List of the Largest Shopping Malls in the United States in 2024

by Content Editor on 10-04-2024 in USA Company Directory


largest malls in usa

Aerial view of a sprawling shopping mall complex with multiple levels and a mix of modern architectural styles, featuring large glass storefronts, colorful signage, and bustling indoor spaces filled with shoppers, surrounded by landscaped areas and ample parking lots, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of one of America's largest malls.

Are you tired of cramped shopping spaces? We've got great news! The USA has some of the world's biggest shopping centers. These mega malls are more than just places to shop. They're entertainment hubs, tourist spots, and big economic players.

But which ones are the biggest? Let's look at America's largest malls. Here, shopping dreams come true. Get ready for a journey through retail paradises that change the way we shop!

Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the biggest with 5.6 million square feet. It's followed by American Dream Meadowlands in New Jersey and King of Prussia Mall in Pennsylvania. These malls are not just for shopping. They offer theme parks, gourmet dining, and more.

Introduction to America's Mega Malls

Mega malls in America are the top places for shopping. They offer amazing experiences. These huge places have changed how people shop and helped the economy grow.

The Evolution of Shopping Centers in the US

The story of American shopping centers started in the mid-1950s. The Valley Fair Shopping Center in Appleton, Wisconsin, was the first enclosed mall. By 1956, Victor Gruen made a big change with Southdale Center in Edina, Minnesota.

What Defines a "Largest" Mall?

The International Council of Shopping Centers says malls are big or small based on size. Regional malls are 400,000 to 800,000 square feet with two big stores. Super-regional malls are bigger, with over 800,000 square feet and more stores.

The Economic Impact of Mega Malls

Mega malls are big helpers for the economy. The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, gets over 40 million visitors each year. These malls create jobs, help tourism, and bring in a lot of taxes, helping local and regional economies.

Mall NameLocationAnnual VisitorsRetail Space (sq ft)
Mall of AmericaBloomington, MN40+ million5.6 million
Aventura MallAventura, FL28 million2.7 million
The GalleriaHouston, TX30+ million2.4 million

Mall of America: The Reigning Champion

In Bloomington, Minnesota, the Mall of America is the top retail spot. It offers a unique shopping and entertainment mix. This makes it a standout place for visitors.

Key Features and Attractions

The Mall of America is more than a place to shop. It has Nickelodeon Universe, an indoor theme park with fun rides. There's also the SEA LIFE Aquarium, where you can see thousands of sea creatures.decorations, sprawling layout with various themed areas.

Mall of America

Size and Visitor Statistics

The Mall of America covers 5.6 million square feet. It has over 520 stores. Every year, it welcomes 40 million people, making it the busiest mall in the country.

FeatureStatistic
Total Area5.6 million sq ft
Number of Stores520+
Annual Visitors40 million
Indoor Theme Park Size7 acres

Economic Contribution to Minnesota

The Mall of America is a big help to Minnesota's economy. It creates jobs for over 11,000 people and brings in more than $2 billion each year. It shows that shopping and fun can be a great mix for success.

American Dream Meadowlands: The New Contender

East Rutherford, New Jersey, is home to a groundbreaking retail experience: American Dream Meadowlands. This $5 billion mega-mall spans an impressive 3 million square feet. It blends shopping with entertainment like never before. We're excited to explore this new contender in the world of mega malls.

American Dream Meadowlands

At the heart of American Dream lies the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park. It covers 8.5 acres, making it the largest indoor theme park in the Western Hemisphere. With over 35 attractions, including a roller coaster with a 122-foot drop, thrill-seekers will find plenty to enjoy.

The DreamWorks Water Park adds another layer of fun to the mall experience. It's North America's largest indoor water park, promising splashing good times for visitors of all ages. For those seeking winter thrills year-round, the indoor ski slope offers a unique experience right in the mall.a modern shopping mall, featuring snowy terrain, ski lifts, and colorful skiers in action, surrounded by a futuristic architecture with large windows letting in natural light, and vibrant retail areas in the background.

Luxury retail takes center stage at The Avenue, a 300,000-square-foot upscale wing. Here, shoppers can explore high-end brands like Saks Fifth Avenue. It boasts a 110,000-square-foot store spread across two levels.

FeatureDetails
Total Size3 million square feet
Theme Park Size8.5 acres
Luxury Retail Space300,000 square feet
Expected Annual Visitors40 million
Projected Economic Benefit$730 million over 20 years

American Dream Meadowlands is set to redefine the mall experience. It offers a perfect blend of entertainment and retail. With its unique attractions and diverse shopping options, it's poised to become a major destination for locals and tourists alike.

