“Brand Name Shopping,” does that pique your interest? You’re standing before Annapolis Mall. It is a shopping destination with a story. It’s more than just a place to shop. Annapolis Mall is a part of Annapolis history.
The Annapolis Mall began its life in 1980. But its location has even older roots. This spot was once the Annapolis terminus. It was the Best Gate station of the Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Electric Railway. Imagine electric rail cars shunting along the tracks. This Best Gate station even lent its name to nearby Bestgate Road. This road runs along the mall’s northern edge.
In the 1970s, a Montgomery Ward store stood here alone. It became an anchor store when the mall was built. Over the years, Annapolis Mall expanded. Garfinckel’s and Hecht’s joined as anchors. Later, JCPenney arrived. Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor also became prominent stores.
Westfield Group acquired the mall and made further additions. A large expansion in 2007 brought 60 new stores. Pottery Barn and H&M were among them. The mall has changed hands several times. It was acquired by Centennial Real Estate Management in 2024. With the new owners came a new name. The shopping center was rebranded as Annapolis Mall.
Annapolis Mall boasts over 240 stores and services. This makes it the second-largest mall in Maryland. It offers 1.4 million square feet of retail space. You can find everything from clothing to electronics here. There are also many dining options. An 11-screen AMC Theatres offers entertainment.
Today, Annapolis Mall features traditional anchor stores like Macy’s. Other prominent retailers include Forever 21, The Container Store, and Crate & Barrel. The mall is set to welcome Dick’s House of Sport and Dave & Buster’s in 2025. This continues its evolution.
Not all stories here are happy ones. In 2006, a shooting occurred in the food court. An off-duty Secret Service agent intervened in a fight. He was wounded but returned fire, hitting the shooter. A midshipman provided first aid to the agent. This event highlights an unexpected chapter in the mall’s history.
The Annapolis Mall also serves the community. The Anne Arundel County Public Library opened a branch here. “Discoveries: The Library at the Mall” provides library services to shoppers. It even includes a Community Pantry. They distribute diapers and hygiene items to those in need. The SPCA of Anne Arundel County also operates “Paws at the Mall”. It is an animal shelter inside the mall.
Annapolis Mall continues to evolve. Change is coming. JCPenney is closing in 2025. It will be replaced by Hobby Lobby, Grocery Outlet, and Onelife Fitness. These changes reflect the ever-shifting retail landscape. The mall adapts to meet the needs of the community. From its humble beginnings as a railway terminus to today, the Annapolis Mall is a community hub. Take a moment to appreciate the history. It is a testament to Annapolis’s evolving commercial landscape. Enjoy your visit to Annapolis Mall.