LiveMalls

Christmas at Valley View Mall

2011-12-25T20:33:00.001-05:00

A friend of LiveMalls has provided us with a series of photos of vintage Christmas scenes from Valley View Mall in Roanoke, Virginia. The photos were taken during the 1980s and 1990s, and give a definitive example of holiday display during the era.

Merry Christmas from LiveMalls

2011-12-24T17:48:00.002-05:00

It's easy to get caught up in all the business of Christmas, but LiveMalls wishes you a peaceful Christmas full of the most important things.

Ivey's of Orlando

2011-10-03T12:47:00.001-04:00

Ivey's Department Store in Orlando Postcard, originally uploaded by tablewareforsale.

Ivey's of Orlando, originally uploaded by ferret111.

The Yowell-Duckworth Building was built in 1913 as a department store. It eventually became home to the Downtown Orlando branch of the Charlotte, NC-based J.B. Ivey & Company department store chain. This store was closed on January 30, 1976. Ivey's was taken over by Dillard's in 1990.

Visit The Ivey's Archive

Even more Belk blasts from the past...

2011-10-02T22:03:00.000-04:00

Belk, Charlotte, North Carolina. Print advertisement, 1937. (Pat Richardson)

Belk, Charlotte, North Carolina. Print advertisement, 1939. (Pat Richardson)

Belk, Charlotte, North Carolina. Print advertisement, 1940. (Pat Richardson)

Belk, Charlotte, North Carolina. Print advertisement, 1942. (Pat Richardson)

Belk, Charlotte, North Carolina. Print advertisement, 1945. (Pat Richardson)

Belk, Charlotte, North Carolina. Pattern Room, Print advertisement, 1946. (Pat Richardson)

Belk, Charlotte, North Carolina. Print advertisement, 1947. (Pat Richardson)

Belk, Charlotte, North Carolina. Print advertisement, 1948. (Pat Richardson)

Belk, Charlotte, North Carolina. Print advertisement, 1949. (Pat Richardson)

Belk, Charlotte, North Carolina.Print advertisement, 1953. (Pat Richardson)

Efird's, revisited

2011-10-01T22:24:00.001-04:00

Efird's, Charlotte, North Carolina. Print advertisement, 1937. (courtesy Pat Richardson)

Efird's, Charlotte, North Carolina. Print advertisement, 1938. (courtesy Pat Richardson)

Efird's, Charlotte, North Carolina. Print advertisement, 1953. (courtesy Pat Richardson)

Efird's, Charlotte, North Carolina. Print advertisement, 1956. (courtesy Pat Richardson)

Efird's, Charlotte, North Carolina. Print advertisement, 1942. (courtesy Pat Richardson)

Previously on LiveMalls
Efird's, Charlotte, North Carolina

2011-09-12T20:43:00.003-04:00

SouthPark; Charlotte, North Carolina. Morrison Boulevard facade, showing part of the Thalhimers(left) and Sears (right) facades. Photo taken from the Park Hotel, circa 1990. (Courtesy cantnot, via the North Carolina Room at the Charlotte Public Library)

SouthPark; Charlotte, North Carolina. Morrison Boulevard entrance, showing part of the Sears (right) facades. Photo taken August 7, 2002.

Previously on LiveMalls
SouthPark, circa 1990

2011-04-14T10:46:00.003-04:00

Belk-Beery, Wilmington, North Carolina. Billboard, 1985. (cantnot via New Hanover Public Library)

Belk-Beery, Independence Mall, Wilmington, North Carolina. Exterior entrance, 1979. (cantnot via New Hanover Public Library)

Belk-Beery, Independence Mall, Wilmington, North Carolina. Mall entrance, 1979. (cantnot via New Hanover Public Library)

Previously on LiveMalls
Belk, Independence Mall, Wilmington, North Carolina

former Macy's and Stern's (now Queens Place Mall); Elmhurst, Queens, New York

2011-03-22T00:38:00.009-04:00

former Macy's and Stern's (now Queens Place Mall); Elmhurst, Queens, New York. Building under construction with the home of Ms. Mary Sondek in the foreground, circa 1965. (Life magazine, via Lou C.)

The above photo submitted by LiveMalls contributor Lou C. tells an interesting story.

In the early 1960s, the R.H. Macy Company began planning a new store in the Elmhurst section of Queens, New York, near the Long Island Expressway. The building was originally planned as a traditional rectangular construction designed to replace several blocks of residences. However, the owner of the corner property, Mary Sondek, staunchly refused to sell what had been her childhood home.

Specifically, she reportedly refused to sell a 7×15-foot back corner of her lot to Macy's for $200,000 because she wanted her dog to have a place to play. As a result, the department store was reconfigured as a circle (with a small cut out of one side) overshadowing the tiny brown shingled house, where Ms. Sondek, a mother of six, continued to live until her death. Her home, that she fought so tenaciously to preserve, was soon leveled and a strip mall was squeezed into the site so close to Macy’s that the two are almost touching.

Despite the divot, the store was still considered the world's largest round retail building. Skidmore Owings & Merrill designed a circular, three-level building that echoed the futuristic pavilions of the 1964-65 World’s Fair just one mile away in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Behind the 142-yard diameter Macy’s rotunda were two circular parking ramps that gave access to the parking garage that ringed the entire structure allowing shoppers to park close to any department in the store. In front of the coliseum-like building was a smaller, circular First National City Bank which, with the parking ramps, gave the appearance of moons orbiting a planet.

Macy's no longer has a department store at this building, though there is a still a Macy's Furniture Gallery here. In 1995, it was converted to Stern's and later closed by Federated Department Stores. The building now contains the Queens Place Mall; and Macy's has a location at the nearby Queens Center.

Sources: Life magazine, The Universe of Discourse, Wikipedia, HollisNY.com

USA Shopping Malls, Summer 1990

2011-03-19T20:00:00.005-04:00

(c) Michael Galinksy

Taken nearly 21 years ago, this series of photos by Michael Galinksy capture a typical day at the mall as a moment in history at various locations across America, including Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove (Long Island), New York I think you'll like them. Click here for more.

Goodbye JCPenney (logo)

2011-02-27T21:26:00.002-05:00

One of the most recognizable wordmarks of the 20th century is going away soon in a bid to attract younger shoppers. Retail giant JCPenney is rolling out a new logo in an attempt to rebrand themselves as a modern retailer.

The logo pictured above was designed by Massimo Vignelli and Jay Doblin's company Unimark and first appeared in late 1971. It was an attempt to craft a more contemporary, upmarket image for Penney stores, and also an homage to company founder James Cash Penney, who died shortly after the initial roll-out of the logo. The JCPenney logo was part of a comprehensive corporate identity program that in 1974 won an IDSA Special Award for the Advancement of Design

According to poster Bill B, at Brand New:

"the 'simple' Helvetica logotype was really the visual expression of a new philosophy that (Jay) Doblin had brought to the company. It had been called Penney’s, and Doblin rightly thought that implied cheap. He respected the founders' ideas and wanted to restore the name of the person who started the company to prominence. The logo would be the founders' 'signature' on everything the company did. and therefore it was not to be showy. It was a simple face and used discreetly — usually on the bottom and not big. There was not just one signature. Helvetica bold, medium, regular and light could be used depending on the situation. Regular was used most often and for signs, but light was used often for women’s apparel and bold was used in hardware. The identity system was meant to be the expression of a philosophy of doing business, and Jay was a fervent believer that design could accomplish such things."

Though it took almost 15 years to do so, the JCPenney logo eventually replaced a circa-1963 logo, affectionately known as Funky P, on all company materials and stores. For the last ten years, the logo has been featured in a red square.

2011-02-01T23:26:00.005-05:00

Belk; Hanes Mall, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Exterior view. Photographed January 30, 2011.

Belk; Hanes Mall, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Exterior view. Photographed January 30, 2011.

Belk; Hanes Mall, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Exterior view. Photographed January 30, 2011.

Belk; Hanes Mall, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Escalator well. Photographed November 26, 2010.

Belk; Hanes Mall, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Parking lot sign. Photographed January 30, 2011.

Belk; Hanes Mall, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Mall entrance. Photographed January 30, 2011.

Belk; Hanes Mall, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Upper level mall entrance. Photographed November 26, 2010.

Belk; Hanes Mall, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Upper level mall entrance. Photographed January 30, 2011.

Belk; Hanes Mall, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Lower level mall entrance. Photographed January 30, 2011.

Previously on LiveMalls
Belk, Hanes Mall

2010-12-06T15:38:00.002-05:00

Macy's; Galleria Dallas, Dallas, Texas. Escalator well, circa 1986 (Richard Payne)

2010-11-21T23:13:00.002-05:00

Belk; Carolina Mall, Concord, North Carolina. View of secondary exterior entrance. Photographed November 20, 2010.

Previously on LiveMalls
Belk; Carolina Mall

2010-10-17T18:06:00.005-04:00

The evolving Belk logo

2010-10-07T20:14:00.005-04:00

Belk logos from 1967 (left), 2007 (center) and 2010 (right)

The current Belk logo first appeared in October 2010.

This version of the Belk logo first appeared in 2007 and was replaced in October 2010.

This classic Belk logo first appeared in 1967 and was replaced in 2007.

Previously on LiveMalls
The Belk Archive

2010-08-25T22:03:00.002-04:00

Belk; Eden Mall, Eden, North Carolina. Mall entrance. Photographed August 24, 2010. (cantnot)

2010-08-25T21:59:00.003-04:00

Eden Mall; Eden, North Carolina. Mall interior. Photographed August 24, 2010. (cantnot)

Eden Mall; Eden, North Carolina. Mall interior. Photographed August 24, 2010. (cantnot)

Eden Mall; Eden, North Carolina. Mall interior. Photographed August 24, 2010. (cantnot)

Macy's (former Hochschild-Kohn and Hecht's); The Mall in Columbia, Columbia, Maryland

2010-06-07T00:18:00.010-04:00

Macy's; former Hochschild-Kohn and Hecht's (The Mall in Columbia), originally uploaded by Joe Architect.

Hochschild Kohn; The Mall in Columbia, Columbia, Maryland. Mall entrance, 1970s. (Malls of America)

Macy's; former Hochschild-Kohn and Hecht's (The Mall in Columbia), originally uploaded by Joe Architect.

JCPenney (former Woodward & Lothrop); The Mall in Columbia, Columbia, Maryland

2010-06-07T00:18:00.009-04:00

JCPenney; former Woodward & Lothrop (The Mall in Columbia), originally uploaded by Joe Architect.

Woodward & Lothrop; The Mall in Columbia, Columbia, Maryland. Mall entrance, 1970s. (Malls of America)

JCPenney; former Woodward & Lothrop (The Mall in Columbia), originally uploaded by Joe Architect.

Woodward & Lothrop; The Mall in Columbia, Columbia, Maryland. Exterior view, 1970s. (Malls of America)

2010-03-28T22:57:00.004-04:00

Sears (former Abraham & Straus); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Sears (former Abraham & Straus); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Sears (former Abraham & Straus); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Exterior entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Sears (former Abraham & Straus); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Exterior entrance detail. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Sears (former Abraham & Straus); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Exterior entrance detail. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Sears (former Abraham & Straus); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-28T22:51:00.002-04:00

Dick's Sporting Goods (former Galyan's Sporting Goods); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-28T22:45:00.004-04:00

Macy's (former Stern's); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Upper level exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Stern's); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Upper level exterior entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Stern's); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Upper level exterior entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Stern's); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Lower level exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Stern's); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Lower level mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Stern's); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-28T22:38:00.003-04:00

JCPenney; Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Lower level exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

JCPenney; Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Lower level exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

JCPenney; Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Lower level mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

JCPenney; Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Upper level mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-28T22:34:00.001-04:00

former Hahne's and Fortunoff; Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Exterior entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

former Hahne's and Fortunoff; Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Exterior sign. (photo by Pat Richardson)

former Hahne's and Fortunoff; Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-28T20:04:00.002-04:00

Lord & Taylor (former Ohrbach's and Steinbach); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Lower level exterior entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Lord & Taylor (former Ohrbach's and Steinbach); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Exterior sign. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Lord & Taylor (former Ohrbach's and Steinbach); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Upper level exterior entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Lord & Taylor (former Ohrbach's and Steinbach); Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Upper level mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-28T19:36:00.005-04:00

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Exterior entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Exterior sign. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Carousel. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Interior detail. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. The Game Room Store, the oldest continuously operating store in the mall . (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, New Jersey. Johnny Rockets restaurant (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-28T19:17:00.003-04:00

Macy's (former Lord & Taylor and Foley's); Rivercenter, San Antonio, Texas. Lower level mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Lord & Taylor and Foley's); Rivercenter, San Antonio, Texas. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Lord & Taylor and Foley's); Rivercenter, San Antonio, Texas. Upper level mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Lord & Taylor and Foley's); Rivercenter, San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Lord & Taylor and Foley's); Rivercenter, San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Lord & Taylor and Foley's); Rivercenter, San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Lord & Taylor and Foley's); Rivercenter, San Antonio, Texas. Exterior entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Lord & Taylor and Foley's); Rivercenter, San Antonio, Texas. Showcase view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Lord & Taylor and Foley's); Rivercenter, San Antonio, Texas. Showcase view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-27T22:19:00.002-04:00

Patrick Henry Mall; Newport News, Virginia. Exterior entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-27T22:11:00.002-04:00

Dillard's (former Leggett and Belk); Patrick Henry Mall, Newport News, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Dillard's (former Leggett and Belk); Patrick Henry Mall, Newport News, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Dillard's (former Leggett and Belk); Patrick Henry Mall, Newport News, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Dillard's (former Leggett and Belk); Patrick Henry Mall, Newport News, Virginia. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-27T22:07:00.001-04:00

Macy's (former Hecht's); Patrick Henry Mall, Newport News, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Hecht's); Patrick Henry Mall, Newport News, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Hecht's); Patrick Henry Mall, Newport News, Virginia. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-27T21:56:00.004-04:00

JCPenney (former Bradlees and Upton's); Patrick Henry Mall, Newport News, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

JCPenney (former Bradlees and Upton's); Patrick Henry Mall, Newport News, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

JCPenney (former Bradlees and Upton's); Patrick Henry Mall, Newport News, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

JCPenney (former Bradlees and Upton's); Patrick Henry Mall, Newport News, Virginia. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-21T23:48:00.002-04:00

JCPenney; Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

JCPenney; Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

JCPenney; Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-21T23:47:00.001-04:00

former Hess's, Proffitt's, and Dillard's Men's Store; Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-21T23:39:00.001-04:00

Chesterfield Towne Center; Richmond, Virginia. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Previously on LiveMalls
Chesterfield Towne Center; Richmond, Virginia

2010-03-21T23:37:00.002-04:00

former Leggett, Belk and Dillard's; Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

former Leggett, Belk and Dillard's; Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

former Leggett, Belk and Dillard's; Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

former Leggett, Belk and Dillard's; Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-21T23:33:00.004-04:00

Sears; Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Sears; Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-21T23:25:00.002-04:00

Macy's (former Miller & Rhoads and Hecht's); Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Miller & Rhoads and Hecht's); Chesterfield Towne Center, Richmond, Virginia. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2010-03-16T23:46:00.002-04:00

The May Company (later Kaufmann's, now Macy's); Parmatown Mall, Parma, Ohio. Mall entrance, 1960s . (photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

2010-02-20T23:06:00.003-05:00

The May Company (later Kaufmann's, now Macy's); Great Lakes Mall, Mentor, Ohio. 1960s exterior view. (photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

The May Company (later Kaufmann's, now Macy's); Great Lakes Mall, Mentor, Ohio. 1960s exterior view. (photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

The May Company (later Kaufmann's, now Macy's); Great Lakes Mall, Mentor, Ohio. 1960s interior view. (photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

2010-02-20T22:57:00.006-05:00

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior sign. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Food court. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Food court. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Rivercenter; San Antonio, Texas. Food court. (photo by Pat Richardson)

The Higbee Co.