Top 5 Largest Malls in USA

We've made a list of the biggest malls in America. These huge shopping centers offer amazing places to shop and lots of retail space. They change how we think about malls.

Mall of America (Bloomington, Minnesota)

The Mall of America is at the top. It's huge, covering 5.6 million square feet. It gets 40 million visitors a year and makes nearly $2 billion. It's a real shopping giant.

American Dream Meadowlands (East Rutherford, New Jersey)

American Dream Meadowlands is second. It's 3 million square feet big. It's not just for shopping. It has a Nickelodeon theme park, ice-skating, and a water park, plus 450 shops.

King of Prussia Mall (King of Prussia, Pennsylvania)

The King of Prussia Mall is near Philadelphia. It's 2.8 million square feet. It has 450 stores and draws 20% of the city's tourists. It's a mix of shopping and fun attractions.

South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa, California)

South Coast Plaza is in Los Angeles. It's 2.8 million square feet. It has 275 stores and made $1.5 billion a year before the pandemic. It shows its big impact.

Aventura Mall (Aventura, Florida)

Aventura Mall in Miami is fifth. It's 2.7 million square feet. It's the biggest mall in the Southeast. It has 300 stores, art, a farmers market, and the Aventura Slide Tower.

Mall NameLocationSize (sq ft)Unique Features
Mall of AmericaBloomington, MN5,600,00040 million annual visitors
American DreamEast Rutherford, NJ3,000,000Theme park, ice rink, water park
King of PrussiaKing of Prussia, PA2,800,000450 stores, tourist attraction
South Coast PlazaCosta Mesa, CA2,800,000275 stores, luxury focus
Aventura MallAventura, FL2,700,000Art installations, Slide Tower

Regional Giants: 

Notable Malls Across the Countrytes, showcasing diverse architectural styles, bustling outdoor promenades, vibrant landscaping, and a mix of urban and suburban settings, with people shopping and enjoying leisure activities in sunny weather.

 

Notable Malls Across the Countrytes

We've found many state-specific malls across the United States. These malls are key shopping spots. They meet local needs and draw visitors from everywhere.

The Galleria in Houston, Texas, is a big deal. It's huge, with 2.4 million square feet and over 400 stores. You can find luxury brands and popular shops under its glass roof.

In Syracuse, New York, Destiny USA is just as big. It has over 250 places to eat and shop. You can find Apple and Nordstrom here.

Florida's Sawgrass Mills in Sunrise is a must-see. It's the biggest outlet mall in the country. With over 350 stores and 40 luxury brands, it's perfect for finding deals and trendy clothes.

Mall NameLocationSize (sq ft)Notable Features
The GalleriaHouston, TX2.4 million400+ stores, glass-roofed atriums
Destiny USASyracuse, NY2.4 million250+ eateries and shops
Sawgrass MillsSunrise, FL2.3 million350+ stores, 40+ luxury outlets

Every state has its biggest mall. These malls show what each state likes and what they're good at. In Arizona, Scottsdale Fashion Square is a top spot. It has 1.8 million square feet of high-end shops like Prada and Cartier.

These malls are more than places to buy things. They offer special experiences. The Power Plant in Baltimore, Maryland, is a great example. It's a shopping adventure in an old power station, mixing history with today's shopping.

Beyond Shopping: Entertainment and Attractions in Modern Malls

We're seeing a big change in malls. They're not just for shopping anymore. Now, they're lively places with fun for everyone.

Theme Parks and Amusement Centers

Indoor amusement parks are now a big part of malls. The Mall of America has Nickelodeon Universe, a huge theme park. It has roller coasters and rides for families.

American Dream goes even further. It has an indoor ski slope and a water park. This means fun for everyone, all year round.

Aquariums and Museums

Malls are now places for learning and fun. They have aquariums and museums. These spots mix education with fun, attracting families.

Visitors can see marine life or explore interactive exhibits. It's a great way for families to spend time together.

Unique Dining Experiences

Food courts have changed a lot. Now, they offer gourmet food and chef-driven restaurants. Aventura Mall has a food hall with many different foods.

From quick snacks to fancy meals, malls have something for everyone. They're perfect for food lovers.

MallKey Entertainment Features
Mall of AmericaNickelodeon Universe, SEA LIFE Aquarium
American DreamDreamWorks Water Park, Indoor Ski Slope
Aventura MallGourmet Food Hall, Interactive Art Installations

Malls are becoming more than just places to shop. They offer a mix of fun, food, and attractions. This makes them great spots for families and friends to spend the day.

The Future of Mega Malls in America

The retail world is changing fast, and mega malls are leading the way. We see a big shift in how people shop. Let's look at how these big stores are changing to keep up with the times.

Adapting to Changing Consumer Behaviors

Online shopping has grown a lot, making up 15.4% of all sales in 2023. But, physical stores are still very important. In May 2020, in-store pickup went up by 554% from the year before. This shows how important it is for stores to use digital tools.

Technological Innovations in Retail Spaces

Smart malls are using new tech to make shopping better. Over a third of people use virtual reality to see furniture in their homes. Predictive analytics are also changing retail, helping stores guess how many people will come.

Sustainability Initiatives in Large Malls

Big malls are now focusing on being green. They're using less energy and cutting down on waste. This not only helps the environment but also draws in shoppers who care about the planet.

TrendImpact
E-commerce Growth15.4% of total sales in 2023
In-store Pickup554% increase YoY in May 2020
VR UsageOver 1/3 of consumers for furniture visualization
Predictive AnalyticsUp to 90% accuracy in foot traffic forecasting

The future of shopping in mega malls is a mix of online and in-person experiences. By changing to meet new needs and using new tech, these big stores are ready for the future.

Comparing US Malls to Global Counterparts

US malls have always been leaders in shopping centers worldwide. But, global trends are changing this. Now, mega-malls in other countries are as big as or bigger than those in the US.

The biggest malls are now in places like Dubai and Dongguan. These malls focus on luxury brands and cultural spots. They offer more than just shopping.

US malls are trying to keep up. They're adding more entertainment and experiences. This is inspired by places like American Dream and Mall of America. It shows malls need to offer more than just shops.

MetricUS MallsGlobal Counterparts
FocusEntertainment, ExperiencesLuxury Retail, Cultural Attractions
SizeLarge (5.6 million sq ft - Mall of America)Larger (5.9 million sq ft - The Dubai Mall)
Visitor NumbersHigh (43 million - Mall of America)Very High (80 million - The Dubai Mall)
Economic ImpactSignificant (12.9% of US retail expenditures)Varies by location

US malls are still strong. In 2022, top malls saw a 12% increase in visitors. Occupancy rates are almost back to normal at 95.1%. This shows malls are still key in retail, both in the US and worldwide.

Conclusion

We've seen a big change in malls in the United States. They started in 1956 and grew a lot. Now, over 800 malls were built from 1970 to 2002. But malls face new challenges today.

The future of retail looks good for those who change. Even with online shopping, malls are still important. In 2022, mall sales hit $819 billion, up 11% from 2021. Top malls are almost back to normal, with 95.1% full.

Shopping trends are moving towards experiences. Modern malls are becoming places for fun, food, and even homes. This meets what people want today, showing malls are still loved.

Looking forward, technology and being green will shape malls. Some malls might close, but others will offer special experiences. The biggest malls in the USA are leading the way in retail.

FAQ

What is the largest mall in the United States?

The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, is the biggest. It covers 5.6 million square feet of retail space.

What unique attractions can be found at the Mall of America?

You can find Nickelodeon Universe, the Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium, and a 14-screen movie theater. These are just a few of the attractions.

How many visitors does the Mall of America attract annually?

Almost 40 million people visit the Mall of America every year. It's a big draw for tourists and boosts Minnesota's economy.

What is the second-largest mall in the United States?

The American Dream Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is the second-biggest. It has 3 million square feet of retail and entertainment space.

What unique attractions does the American Dream Meadowlands offer?

It has an indoor ski slope, the DreamWorks Water Park, and Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park. It's a mix of shopping and fun.

What are some of the top 5 largest malls in the USA?

The top 5 are: 1) Mall of America (5.6 million sq ft), 2) American Dream Meadowlands (3 million sq ft), 3) King of Prussia Mall (2.9 million sq ft), 4) South Coast Plaza (2.8 million sq ft), and 5) Aventura Mall (2.7 million sq ft).

How are modern malls evolving beyond traditional shopping?

Modern malls are becoming entertainment hubs. They add theme parks, aquariums, museums, and unique dining to attract visitors.

How are malls adapting to changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements?

Malls are changing by mixing online shopping with in-store experiences. They use contactless payments, mobile apps, AI, virtual fitting rooms, and digital displays.

What sustainability initiatives are large malls adopting?

Big malls are going green. They use energy-efficient designs, reduce waste, and choose eco-friendly materials.

How do US malls compare to global counterparts?

US malls are impressive, but some global malls are even bigger. Dubai Mall and New South China Mall are examples. American malls focus on fun and experiences, while international ones highlight luxury and culture.

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