small size of the Nordstrom stores) and other specialty shops that New Hampshire, even Rockingham, Park, does not have. A while ago I asked the former manager of the mall if Hollister could go in the very spot where Waldenbooks was, and he said that presently that location isn’t too attractive because there’s so little foot traffic in that wing. It’s hard to be the first store to go in there, unless there’s a host of other stores moving in as well, such as in the Linens N Things space. But if they could divide up the Linens N Things space with prestigious retailers and/or restaurants, then I think the Waldenbooks space would be more marketable. Recently a barricade was placed in front of the Waldenbooks space, but I don’t think that means they’ve found a tenant for it. As of the first of June, I think the four new stores coming (Brighton Collectibles, Zumiez, Teavana, and dELIA’s, plus the new Gymboree) are all they have at the moment. Before the year is up, however, I’ll bet we’ll see more additions.

[Reply]
Jutty
June 25th, 2009 at 6:52 pm

Zumiez opened on Wednesday June 24. Brighton Collectibles is supposed to open on July 10. Delias looks like it will be soon. When I was at the mall yesterday the store was still empty and the front still has some work to be finished. I’m not sure about Teavana.

[Reply]
JF
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:46 pm

deliA’s and TEAVANA’s barricades have come down; looking forward to the Maine Mall having two more stores that are popular elsewhere. It’s good to see the empty spaces filling up again.
I read that Jason Snyder, who is developing the Stroudwater Place Lifestyle Center in Westbrook, is having trouble financing his project in this tough economy. Though I think his idea is a good one, and it signifies the direction that retail seems to be going throughout the country, now is the time for GGP to make a strong effort to go after the major stores we need to make the Maine Mall a true destination mall. I would love to see the Philbrook Road side of the mall become the new main entrance, with Nordstrom in the place of the old Filene’s, and perhaps Crate & Barrel in the Linens N Things location. I heard it said that Nordstrom turned South Portland down because they wanted more visibility. But, what I can’t figure out is…what’s so attractive about Maine Mall Road? A cookie-cutter Best Buy, a tired, 40-year old Macy’s, and a Sears that’s half the size that it should be? Why not make the other side of the mall the new grand entrance, with a few good restaurants, like California Pizza Kitchen, or P.F. Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory, or Ted’s Montana Grille? As I have said before, it seems to me that if GGP waits too long, the economy will improve, and ultimately, Stroudwater Place will become the main shopping destination for Maine……..
which, in my opinion, would be great….but for now, The Maine Mall is all we have, so why not work a bit harder to make it better than it is?

[Reply]
JF
July 5th, 2009 at 1:22 pm

You can still mail letters from the Maine Mall, but you need to bring your stamps with you – the machine is gone…..
….also gone is the information desk. The people who recently worked there were all extremely polite, informed, and professional. It’s sad that the desk had to close. The mall lost an important part of its staff.

[Reply]
Jonah Norason (Pseudo3D) Reply:
July 5th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Bet you a million points it’s because of GGP’s bankruptcy…

[Reply]
ce Reply:
July 5th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
@Jonah Norason (Pseudo3D), USPS is not replacing the 20+ year old stamp vending machines. As they break, the working ones are being moved from lower to higher traffic locations. New machines would need better bill acceptors and other upgrades that were ruled to be cost ineffective with the declines in the need for stamps. GGP is not to blame for this one. Eventually. all the postage vending machines will be gone.

[Reply]
Jonah Norason (Pseudo3D) Reply:
July 5th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
…I meant the lack of an information booth was GGP’s fault.

[Reply]
SEAN Reply:
July 5th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
@Jonah Norason (Pseudo3D),

Paramus Park also closed there info desk. Infact they had moved it to the end of a side hallway where you would never find it. Only security new where it was.

Real smart GGP, what are you doing? That isn’t the way to keep customers coming back.

[Reply]
Jutty
July 5th, 2009 at 5:34 pm

The Barricade in front of Delia’s was gone by June 24th.

[Reply]
Gary
July 6th, 2009 at 1:08 am

The closures of these information desks are not limited to GGP. CBL Properties has been taking their information desks away from most of their malls as well as a cost cutting measure. They’re allowing individual stores to rent strollers to patrons and letting the security guards handle customer service calls, which I think is ridiculous.