2010-02-06T23:26:00.006-05:00

The Higbee Co.; Severance Center, Cleveland Heights, Ohio . Exterior view, early 1960s. (Photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

The Higbee Co.; location unknown. Exterior view, early 1960s. (Photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

The Higbee Co.; Parmatown Mall, Parma, ohio. Exterior view, mid-1960s. (Photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

The Higbee Co.; Great Lakes Mall, Mentor, Ohio. Exterior view, 1969. This store design was used extensively on suburban Higbee's stores in the 1970s (Photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

The Higbee Co. (1860-1992) was one of the largest department stores in Cleveland, Ohio. After years of success in various downtown locations, the company expanded to neighboring Akron and Canton in the 1950s and 1960s, and opened numerous suburban stores.

In 1984, a New Zealand-based company acquired Higbee's, selling it four years later to a joint venture of Dillard's and Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. who planned to combine Higbee's with an intended acquisition of Horne's. The deal was cancelled abruptly, resulting in several years of litigation. In 1992 Dillard's bought out DeBartolo's shares and rebadged Higbee's and five of the Northern Ohio Horne's stores with its name. During the 1990s, several inner-ring stores were closed while new far-flung locations opened or expanded.

The Halle Brothers Co.

2010-01-31T22:31:00.006-05:00

Halle Brothers Co.; Westgate Mall, Fairview Park, Ohio. Exterior view, circa 1958. (Photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

Halle Brothers Co.; Severance Center, Cleveland, Ohio. Mall entrance, circa 1982. (Photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

Halle Brothers Co.; Summit Mall, Akron, Ohio. Exterior view, circa 1966. (Photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

Halle Brothers Co.; Severance Center, Cleveland, Ohio. Exterior view, circa 1964. (Photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

Halle Brothers Co.; Severance Center, Cleveland, Ohio. Exterior view, circa 1964. (Photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

The Halle Brothers Co. (1891-1982) of Cleveland, Ohio, is a defunct department store chain. Halle's was considered the leading department store company in northeastern Ohio, focused on higher-end merchandise combined with personal service.

2010-01-04T01:29:00.002-05:00

Macy's; (former Hecht's); The Mall at Prince George's, Hyattsville, Maryland. Mall entrance. Photgraphed January 2, 2010.

Hecht's; (later Macy's); The Mall at Prince George's, Hyattsville, Maryland. Mall entrance. Photgraphed by camera phone September 5, 2005.

Hecht's; (later Macy's); The Mall at Prince George's, Hyattsville, Maryland. Mall entrance signage. Photgraphed by camera phone September 5, 2005.

2010-01-04T01:10:00.003-05:00

Macy's (former Hecht's); Ballston Common Mall, Arlington, Virginia. Exterior view. Photgraphed December 31, 2009.

Macy's (former Hecht's); Ballston Common Mall, Arlington, Virginia. Mall entrance. Photgraphed December 31, 2009.

Macy's Furniture (former Hecht's Furniture Gallery and JCPenney); Ballston Common Mall, Arlington, Virginia. Photgraphed December 31, 2009.

2010-01-04T01:03:00.002-05:00

Ballston Common Mall; Arlington, Virginia. Christmas tree. Photgraphed December 31, 2009.

Ballston Common Mall; Arlington, Virginia. Interior view. Photgraphed December 31, 2009.

Ballston Common Mall; Arlington, Virginia. Corridor leading to Regal Ballston Common 12 cinema. Photgraphed December 31, 2009.

2009-12-27T19:01:00.003-05:00

Sears (former Gimbels); Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Sears (former Gimbels); Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Sears (former Gimbels); Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Sears (former Gimbels); Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Sears (former Gimbels); Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Sears (former Gimbels); Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Upper level mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-12-27T18:33:00.002-05:00

Saks Fifth Avenue; Stamford Town Center, Stamford, Connecticut. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Saks Fifth Avenue; Stamford Town Center, Stamford, Connecticut. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Saks Fifth Avenue; Stamford Town Center, Stamford, Connecticut. Lower level mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-12-27T18:25:00.004-05:00

Macy's; Stamford Town Center, Stamford, Connecticut. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's; Stamford Town Center, Stamford, Connecticut. Upper level mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's; Stamford Town Center, Stamford, Connecticut. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's; Stamford Town Center, Stamford, Connecticut. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's; Stamford Town Center, Stamford, Connecticut. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-12-14T23:19:00.004-05:00

Stamford Town Center; Stamford, Connecticut. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Stamford Town Center; Stamford, Connecticut. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Stamford Town Center; Stamford, Connecticut. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Stamford Town Center; Stamford, Connecticut. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Stamford Town Center; Stamford, Connecticut. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Stamford Town Center; Stamford, Connecticut. Exterior sign. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Stamford Town Center; Stamford, Connecticut. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Stamford Town Center; Stamford, Connecticut. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Holidays on Display

2009-12-13T18:20:00.004-05:00

The main aisle of Marshall Field & Co., Chicago, circa 1955. (National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution)

Holidays on Display examines the art, industry, and history of holiday display across the United States. Focusing on parading culture and department store retail display, primarily between the 1920s and 1960s, when holiday displays were considered commercial endeavors equally rewarding for the American public, the exhibition showcases numerous photographs, postcards and rendering illustration of parade floats and window displays—including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade and Marshall Field & Company Christmas windows—as well as objects relating to the early creation of these displays.

“Holidays on Display” will be on view at the National Museum of American History through November 2010

Link to Smithsonian Institution
Online Exhibition
Press Realease
Asked and Answered | Holidays on Display

2009-12-13T17:42:00.004-05:00

Belk (former Parks-Belk); Bristol Mall, Bristol, Virginia. Lower level exterior entrance. Photographed December 1, 2009.

Belk (former Parks-Belk); Bristol Mall, Bristol, Virginia. Mall entrance. Photographed December 1, 2009.

Belk Men, Kids & Home (former Miller's, Hess's and Proffitt's); Bristol Mall, Bristol, Virginia. Lower level mall entrance. Photographed December 1, 2009.

Belk Men, Kids & Home (former Miller's, Hess's and Proffitt's); Bristol Mall, Bristol, Virginia. Exterior entrance. Photographed December 1, 2009.

The main Belk store at Bristol Mall opened in 1978 as Parks-Belk, once the Belk operating group responsible for stores in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. It was a relocation from a store in downtown Bristol.

When Parks-Belk sold out to Proffitt's in 1995, Belk retained this location, along with another in Wise. Those two stores were the only remaining Virginia locations of Parks-Belk, which once boasted stores in Galax, Marion and Pulaski, among other cities, that were closed when Belk shifted away from downtown locations.

in 2005, Belk bought Proffitt's, returning the East Tennessee Parks-Belk stores to their original owner, linking again this store to its former sister stores in Johnson City and Kingsport. The Kingsport store sports a nearly identical exterior.

Though it has had routine remodels and updates, the basic store remains a classic Seventies Belk design.

Belk Men, Kids & Home opened in 1978 as a branch of Miller's of Tennessee, which was a division of retail conglomerate Garfinckel, Brooks Brothers, Miller & Rhoads, Inc.

In 1981, with the acquisition of its parent conglomerate, Miller's became a part of Allied Stores. In 1986, Miller's was acquired in a hostile takeover by Hess's. Hess's sold this location, among others, to Proffitt's in 1992.

On March 8, 2006, Proffitt's stores were converted into Belk stores. Belk acquired the chains in July 2005 from Saks Incorporated (formerly Proffitt's Incorporated).

2009-12-13T16:48:00.002-05:00

JCPenney; Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

JCPenney; Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Upper level mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-12-13T13:42:00.004-05:00

Macy's (former Bamberger's); Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Bamberger's); Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Bamberger's); Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Vintage view of mall entrance as Bamberger's. (photo courtesy Bamberger's Tribute Page)

Macy's (former Bamberger's); Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Upper level mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-12-13T00:19:00.004-05:00

former John Wanamaker, Hecht's, strawbridge's and Boscov's; Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

former John Wanamaker, Hecht's, strawbridge's and Boscov's; Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

former John Wanamaker, Hecht's, strawbridge's and Boscov's; Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

former John Wanamaker, Hecht's, strawbridge's and Boscov's; Oxford Valley Mall, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Upper level mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-11-22T22:10:00.003-05:00

Nordstrom; The Shops at La Cantera, San Antonio, Texas. Mall entrance. (photo by Todd)

Nordstrom; The Shops at La Cantera, San Antonio, Texas. Exterior entrance. (photo by Todd)

2009-11-22T22:09:00.002-05:00

Neiman Marcus; The Shops at La Cantera, San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

Neiman Marcus; The Shops at La Cantera, San Antonio, Texas. Exterior entrance. (photo by Todd)

Neiman Marcus; The Shops at La Cantera, San Antonio, Texas. Mall entrance. (photo by Todd)

2009-11-22T22:08:00.003-05:00

The Shops at La Cantera, San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view of Barnes & Noble Booksellers. (photo by Todd)

The Shops at La Cantera, San Antonio, Texas. Lighted tree. (photo by Todd)

The Shops at La Cantera, San Antonio, Texas. Exterior view. (photo by Todd)

2009-11-22T21:55:00.003-05:00

Macy's (former Foley's); The Shops at La Cantera, San Antonio, Texas. Mall entrance. (photo by Todd)

2009-11-22T12:09:00.004-05:00

Macy's (former Bamberger's); Menlo Park Mall, Edison, New Jersey. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Bamberger's); Menlo Park Mall, Edison, New Jersey. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Bamberger's); Menlo Park Mall, Edison, New Jersey. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-11-22T12:07:00.004-05:00

Nordstrom; Menlo Park Mall, Edison, New Jersey. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Nordstrom; Menlo Park Mall, Edison, New Jersey. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-11-22T12:05:00.003-05:00

Menlo Park Mall, Edison, New Jersey. Exterior view of The Cheesecake Factory. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Menlo Park Mall, Edison, New Jersey. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Menlo Park Mall, Edison, New Jersey. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-11-22T12:01:00.001-05:00

Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior sign. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-11-06T21:21:00.007-05:00

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Mall entrance, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Lower level mall entrance, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Upper level mall entrance, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Zodiac reaturant, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Table details at Zodiac restaurant, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Brunch at Zodiac restaurant, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Escalator well, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Interior detail, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Exterior entrance, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Exterior view, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Exterior view, October 27, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Nameplate, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Exterior walkway, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Exterior entrance detail, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Exterior details and clock, October 26, 2008.

Neiman Marcus; King of Prussia Plaza, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Exterior lighting detail, October 26, 2008.

2009-11-05T21:18:00.003-05:00

Lazarus (now Macy's); Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (public domain photo by Dirty H)

Macy's (former Lazarus); Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Lazarus); Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Lazarus); Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Lazarus); Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Lazarus); Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Macy's (former Lazarus); Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-11-03T21:50:00.002-05:00

The May Company (later Kaufmann's, now Macy's); Great Northern Mall (now Westfield Great Northern), North Olmsted, Ohio. 1960s exterior view. (photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

2009-11-03T20:44:00.004-05:00

Elder-Beerman (former The Leader); Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Elder-Beerman (former The Leader); Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Elder-Beerman (former The Leader); Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Elder-Beerman (former The Leader); Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Elder-Beerman (former The Leader); Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Elder-Beerman (former The Leader); Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-11-01T20:01:00.006-05:00

former The May Company and Kaufmann's; Cedar-Center Plaza, University Heights, Ohio. 1950s exterior view. (photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

former The May Company and Kaufmann's; Cedar-Center Plaza, University Heights, Ohio. Exterior sign. (photo courtesy Pat Richardson)

The May Company's Ohio division built its largest branch store in University Heights, Ohio at Cedar-Center Plaza in 1956. The four-level store included a nine-story warehouse (six stories tall, with three sub basements) attached to the south side of the main store, designed to handle furniture distribution for Cleveland's east side.

The red brick warehouse facility, designed to look like an integrated part of the colossal store, was only used for a short time. The warehouse remained empty from 1960 until the University Heights store was demolished in the 1990s.

2009-11-01T19:24:00.004-05:00

JCPenney; Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. 1960s exterior view. (photo courtesy Malls of America)

JCPenney; Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

JCPenney; Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

JCPenney; Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

JCPenney; Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. East mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

JCPenney; Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. West mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-10-21T22:38:00.001-04:00

Sears; Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Sears; Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Exterior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Sears; Lima Mall, Lima, Ohio. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

2009-10-20T23:16:00.002-04:00

Dillard's; Haywood Mall, Greenville, South Carolina. Exterior view.(Photo courtesy ct36)

2009-10-20T23:15:00.002-04:00

Sears; Haywood Mall, Greenville, South Carolina. Exterior view.(Photo courtesy ct36)

2009-10-20T23:10:00.002-04:00

JCPenney; Haywood Mall, Greenville, South Carolina. Exterior view.(Photo courtesy ct36)

2009-10-20T22:59:00.003-04:00

Macy's (former Rich's); Haywood Mall, Greenville, South Carolina. Exterior entrance. (Photo courtesy ct36)

Macy's (former Rich's); Haywood Mall, Greenville, South Carolina. Exterior view.(Photo courtesy ct36)

2009-10-19T03:43:00.009-04:00

Davison's; Perimeter Mall, Atlanta, Georgia. Mall entrance, circa 1983.

2009-10-19T03:43:00.008-04:00

Hutzler's; White Marsh Mall, Baltimore, Maryland. Exterior entrance, circa 1983.

2009-10-16T13:35:00.003-04:00

Belk; Signal Hill Mall, Statesville, North Carolina. Main entrance, October 10, 2009. (photo by cantnot)

Belk; Signal Hill Mall, Statesville, North Carolina. Rear entrance, October 10, 2009. (photo by cantnot)

Belk; Signal Hill Mall, Statesville, North Carolina. Exterior sign, October 10, 2009. (photo by cantnot)

2009-10-16T13:32:00.002-04:00

Sears (former Woolworth and Hills); Signal Hill Mall, Statesville, North Carolina. Main entrance, October 10, 2009. (photo by cantnot)

Sears (former Woolworth and Hills); Signal Hill Mall, Statesville, North Carolina. Main entrance, October 10, 2009. (photo by cantnot)

Sears (former Woolworth and Hills); Signal Hill Mall, Statesville, North Carolina. Exterior sign, October 10, 2009. (photo by cantnot)

2009-10-16T13:28:00.003-04:00

JCPenney; Signal Hill Mall, Statesville, North Carolina. Main entrance, October 10, 2009. (photo by cantnot)

JCPenney; Signal Hill Mall, Statesville, North Carolina. October 10, 2009. (photo by cantnot)

2009-10-16T13:23:00.003-04:00

former Spainhour's and Peebles; Signal Hill Mall, Statesville, North Carolina. October 10, 2009. (photo by cantnot)

2009-10-16T05:05:00.006-04:00

Signal Hill Mall, Statesville, North Carolina. Main entrance, October 10, 2009. (photo by cantnot)

Signal Hill Mall, Statesville, North Carolina. Parking lot between Sears (former Woolworth & Hills) and JCPenney, October 10, 2009. (photo by cantnot)

Signal Hill Mall, Statesville, North Carolina. Former Winn-Dixie, October 10, 2009. (photo by cantnot)

Previously on LiveMalls
Signal Hill Mall

2009-10-15T00:38:00.004-04:00

Biltmore Square Mall; Asheville, North Carolina. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Biltmore Square Mall; Asheville, North Carolina. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Biltmore Square Mall; Asheville, North Carolina. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Biltmore Square Mall; Asheville, North Carolina. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Biltmore Square Mall; Asheville, North Carolina. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Biltmore Square Mall; Asheville, North Carolina. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Biltmore Square Mall; Asheville, North Carolina. Interior view. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Want more Biltmore Square?
Click here for the Biltmore Square post at Sky City!

2009-10-12T22:40:00.003-04:00

Biltmore Square Mall; Asheville, North Carolina. Exterior free-standing sign. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Biltmore Square Mall; Asheville, North Carolina. Exterior free-standing sign. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Want more Biltmore Square?
Click here for the Biltmore Square post at Sky City!

2009-10-12T00:36:00.003-04:00

Cinebarre Cinema-Cafe, Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Cinebarre Cinema-Cafe, Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Want more Biltmore Square?
Click here for the Biltmore Square post at Sky City!

2009-10-12T00:17:00.003-04:00

former Goody's (now Davis Furniture), Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Want more Biltmore Square?
Click here for the Biltmore Square post at Sky City!

2009-10-11T18:32:00.003-04:00

J. B. Ivey & Company, Charlotte, North Carolina. Storm damage due to Hurricane Hugo, September 1989. (courtesy Pat Richardson)

Previously on LiveMalls
The Ivey's Archive

JCPenney; Manhattan Mall (former Gimbels), New York, New York

2009-09-27T23:51:00.008-04:00

JCPenney; Manhattan Mall (former Gimbels), New York, New York. Front page of store directory from Grand Opening.

JCPenney; Manhattan Mall (former Gimbels), New York, New York. Banner outside store on 6th Avenue announcing opening. Photographed 9/26/09.

JCPenney; Manhattan Mall (former Gimbels), New York, New York. Exterior entrance. Photographed 9/26/09.

JCPenney; Manhattan Mall (former Gimbels), New York, New York. Mall entrance. Photographed 9/26/09.

JCPenney; Manhattan Mall (former Gimbels), New York, New York. Store directory.

JCPenney; Manhattan Mall (former Gimbels), New York, New York. Main aisle on Lower level 1. Photographed 9/26/09.

JCPenney; Manhattan Mall (former Gimbels), New York, New York. Showcase at mall entrance. Photographed 9/26/09.

JCPenney; Manhattan Mall (former Gimbels), New York, New York. interior display vignette. Photographed 9/26/09.

Manhattan Mall is located in Herald Square at the corner of 33rd Street and Sixth Avenue in New York. The building originally opened in 1910 as the flagship store for the iconic Gimbels department store chain, and was open until 1986 under that nameplate.

Fore more history on this space, click here for my Manhattan Mall post.

JCPenney is situated on the two below-street levels of the Manhattan Mall with escalator and elevator access from Sixth Avenue and direct subway and PATH train access on the selling floors. The store features a Sephora boutique, a large jewelry department, Custom Decorating and a catalog department, pretty typical for a suburban Penney's of this size. There was no Styling Salon, optical department or portrait studio.

The design of the store a bit of a departure for Penney's. The ceilings are very low, only 8 feet high in some places, and the extensive use of black, white and red in the interior details gave it a different look than your typical JCPenney store. Directional and department signs are lighted, making it feel very urban and helping viability. There are showcases and vignettes all over the store and Penney's has made the displays look as good as they can so show off what is actually a pretty good merchandise selection.

As expected, clothing is the primary focus of this JCPenney. Selections were a bit edited in larger sizes and petites, but there was plenty of decent looking merchandise at affordable price points. Some the merchandise clearly wasn't aimed at a typical New York shopper (a rack of teal Alfred Dunner sportswear separates comes to mind), but tourists would feel right at home with it. The home departments were also really well stocked.

There aren't a lot of sales associates on the floor, but the checkouts were very well staffed. They use a queue system similar to ones used by T.J. Maxx and Whole Foods Market, and payment is easy and efficient. There's even a package delivery service with rates as low as $15.00 for delivery in Manhattan.

I think this place has a future. Customer traffic was good for a Saturday and the store has easy commuter and tourist access via subway, commuter train, bus and foot. As long as they keep the merchandise fresh and the checkout speedy, they're not going to lose.

2009-09-21T23:11:00.002-04:00

Dillard's (former Hess's), Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Dillard's (former Hess's), Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Previously on LiveMalls
Dillard's (former Hess's), Biltmore Square Mall

Want more Biltmore Square?
Click here for the Biltmore Square post at Sky City!

2009-09-21T23:00:00.002-04:00

former Belk and Steve & Barry's, Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Previously on LiveMalls
former Belk and Steve & Barry's, Biltmore Square Mall

Want more Biltmore Square?
Click here for the Biltmore Square post at Sky City!

2009-09-18T00:00:00.005-04:00

Belk (former Proffitt's), Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina. Mall entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Belk (former Proffitt's), Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina. Exterior entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Belk (former Proffitt's), Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina. Exterior entrance detail. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Belk (former Proffitt's), Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina. Exterior sign & detail. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Belk (former Proffitt's), Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina." Belk Blue" parking lot striping. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Belk (former Proffitt's), Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina. Exterior porte cochere entrance. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Belk (former Proffitt's), Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina.Exterior porte cochere entrance detail . (photo by Pat Richardson)

Belk (former Proffitt's), Biltmore Square Mall, Asheville, North Carolina. Exterior entrance.. (photo by Pat Richardson)

Previously on LiveMalls
Belk (former Proffitt's), Biltmore Square Mall

Want more Biltmore Square?
Click here for the Biltmore Square post at Sky City!

2009-09-11T00:49:00.002-04:00

Nordstrom, Tysons Corner Center, McLean, Virginia. Photographed September 6, 2009.

2009-09-11T00:44:00.001-04:00

Bloomingdale's (former Lansburgh's); Tysons Corner Center, McLean, Virginia. Exterior entrance. Photographed 9/6/09.

Previously on LiveMalls
Bloomingdale's (former Lansburgh's); Tysons Corner Center

2009-09-11T00:26:00.001-04:00

Walkway between King of Prussia Plaza and The Court at King of Prussia, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. October 26, 2008.

2009-09-11T00:19:00.003-04:00

Macy's (former Bamberger's); The Court at King of Prussia, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Exterior view, October 26, 2008.

Belk (former Leggett); Valley Mall, Harrisonburg, Virgina

2009-08-23T20:12:00.006-04:00

Belk; former Leggett (Valley Mall), Main exterior entrance. Originally uploaded by Joe Architect.

former Sears; Cloverleaf Mall, Richmond, Virginia

2009-08-11T00:01:00.002-04:00

former Sears; Cloverleaf Mall, Richmond, Virginia, originally uploaded by Joe Architect.

former Sears Auto Center; Cloverleaf Mall, Richmond, Virginia, originally uploaded by Joe Architect.The Sears Auto Center echoed the design of the main store.

Saks Fifth Avenue (Stony Point Fashion Park)

2009-08-10T23:33:00.002-04:00

Saks Fifth Avenue (Stony Point Fashion Park), originally uploaded by Joe Architect.

Saks Fifth Avenue has called Richmond, Virginia's Stony Point Fashion Park home since 2003. The 80,000 square foot store boasts two selling floors and a contemporary design.

2009-06-21T17:39:00.004-04:00

River Ridge Mall, Lynchburg, Virginia. Vintage General Cinema exterior sign, photographed 4/25/09.

River Ridge Mall, Lynchburg, Virginia. Vintage General Cinema marquee, photographed 6/5/09.

River Ridge Mall, Lynchburg, Virginia. Vintage General Cinema marquee, photographed 6/5/09.

The River Ridge 4 Cinema was opened in 1980 by General Cinema Corporation, and was a standard design for its era. General Cinema sold its southwest and central Virgina theaters to Carmike Cinemas in the 1990s, and this theater has been one of their properties ever since.

What makes it unique is that while other theaters of its vintage were closed or remodeled, this theater was essentially left the same, and is a perfectly preserved example of what General Cinema's theaters looked like in their 1970s-1980s heyday.

Regal Entertainment is scheduled to open a new theater at River Ridge this year, and although the fate of this property has not been officially discussed, it's a safe bat that it will close soon, taking with it all of its history and these signs, which is a perfect example of General Cinema's classic signage.

2009-06-21T17:37:00.001-04:00

JCPenney, Charlottesville Fashion Square, Charlottesville, Virginia. Exterior entrance. Photographed 6/21/09.

Previously on LiveMalls
JCPenney, Charlottesville Fashion Square

Eastland Mall featured in WSJ Article

2009-05-22T21:31:00.006-04:00

Eastland Mall, Charlotte, North Carolina. Exterior signs. Photographed March 14, 2009.

Charlotte's Eastland Mall is featured prominently in a story about declining malls on page A1 of today’s Wall Street Journal. If you're a regular LiveMalls reader, you know that Eastland and its former anchors (including Belk, Ivey's and Miller & Rhoads) have been featured prominently here. As this mall fades into obsucrity, it may be a good time to take a look back at the mall that was, and what better place to do it than LiveMalls?

Previously on LiveMalls
Eastland Mall, Charlotte, North Carolina

2009-05-21T23:09:00.002-04:00

Macy's, Herald Square, New York, New York. Main floor cosmetics area. Photographed March 28, 2009.

Macy's, Herald Square, New York, New York. Cup of ice from Cucina & Company. Photographed March 28, 2009.

Macy's, Herald Square, New York, New York.The Cellar housewares department. Photographed March 28, 2009.

Macy's, Herald Square, New York, New York. Main aisle of main floor Photographed March 28, 2009.

Previously on LiveMalls
Macy's, Herald Square