07.05.2024

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💳 Shop ‘til ~~you~~ they drop

Dead malls: You could shop... until they dropped

A tiled floor with a dark, empty storefront to the right and a pair of escalators surrounded by four large pillars. Surrounding the bottom of one of the escalators is a yellow and red sign blocking the entrance that says "preventative maintenance."

The former Richland Mall is set to transform into a new city park. | Photo by MikeKalasnik via Wikimedia Commons

Shopping malls across America have been left in a state that not even Paul Blart could save, and Columbia is no exception.

Known as “dead malls,” these abandoned, dilapidated, or mostly vacant shopping centers have become a subject of fascination — especially thanks to the online popularity of liminal space aesthetics.

Let’s go to the mall

Teeming with life in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Columbia Place Mall originally opened in 1977 with Belk, JC Penney, and Sears as anchor tenants. Later, Belk was replaced by Dillard’s. Eventually, both Dillard’s and JC Penney left the mall, and now it sits mostly vacant.

Across town, Dutch Square Center opened as Columbia’s first indoor mall in 1970. Throughout the ‘90s, the mall was booming with stores and eateries like Britton’s, Chick-fil-A, Morrison’s Cafeteria, Radio Shack, and Orange-Julius.

Years earlier in 1961, Forest Acres’ Richland Mall started as an open-air shopping center. In the ‘80s, the mall was converted into an indoor center and renamed Richland Fashion Mall. Shoppers may remember Meri’s Record Shops, the Happy Bookseller, and the Richland Mall Theatre.

The top level of a building looking at a dark, empty red brick storefront. In front of the store is an opening with a railing lining it. — This space used to hold Dillard’s and Belk at Columbia Place Mall.
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Photo by MikeKalasnik via Wikimedia Commons

Back to the future

Columbia Place is much quieter today, but in 2023, construction began on government buildings at the former site of the mall’s Burlington Coat Factory.

In August 2023, a locally-based church announced plans to purchase and revitalize Dutch Square Center Mall, and readers are likely familiar with plans to turn the former Richland Mall site into a city park and 50,000 sqft of restaurants, a grocery store, and apartments

While these malls have changed, Columbia has a number of other thriving shopping centers or districts where you can make like NSYNC and buy, buy, buy:

Columbiana Centre | This popular retail destination is Soda City’s largest mall. It’s anchored by department stores like Belk + Dillard’s and features ~100 other stores like ColaKicks, Aldo’s, and Champs Sports. It’s also home to a 60,000-sqft Dave and Buster’s — so pencil in time to play.
Village at Sandhill | This outdoor shopping center features a movie theater, restaurants, and stores like Books-A-Million, GameStop, Journey’s, and JC Penney. New shops continue to boost business here, too.

Asked

Share your memories from a local mall’s heyday

Think: First date at the food court, trying on prom dresses, or hitting up Orange-Julius before searching for that perfect outfit.

Mall memories

Events

Friday, July 5

Fright Night Laser Lights | Friday, July 5 | 6-10 p.m. | SC State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $10 | Enjoy special shows featuring lasers choreographed to iconic music inside the museum’s 55-ft digital dome.
“The Prom” | Friday, July 5 | 8 p.m. | Trustus Theatre, 520 Lady St., Columbia | $35 | Four fading Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage look to snag the spotlight in this fun musical.

Saturday, July 6

Soda City Market | Saturday, July 6 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Main Street, 1300-1600 Main St., Columbia | Free | Find everything to satisfy your brain, body, and belly — and made with love by local vendors.
“The Addams Family” | Saturday, July 6 | 10 a.m. | Nickelodeon Theater, 1607 Main St., Columbia | $5-$7 | “They’re creepy and they’re kooky” — watch the fun flick about the “mysterious and spooky” family as part of the venue’s Kids Summer Movies series.
Main Street Food Tour | Saturday, July 6 | 1:45-5 p.m. | Main Street Columbia, 1300-1600 Main St., Columbia | $50 | Take a three-hour stroll through downtown Cola and try bites from up to seven locally owned restaurants.
Celebrate Freedom | Saturday, July 6 | 6-10 p.m. | Bill’s Music Shop, 710 Meeting St., West Columbia | $10 | This patriotic shindig will feature dancing, a potluck, and a flag ceremony.