[Reply]
Jonah Norason (Pseudo3D) Reply:
July 6th, 2009 at 9:46 am
I was at Richland Mall a few weeks ago. The customer service desk was replaced with kiddie strollers, and the map had not been updated (Cozzoli’s Pizza was now “Anna’s Pizza”, kind of like Sunrise Mall’s “Orange Creations”)

[Reply]
Jutty
July 15th, 2009 at 10:55 pm

Delia’s and Brighton Collectibles are now open.

[Reply]
Bob
July 17th, 2009 at 10:09 am

Yesterday’s Portland Press Herald 7/16 had a 3/4 page ad for NORDSTROM.The closest NORDSTROM is @ the Northshore Mall.

[Reply]
Caldor Reply:
July 17th, 2009 at 11:10 am
@Bob, The Northshore Mall is only an hour and a half away though; that’s totally within reach for people in the Portland area who want to take a trip on a weekend day for some serious shopping. I used to work for a retailer in the vicinity of Northshore Mall and we got a lot of people down from Maine, mostly on weekends.

And they very well may be trying to build up brand image in anticipation of opening a store in the Portland market…

[Reply]
JF
July 20th, 2009 at 8:42 am

I hate to dash anyone’s hopes about a NORDSTROM in Maine, but I think the ad was for NORTHSHORE’S sake. As CALDOR said, NORTHSHORE is very within reach from Southern Maine and New Hampshire.. People from here used to go to NORTHSHORE all the time for their shopping before JORDAN MARSH opened their store, and the mall was built out from that. NORDSTROM is very particular and methodical about its future stores, and if you go their website, they have all their future stores until 2012 all mapped out as to month and the day they’ll be opening. There’s no Maine or New Hampshire on the list; in New England, just a NORDSTROM RACK in Framingham, and a full NORDSTROM store at the SOUTHSHORE MALL in Braintree. The developer of the STROUDWATER PLACE project in Westbrook claimed he would bring NORDSTROM there, but so far, I would be surprised if he had one single tenant lined up, since his project has been delayed by the recession. He says by fall, the markets would improve, so maybe by then more stores will be eager to come. I certainly think this market can support a NORDSTROM, and probably one will come both to here and to New Hampshire (most probably to the MALL AT ROCKINGHAM PARK) in the future. By the way, although I haven’t been to the NORDSTROM at NORTHSHORE, I went to the one at BURLINGTON MALL, which is a larger, more high-end mall, and I thought the NORDSTROM was very tiny, with not that many departments OR customers the day I was there, and the mall itself was crowded. From listening to customers, I don’t think many were impressed, either. I hope if we get one, it’s nicer than that. As for our MAINE MALL now, the LINENS N THINGS space apparently isn’t going to be filled for awhile, because GOBEIL’S FURNITURE is going to open a gallery there. I’m not sure if the intent is for this to be a permanent store, or just temporary. Certainly GOBEIL’S sells very high-quality furniture, but since they already have a nice store, and since this is not the type of business one usually sees in a mall, it gives you the impression that not much is going on in the SEARS wing. On the other hand, with deliA’s, BRIGHTON COLLECTIBLES, and ZUMIEZ all open, and TEAVANA coming very soon, the MACY’S wing and the center wing between ZALES all the way down to the food court have built up quite an impressive array of higher-end choices in the last couple of years. The food court, unfortunately, is in a completely different class altogether…….

[Reply]
Jutty
July 22nd, 2009 at 10:52 pm

Teavana opens Thrusday morning, July 23.

[Reply]
Sadie
July 23rd, 2009 at 4:48 pm

Lindt Chocolate was slated to close last month due to GGP’S bankruptcy filing. hey renegotiated their lease to stay through the holidays.

[Reply]
JF
July 26th, 2009 at 11:43 am

RITZ CAMERA is closing their MAINE MALL location. I have noticed that many other malls have closed their RITZ CAMERA stores as well, so this one did well to hang on as long as it did. That space also has an empty one next to it, so the mall may wish to bring down the wall to make a larger store there. I know WILLIAMS/SONOMA was going to take part of that spot at one time. Although I feel badly for employees who will lose their jobs over the stores’ closures, I think for the mall’s sake, there a quite a lot of spaces that could potentially do better with a different store in that location. For example, a friend of mine went with me to RITZ CAMERA, and asked for a lens of some kind, only to be told rudely that it’s not being made any more. We went to WALMART and they had the very lens she was looking for, which she knew had not been discontinued. So if one can get the same product elsewhere, (with more courteous service, I might add) my feeling is it would be better if the mall added tenants that weren’t repeats of what we already have. The same is true with LINDT – We already have HAVEN’S, LEN LIBBY, and GODIVA; how many more chocolates do we need? There are plenty of retailers other cities our size enjoy, but we haven’t got, and could easily support. I hope some of them come to fill these new empty spaces. I was also informed that the mall is negotiating with tenants for the LINENS N THINGS space,so the GOBEIL’S FURNITURE is temporary, apparently.

[Reply]
JF
August 1st, 2009 at 12:52 pm

As of July 31, 2009, ZALES is closed. They had plans to close 115 stores, so I guess it’s no surprise. It’s a good location, so mabye something more high-profile can locate there. Change can be a good thing! The mall certainly is changing!

[Reply]
Jutty
August 2nd, 2009 at 10:38 pm

There is still Hanoush, Kay and G. M. Pollock, and then Jared outside the mall.

[Reply]
JF
August 4th, 2009 at 9:28 am

For those MAINE MALL patrons who miss THE DREAM MACHINE, there’s good news – a new arcade place is going to open soon in the food court area. There are rumors that eventually, when the economy improves, that the MAINE MALL will eliminate their food court altogether and replace it with more sit-down, self-contained restaurants. But that’s a long time into the future, and for now, the food court is attracting NOTHING, so this will at least pay the rent, and make the former DREAM MACHINE customers happy!

[Reply]
AceJay Reply:
August 9th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
@JF, Hahaha, are you serious? Do you have any source on this info, and do you know what chain will be moving in or if this will just be your mom-and-pop independant arcade?

[Reply]
Jutty
August 9th, 2009 at 9:41 pm

This evening I was just thinking of stores that were in the mall at one time and trying to remember where they used to be, and what is where they are now. I do remember there was at one time a comic book store where Express now is and wonders if anyone else remembers it. When I was in high school I remember there being a Friendly’s and a The Athlete’s Foot but I don’t remember where they were. Lindt Chocolates used to be Glamour Shots. Does anyone remember where Express was before they moved to their current location? What about Natural Wonders and Lechters?

[Reply]
JF
August 9th, 2009 at 11:29 pm

AceJay,
I don’t have any source; I just walk the mall a lot for exercise, and I saw the sign for the arcade on a window in the food court. They actually have moved a few game machines in, and I think the sign says something about having classic video games from 1979-2009. Some of the arcades look old that I can see, but there are no lights on yet, and part of it is behind the curtains. But it’s coming! It probably will bring in a lot of business.

[Reply]
JF
August 9th, 2009 at 11:35 pm

By the way, in an article from the Press Herald, the new Maine Mall manager said as he began his job,that the empty spaces 40,000 square feet and under would be filled by the end of summer. He has about 3 weeks to fill 11 spaces. Good luck.

[Reply]
Jutty Reply:
August 10th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
@JF, I guess it depends on whats considered the end of the summer, Labor Day weekend, which is in 4 weeks, or the Autumnal Equinox about 2.5 weeks later.

[Reply]
AceJay
August 9th, 2009 at 11:39 pm

@Arcade: Post some pics when it’s open, please!
@Filling spaces: Wow, good luck. That will be pretty hard to do without getting small local businesses to move in. 3 weeks isn’t enough time for many people to make a full move.

[Reply]
JF
August 10th, 2009 at 11:46 pm

The new arcade’s name is TWILIGHT ZONE FAMILY ARCADE, featuring games from 1979-2009

[Reply]
JF
August 11th, 2009 at 10:09 pm

I do a lot of exercise walking in the mall, and often hear rumors about new stores coming in. Apparently there are quite a few new ones that are negotiating, one of which is rumored to be a retailer that will be a major draw; one that will surprise and wow many! The mall indeed has more than its share of empty spaces, but it should be noted that the empty spaces were occupied by retailers that either closed ALL of their locations nationwide, or were retailers that were unexciting, and whose space could be better suited by something else. I myself don’t miss any of the closed stores, except for Filene’s and the wonderful Ginger Pad. So even if they’re not all filled by the end of summer, I guess it’s better to wait a little longer and have this mall be a major destination once more.

[Reply]
Bob
August 16th, 2009 at 2:34 pm

There’s a new restaurant at the former Ginger Pad .It’s called Asian Garden Express.It looks like it just opened today.They also have Smoothies. Virtually no changes to the interior.The menu isn’t bad.Pretty reasonable prices.It looks like it could be temporary,maybe operated by one of the other food court restaurants.

[Reply]
JF
August 16th, 2009 at 11:35 pm

I spoke to one of the employees at the ASIAN GARDEN EXPRESS. To me, it sounds like a great place. He told me that the company is looking to franchise, but for now, this was the only location. They have a regular menu and an express menu, from which you can choose two items for lunch. As Bob said, the prices look good, and this week, I plan to give them a try! They let me take a menu with me.
Also, the TWILIGHT ZONE arcade place was open today. I counted 15 old second hand arcade games in there. They weren’t even lined up evenly against the wall. When I walked by, there were three people in there, with one woman waiting for her son to finish, obviously looking bored. When I walked by the second time, no one was in there. I’m not sure, but I think the ASIAN GARDEN intends to be permanent, but there’s not enough excitement in TWILIGHT ZONE to take it seriously; right now it’s about as exciting as a root canal.

[Reply]
Gary Reply:
August 17th, 2009 at 5:14 am
@JF, it doesn’t surprise me that there weren’t many people in the arcade. The late weekend could’ve been a factor as kids like to congregate in these places during Friday and Saturday nights. Arcades aren’t really big draws in this day and age unless they are in the scale of a Dave & Busters. The novelty of these places have died out since the early 90s.

[Reply]
Bob
September 2nd, 2009 at 10:14 am

Lamey-Wellahan just signed a lease for a space at Payne Road Plaza accross from the old Wal-Mart.Another blow to the Sears wing if they move out of the mall.That’s probobly one of the busiest stores in that wing.

[Reply]
JF
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:10 pm

I wonder if the mall has big plans for that wing, and are simply not renewing leases of stores in the Sears wing? I read in some business blog that there are several stores close to signing new leases. Some of them HAVE to be in that wing, and it was mentioned that one of them was a “WOW” tenant. So, my guess would be if they can get one major attraction down there, it would be enough to bring others in, and with Lamey-Wellehan’s space open, it means another good store to move in. I heard from employees that the last two weekends with all the rain translated to big numbers in the mall. With the higher-end stores apparently doing quite well, it should be an inspiration for others to follow. You have to hope……

[Reply]
Gary
September 5th, 2009 at 1:36 am

Well there’s still stores that aren’t represented at Maine Mall, one of them being Hollister. Usually when there’s upscale stores in a certain mall, others will follow. What the mall needs is a destination anchor, like a Nordstrom. The former Filene’s space could be the new home of a Nordstrom. The former Linens-N-Things would also be large enough for an LL Bean. It also needs some upscale restaurants like the Cheesecake Factory and PF Chang’s.

[Reply]
JF
September 5th, 2009 at 8:22 am

Perhaps the “WOW” tenant they’re talking about is a restaurant. From what I hear in the mall, the manager is very quiet on what new plans there are, which is a good thing, because it prevents untrue rumors from spreading. You have to be grateful for the new stores that have arrived in the last two years – Banana Republic, Apple, Teavana, Coldwater Creek, Cache, The Walking Company, Brighton Collectibles, deLiA;s,XXI Forever, H & M, Zumiez, plus the stores that have renovated, such as Bath and Body Works, American Eagle, Spencer’s, FYE, and Gymboree. That center corridor, for the most part, is a great improvement. But then you have to look at the awful food court and the dead Sears wing and see how far there is to go. Wouldn’t it be nice to see Philbrook Rd, in back of the mall, turned into a lovely tree-lined boulevard without that dangerous curve, and what is now the back of the mall turned into a new front entrance? I was told NORDSTROM wanted a high presence, and that meant exposure from the Maine Mall Road side. At present, what’s so attractive about that? All you see is that ugly Best Buy, an outdated Macy’s, and the most crowded, clutter-filled Sears I have ever shopped in. I think with the back of the mall redone as a front entrance, JC Penney could move into the former Filene’s, and the present JC Penney could be torn down and replaced with a new NORDSTROM – then the food court could be demolished and new sit down restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen, PF Chang’s, Ted’s Montana Grille,and Cheesecake Factory could go there. It’s sad that so many shopping centers across the country, in smaller and poorer markets then Portland, have so much more retail choices to offer. I know of so many people who still travel out of state to find decent clothes for their certain age group. Hopefully in a couple of years, we’ll see improvement here. Some say this mall is doing well for what it has; others say something needs to be done quickly because the mall is in trouble. I don’t know who to believe. But if this area were so poor and remote, why is COACH doing so well? Why would CABELA’S choose this area over hundreds of others, knowing that L.L.BEAN, their strong competitor, was already here? Being optimistic, I think we have loads of untapped potential here.

[Reply]
Gary Reply:
September 5th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
@JF, while I understand your reasoning for replacing the food court with several sit down restaurants, some people prefer the convenience of a fast food establishment because they don’t want to pay an arm and a leg to eat at the Cheesecake Factory or the California Pizza Kitchen. Where would you put these fast food places? Scatter them throughout the mall perhaps?

[Reply]
Gary Reply:
September 5th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
@JF, and if Sears has a clutter problem and they have a ground settling issue that prevents them from expanding their store, then maybe they should relocate to the former Filene’s space with an Auto Center building built as an outparcel and then the Sears building could be demolished. After the ground has been stabilized, then that could be the new home of a Nordstrom, which would be within view of the intersection of Philbrook and Maine Mall Rds.

[Reply]
Gary
September 5th, 2009 at 6:56 pm

This likely hasn’t been brought upon, but has GGP ever proposed adding a second floor to the mall? The mall is already big enough as it is, but a second floor would open the door to new retailers. That would of course require the need for a number of parking garages, like at Natick Collection. If a Nordstrom is built, certain luxury stores would subsequently follow. These could include such names as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Co., Juicy Couture, Gucci, etc. What you don’t want to do though is alienate the existing shopper, the common middle class folk who are used to shopping at Sears, JCPenney, PacSun, American Eagle, Payless Shoes, etc. What were seeing here is a mix between the lower end, middle end and upper end stores and that’s a good thing, because there’s a little something for everyone.

[Reply]
JF Reply:
September 6th, 2009 at 12:09 am
@Gary, good question;I have asked in this blog before if anyone knows why a second floor has never been considered. I know that Sears is on unstable land, but three anchor stores have second stories, so maybe it could be done. I agree that if the high-end stores do start arriving, the mid range ones need to stay, because even in Natick where the really expensive stores are, shoppers still prefer the old wing to the expensive new one. If we had a second floor here, I would prefer to see the stores in a mix, rather than to put all the high-end ones in one corner. As for the food court, I say too bad if people like to eat fast food junk. Most quality malls are eliminating their food courts. There’s nothing in that food court that’s worth keeping for me. Mrs Field’s, Amato’s, and Ben & Jerry’s can find new homes in the mall, but the rest? Scrap ‘em.

[Reply]
CE
September 6th, 2009 at 7:33 am

A second floor had been considered before the mall was sold to GGP. The problem is there is not enough land to offer ground parking and a garage would have to be built. Allegedly, that would be disproportionally expensive on the cost / benefit side which is why S.R. Weiner never moved forward on that.

[Reply]
JF
September 8th, 2009 at 7:45 pm

It’s probably not a priority in Maine for us to have an attractive mall. Most people, including myself, don’t care enough to lose any sleeep over it. Certainly from the management point of view, having an attractive place to shop is not a priority. But for those who love to shop there, and think it’s got everything, you need to get in your car and travel about 210 miles to Connecticut to the Westfarms Mall in Farmington. Yes, it’s near Hartford, which does not have Portland’s reputation as a liveable city, but one thing the Hartford area DOES have is one hell of a nice mall. This mall is EVERYTHING the Maine Mall is not. The management does not allow stores to be vacant longer than a week. They don’t allow trashy merchandise to placed out in the mall corridor, as SEARS at the Maine Mall is doing now. They have an information desk with real people working there. There are new stores opening all the time, and the mall announces them. They have landscaping that is beyond belief. Here, we’re lucky if anyone cleans the debris out of the bushes even once all summer. It’s really a disgrace what Maine people put up with, and what we accept as normal. If I did my job the way GGP has done with our mall for the past two years, I wouldn’t HAVE a job. GGP may be broke, but they’re spending plenty of the money they say they don’t have on some of their other “BABIES”, and ignoring Maine. So what else is new? Hasn’t Maine been at the end of the food chain forever now? Still is!!!! Year after year goes by, and the same empty spaces linger on. Soon, Lamey-Wellehan’s empty space will grace the Sears wing, and I am 991/2 per cent sure there’s NO ONE to fill that empty space. At this point, I find it hard to believe that anyone at GGP is even trying. If they paid so much for this mall, and said it was in their top ten percent, why did they buy it and turn it into dust? I can’t help hoping, but the more I go over there, the more discouraged I get. Especially when I see that just a few miles farther south, there is management who cares about their clientele. Not here. Not here.

[Reply]
Gary Reply:
September 9th, 2009 at 12:52 am
@JF, the point is Taubman knows how to run their malls, that’s why they don’t own 200 of them like GGP or Simon. Same goes with Macerich.

[Reply]
JF Reply:
September 9th, 2009 at 4:43 am
@Gary, so true. How I wish Taubman had bought this one. It would have made all the difference in the world.

[Reply]
JF
September 18th, 2009 at 7:46 pm

The Maine Mall is promising us a “WOW” tenant, according to the manager. I wonder if it’s this new massage place that’s about to open next to the exciting calendar store! The massage sign looks like it was made by a group of 2nd graders – I’m really excited over this! (YAWN)
I wanted to buy my friend a mall gift card. I work two jobs, so I can’t be there until after 6:30. Since there’s no information desk to get one, and the mall office closes at 5, and it’s not open until Saturday, I’m out of luck unless I want to order online. But GGP insists that this is an IMPROVEMENT…Right.
I’m curious as to whether the mall manager reads these blogs. Does he know that at one time, this was one of the top ten dollars-per-square-foot malls in the country? I watched this mall under construction way back in 1971, was there for the grand opening, and although our metro population has increased by over 100,000 since then, the number of shoppers in the mall has dropped incredibly. Who wants to shop there? Sears has more of its rummage sale garbage out in the corridors, the driveways and the sidewalks are all crumbling, the cigarette butts and newspapers are still gathered all around the bushes, and the Sears wing and Filene’s are still empty, along with the space next to Best Buy, five spaces in the food court, and the two spaces next to Picture People. To me, the whole thing screams “Stay away. There’s NOTHING goin on here.” Believe me, there isn’t anything going on there. It wouldn’t be so bad if you could say GGP is cutting back on all of their centrers. but they continue to spend money on the white-elephant-Italian-designer-wing in Natick, and many other places that don’t have half the potential our mall has. It makes me sick to see our Maine Mall go downhill. It’s just so obvious that the management cares nothing about this mall, or for that matter, the employees who make their living by working there.

[Reply]
JF
September 18th, 2009 at 7:48 pm

That was a typo – my mistake – I meant the mall office closes at 5, and is NOT open Saturday. Sorry for the error. Heaven forbid the office would be open Saturday!!!!

[Reply]
Gary
September 19th, 2009 at 9:01 am

There’s 5 vacancies in the food court? How many tenants are left in it?

[Reply]
JF
September 19th, 2009 at 10:00 am

I consider a vacancy to be the same as a temporary store. So you take CINNABON, OLIVIA’ S SALAD, the place at the end that used to be the Sports Collectibles store, the space next to it that’s a temporary arcade place, and the Asian restaurant that has NO customers that I am positive will soon once again be vacant, you have 5. The problem is when this mall malls closes stores, the spaces either stay vacant for years at a time, or are replaced with cheap temporary stores such as a calendar store, the new “Massage” place, or the “Go Games”, or Gobeil’s furniture warehouse, or “Ambience”, or “Halloween Heaven”, or “A Christmas To Remember” – the list goes on and on. For people who are truly interested in the retail sector and do research on “dead malls”, these temporary stores give the impression that management is either unable or unmotivated to find upscale national retailers to fill those spaces. The more of these ugly temp stores there are, it obviously means that the mall is in trouble. From the middle corridor to the MACY’S end that are doing well with a great mix of retailers, I don’t think the MAINE MALL is in deep trouble yet. But if a high-quality national retailer were to take a mall tour, walking past all the vacancies and temporary stores, no one is going to want to locate in any of the three dead zones, limiting any chance for growth or improvement. As far as the FILENE’S wing, the SEARS wing, and the food court are concerned, the longer these cheap temporary stores remain, it will impossible to restore what once was without a major renovation, which I feel it needs, but have doubts GGP lists as a priority with the economy still down.

[Reply]
Gary Reply:
September 19th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
@JF, I gotcha, but what is your take on local mom and pop shops at the mall? These stores aren’t temporary shops but are actually established shops that have been in the mall for at least two or three years, except that they are locally owned? My mall has a number of these shops along with such upscale names as Ann Taylor Loft, Talbots and Helzberg Diamonds and they actually took the time to invest some money into blending in with the other stores rather than throwing up some tacky letters and calling themselves a store.

[Reply]
JF Reply:
September 19th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
@Gary, the MAINE MALL has a couple of stores that fit that description. One of them is RAVE-X, a motorsport performance outfitter that’s built up a very successful business selling specialized merchandise that no one else in the mall offers. Their decor is anything but “temporary”; their signs and displays are very attractive, and when I walk by, they’re always quite busy; busier than a lot of the chains. I believe they opened a second store in the FOX RUN MALL in New Hampshire (although FOX RUN is in no position to negotiate with major retailers) so for them, RAVE-X is a great addition. In the MAINE MALL, they’re next to COLDWATER CREEK. Another good local tenant is AMATO’S, home of the original Italian sandwich, a Portland tradition for over a century. One of their many restaurants, AMATO’S food is always fresh, and one cannot say that about many of the other greasy places in the food court. LAMEY-WELLEHAN was downtown for years and years, and has branch stores in the Portland area. Their shoe store has been in the mall since it opened. They’ll be leaving for a new location soon, but they have done the mall proud with their beautiful store. So yes, local stores such as those give our mall character and individuality, and it’s a privilege to have them here. But when a wave of “temporary” stores open, for me that’s something entirely different. When that happens, it gives the impression no one is interested in the mall any longer, and this has an adverse effect on local shops and national retailers alike.

[Reply]
Gary Reply:
September 20th, 2009 at 5:20 am
@JF, I’ve never heard of Rave-X but that would probably be my kind of store since I’m into motocross… we have a store like that in our mall called Rock Star which sells similar clothing but they also specialize in band tees and other music merchandise.

[Reply]
JF Reply:
September 20th, 2009 at 6:39 am
@Gary, another local one at the MAINE MALL is DOWNEAST ART and FRAMING. I’ve had so many pictures done there, and they have a huge selection of art work, much of which is of a local nature. They are located in a highly desirable corridor, mixed in with some high-end national tenants.

[Reply]
Dan
September 19th, 2009 at 10:18 am

Anyone have any idea who this “WOW” tenant might be?

[Reply]
JF Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 7:42 pm
@Dan, it’s very possible that all the deals for these new tenants have fallen through. After all, this was the manager that promised that all the spaces would be filled by the end of the summer. I’m assuming now that he must have meant they would be filled with temporary stores. So, maybe we can hope for BUBBA’S WICKER WORLD? or maybe a branch of LINDA BEAN’S PERFECT LOBSTER ROLL. I heard that Marden’s taking over the Scarborough Wal-Mart is not a done deal. Maybe they could look at the LINENS n THINGS space for MARDEN’S SURPLUS SHOWCASE. At the rate I see this mall going, these would be GOOD choices.

[Reply]
Jutty Reply:
September 25th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
@JF, When Walmart in Waterville built a new supercenter, Marden’s moved into the old Walmart building. I don’t think the Linens n things space is large enough.

[Reply]
JF Reply:
September 26th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
@Jutty, I was just being sarcastic. And even though I’m growing impatient with all the empty spaces at the mall, I am quite sure the management is working on filling them with highly respectable tenants. I was simply commenting on the SLOWNESS it takes GGP to fill them.

[Reply]
Cassandra
September 21st, 2009 at 7:35 pm

Hello! I just want to know if shopping centers in USA will be opened on october 12 because they will be closed in Quebec! Thanks!

[Reply]
Jutty Reply:
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
@Cassandra, Yes they will be open, They will be closed November 26.

