About Greeley Mall

Introduction

The Greeley Mall, a 578,000 square-foot shopping center, resides in the heart of Greeley, Colorado, and has evolved into a vital component of the local retail landscape. Established in 1973, the mall initially featured three major anchor tenants: Joslin’s, Montgomery Ward, and J.M. McDonalds, distinct from the fast-food chain with the same name. Over the course of decades, the shopping center has undergone substantial transformations to align with evolving consumer preferences and market trends.

Early Years and Original Design

During its initial years, the Greeley Mall adhered to the traditional inward-facing shopping mall concept. The original design incorporated orange carpeting, dark brown wood paneling, and dim lighting fixtures inside, creating a distinct ambiance characteristic of that era. The centerpiece was an elaborate fountain system, featuring tall pipes from which water cascaded approximately 20-30 feet onto yellow tiles and a small pond encircled by black iron gates.

In addition to the anchor tenants, the mall housed various specialty stores, including Barbary Cheese, Balanced Diet, Carousel, Zezo’s Magic Castle, Foxxmore, and numerous others. An intriguing feature was the Land of Odds pinball arcade, situated within the J.M. McDonald’s wing. Despite the absence of a designated food court area at the time, the mall premises accommodated establishments such as the Godinez cantina, Dairy Queen, and Arby’s.

Expansion and Concept Change

In 1981, the Greeley Mall underwent its first significant expansion with the addition of a new wing on the north side, housing stores such as Sears and Radio Shack. Six years later, in 1987, another anchor tenant, JCPenney, opened its doors after relocating from downtown Greeley. These changes necessitated a partial reconstruction of the mall and a shift in the location of the main entrance.

However, a pivotal moment in the mall’s evolution occurred in 1998 when Dillard’s acquired the Joslin’s chain and subsequently opened two stores under its brand. By the late 1990s, the Greeley Mall had successfully adapted to changing market conditions and consumer preferences by incorporating a number of major national retailers into its tenant mix.

Further Transformations and Current State

In the early 2000s, the Greeley Mall continued its transformative journey by expanding its footprint with the addition of new restaurants and stores located outside the main mall building. During 2003-2004, a Cinemark multiplex theater was constructed on the site of the former Montgomery Ward building, becoming the new anchor tenant.

Over the past two decades, the Greeley Mall has experienced the departure of major anchors, including Sears (closed in 2018), JCPenney (closed in 2020 after the company filed for bankruptcy), and Dillard’s (closed both of its stores by 2008). Despite these losses, the mall has maintained its viability by attracting both national chains and local businesses.

Currently, the Greeley Mall houses approximately 70 stores and service points, including well-known brands such as At Home, Victoria’s Secret, Finish Line, Bath & Body Works, and Zumiez. The mall’s premises also feature restaurants like Olive Garden, Chuck E. Cheese’s, 3 Margaritas, and Food Safari. Additionally, it offers specialized stores such as All Things Coffee & Tea, Get Fit Kitchen, cell phone repair shops, jewelry stores, apparel retailers, and more.

Visitor Attraction Strategy

To attract visitors and maintain its competitiveness in the market, the Greeley Mall employs a comprehensive approach involving various events, promotions, and special offers. Entertainment and themed events are regularly held, catering to different target audiences, from family events to fashion shows and fairs.

The mall also places a strong emphasis on creating an appealing atmosphere for visitors. In addition to refreshing the design and interior, various promotional campaigns and sales are regularly conducted, offering attractive discounts and special deals from participating stores.

Furthermore, the Greeley Mall actively engages with the local community, supporting various initiatives and charitable events. This approach helps strengthen the mall’s connection with the city and region’s residents, fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty.