The Maine Mall; South Portland, Maine
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?!
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on February 5th, 2007 at 5:21 am
http://www.geocities.com/zayre88/plaza-mainemall.html
Some history on The Maine Mall for ya.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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).
on February 6th, 2007 at 1:00 am
Hi, i’m the author of the 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.
on 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?
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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)
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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!!!!
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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?
on 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!
on 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.
on 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.
on 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)
on 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.
on 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.
on August 2nd, 2007 at 11:21 pm
JF, whats the name of the store?
on 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
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on August 30th, 2007 at 11:13 pm
Jonah: Yes, I am aware DCS are gone; I expressed my words unclearly; sorry.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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!!!
on 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.
on 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 =]
on 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.
on 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.
on 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…
on 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.
on 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.
on 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!
on March 1st, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Hmm…sounds like the “Riverplace” project that could’ve killed Pheasant Lane Mall!
on 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…
on 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!
on 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!
on 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.
on 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.)
on 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. 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.
on 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!
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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!)
on 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!
on 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.
on May 20th, 2008 at 7:55 am
Any word yet on the Apple location?
on 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.
on 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!
on 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.
on 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. […]
on 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.
on 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!
on 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
on 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 
on 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.
on June 25th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
A Coldwater Creek store is being built in the former Spencers Gifts and Wilsons Leather shells.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on July 6th, 2008 at 12:57 am
H&M is said to be opening late fall/early winter. I’m very excited!
on 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!
on 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!
on 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.
on 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.
on 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?
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.
on 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.