[Reply]
JF Reply:
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:24 pm
@Cassandra, that weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving.

[Reply]
JF
October 2nd, 2009 at 6:42 pm

The mall has not looked this old, tired, or UGLY in years. Gobeil’s still has its furniture, nice that it is, but we need the space for something better, at Linens n Things. The temporary stores are probably permanent as of now. Sears still has its garage sale out in the main corridor, with barely anyone down there to notice. Since early summer, nothing new has been added, and there’s not any signs up indicating anything coming. This is what holiday shoppers have to look forward to?I can’t for the life of me understand why GGP has plans to renovate so many of its other malls, but allows ours to rot into the ground, especially since they paid so much for it, and STILL maintain that this is one of their top dollar malls. On a positive note, it’s easy to walk for exercise, because you rarely encounter people to slow you down. Aside from Amato’s, there’s not even one single place to get fresh, healthy food. Tried the new place called Asian Garden, that replaced the wonderful Ginger Pad? You’ve been warned.

[Reply]
GL
October 31st, 2009 at 12:05 pm

Cracker Barrel is going to be coming in 2010 behind the Wyndham Hotel adjacent to Toys R Us.

Go to Malonecb.com and search 363 Maine Mall Rd

[Reply]
JF
November 11th, 2009 at 8:38 pm

There’s a nice little BORDERS EXPRESS in the mall until after Christmas. It would have been nice if they had replaced WALDENBOOKS but at the time WALDENBOOKS closed, the intent was apparently to subdivide its space and put a couple of new stores. But maybe BORDERS would consider a slightly larger EXPRESS location if this one is successful. The ZALES location has a lovely temporary store called THE GALLERY. The exciting works of art there are about three steps lower than the dogs playing cards or velvet Elvis. Just loving those temporary stores – and speaking of WALDENBOOKS, their location is now CHRISTMAS MAGIC. So much for magic.

[Reply]
Gary Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 10:34 am
@JF, so the Borders Express store is part of the wave of closures across the country? Maybe they should kick out Gobeil’s and bring in a Barnes & Noble to fill in the former Linens n Things space since the nearest one is about an hour away.

[Reply]
CE Reply:
November 12th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
@Gary, Barnes & Noble is supposed to be a tenant for the postponed Maine Mall Commons. MMC is across the street from the mall on GGP owned property. A seven screen cinema used to be there. There is a Borders in the mall parking lot however, it is on land owned by Macy’s.

The Borders Express would be a temporary store. The Waldenbooks was closed rather than converted.

[Reply]
JF
November 12th, 2009 at 8:13 pm

Maybe it’s the malls owned by GGP, but in other cities with malls owned by other companies, the new stores seem to be moving in. I guess I don’t understand the retail business, but I can’t for the life of me figure out why there are so many temp stores here when there are scores of mid-range stores that I have HEARD in the past that would love to locate here. I would just like to know if the lack of new stores stems from our remote Maine location, or if it’s bankrupt GGP, or if it’s our manager who is interested only in temporary stores. While I think that GOODWILL coming to the old CIRCUIT CITY, and MARDEN’S moving into the old WAL-MART are much more sensible than the high-end waste at the NATICK COLLECTION, the Maine Mall could be a very nice location for mid-range stores such as j jill, J CREW, SEPHORA, HOLLISTER, RESTORATION HARDWARE,and restaurants like CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN, or CHEESECAKE FACTORY. Are these retailers adding locations anywhere else? Or is it just Maine that’s being left out? It would also be nice to have a decent SEARS, or a JCPenney with departments found in other JCPenney stores. We really lack a lot of what other malls; many of which are in smaller markets in Portland, have had for years.

[Reply]
B2263
November 15th, 2009 at 7:59 pm

I’ve heard rumors of a couple of new additions to the mall after the holidays – one that ladies will enjoy, and another a very entertaining fast food place. Will have to wait and see……

[Reply]
Dan Reply:
November 19th, 2009 at 1:17 pm
@B2263, Can you be a little more specific? I hope the fast food place your talking about is a Sonic! =)

[Reply]
B2263 Reply:
November 19th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
@Dan, Not Sonic.

[Reply]

The Maine Mall; South Portland, Maine

263 Responses to “The Maine Mall; South Portland, Maine”

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