“A new way to shop in a garden-like atmosphere.” Remember that phrase as we explore Alderwood. Alderwood Mall is more than just a shopping destination. It is an experience.
In 1979, Alderwood Mall opened its doors in Lynnwood. Edward DeBartolo Sr. developed it. The mall quickly became a local favorite. Shoppers loved it and walkers enjoyed its mile-long inner perimeter.
Initially, Alderwood drew inspiration from Alderwood Manor. This was the original name of the local area. The mall is conveniently located near Interstate 5, Interstate 405, and State Road 525. A new light rail station is also nearby.
Over time, Alderwood Mall has been called by many affectionate names. The Seattle indie rock band The Young Fresh Fellows even mentioned it in a song. Today, most people simply call it Alderwood.
Alderwood is Snohomish County’s largest mall. It offers a vibrant retail, entertainment, and dining experience. The walkable area spans 1.3 million square feet. Alderwood features nearly 170 stores. Here, you can find fashion, beauty products, home décor, and more.
For entertainment, Alderwood has a large Dave and Buster’s. There is also a 16-screen AMC Theatres in The Terraces. Notably, Alderwood is home to one of the world’s first Zumiez stores.
Foodies will love Alderwood. There are nearly 40 dining options. Sit-down restaurants include P.F. Chang’s and The Cheesecake Factory. Hot spots like BittyFish Sushi, Baekjeong Korean BBQ, and Fogo de Chão also reside here. For quick bites, there are 10 fast-casual restaurants, such as Panda Express and Chipotle. You can also find Starbucks, Auntie Anne’s, and Jamba Juice.
If you are driving, Alderwood has ample parking. There are two multi-level parking structures that can accommodate over 7,000 vehicles. Public transportation is also available. Community Transit (CT) bus routes serve Alderwood. Sound Transit plans to add a light rail station near the mall around 2037.
Between 2002 and 2004, Alderwood underwent a major renovation. This added upscale stores and nearly 200,000 square feet of space. Revenues increased by nearly 50 percent in just three years. The mall was rebranded as Alderwood.
The mall’s vintage-1970s look was updated with carpeting, lower ceilings, couches, and fireplaces. The Village, an upscale outdoor mall, was added. This attracted residents with higher spending incomes.
In 2008, Alderwood employed 4,000 workers in administrative offices and 175 stores. This made it Snohomish County’s second-largest employer. In 2006, the mall generated about $4 million in sales-tax revenue for Lynnwood.
Today, you can find charging stations on the first floor of the Nordstrom parking deck. More stations are near the southeast entrance near Macy’s. You can also find them in the north parking field near The Cheesecake Factory.
Before we move on, take a moment to appreciate Alderwood. It is not just a mall. It is a destination that has evolved with the community.