Sunday, July 7

Cycle Center Group Ride | Sunday, July 7 | 11 a.m. | Cycle Center, 1001 Harden St., Columbia | Free | Meet at Cycle Center for a 22-mile road ride with loops into Cayce and West Columbia.

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

In need of housing repairs? You might qualify for help from Richland County via Operation One Touch, a local program for low to moderate income households. The program provides up to $23,000 in grant funds per eligible home for electrical, roofing, and flooring repairs, accessibility enhancements, and more. (WLTX)

Coming Soon

A new Whataburger eatery is being built at 888 S. Lexington Dr. in Lexington as the burger brand continues its expansion into SC. The chain is simultaneously constructing at least two other locations in the Midlands — one in Irmo and another in North Columbia. (The State)

Environment

Heading to the beach this weekend? The SC Department of Natural Resources is reminding locals to be aware of the coastal bird species also using our beaches as cozy spots to rear their chicks. Follow temporary closures, walk around flocks, keep dogs leashed, and watch for eggs.

Columbian

We know you love Soda City Market’s vendors — but have you ever met Shawn Mewborn? He’s a balloon artist at Balloonopolis, twisting up cute creations for 20+ years, including the highly-requested “pink and purple unicorn.” You can also book him for birthday parties — he’ll get it poppin’.

Edu

USC students, take note. If you’re looking to level up your school + career goals, consider joining the Fall 2024 Mentorship Program. Students will be paired with an alum and get guidance on everything from polishing your resume to preparing for interviews. Join the Mentorship Hub.

Plan Ahead

SC’s annual tax-free weekend will return after midnight on Friday, Aug. 2-Sunday, Aug. 4. The break from the 6% statewide sales tax is valid on items like computers, printers, clothing, and some bed + bath goods. Things that aren’t covered include smartphones, jewelry, makeup, eyewear, and furniture. (The Post and Courier)

Eat

Looking to add a new dinner recipe to your rotation? We’re bookmarking these Coca-Cola pulled pork sandwiches for an easy-to-cook meal. Hint: It simmers in the slow cooker all day.*

Eat

🍔 The kids are all bite

Let’s eat, kids: Family friendly restaurants in Columbia

Two burgers topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and other fixings sit on a table at Grill Marks in Columbia; there are baskets of fries and a milkshake topped with whipped cream in the background.

If the kids are up for a burger and milkshake, Grill Marks will get the job done. | Photo via @grillmarksofficial

Parents, this one’s for you. We’re in the thick of summer and the kids are with you 24/7 but you deserve a break from preparing endless snacks. Cue these family friendly local restaurants — tried and true with Cola kiddos.

Grill Marks

From its comfortable, welcoming dining room to its burgers + milkshakes, this is a great spot to eat with the littles in tow. The kids menu includes cheeseburger sliders, chicken fingers, a hot dog, and more — all served on a Grill Marks frisbee.

Groucho’s Deli

Check out the menu’s Juniors section featuring smaller versions of classics like the Apollo, Dipper, and STP — perfect for mini hands + bellies. Also, you can’t go wrong with the grilled cheese.

Zesto

This longtime West Columbia restaurant will please little palates: the menu features burgers, chicken, hot dogs, fries, soft serve, sundaes, and milkshakes. Don’t forget to snap a sweet photo with the cone in the sky.

3 more kid friendly spots

The Buy

The Buy 7.05.24 (Affiliate)

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Monica

From the editor

Flying in or out of Cola this week? We hear CAE will be very busy — but our guide to navigating the airport will make the process smoother. Safe travels, friends.

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