Ever wondered what it’s like to shop in a mall that’s also a TV studio? Well here at Citadel Mall, you get both.
Citadel Mall is more than just a shopping destination. It’s a Charleston landmark. The mall opened its doors on July 29, 1981. It quickly became a retail hub for the region. Jacobs, Visconsi & Jacobs developed the mall.
The Citadel Mall sits at a busy intersection. Sam Rittenberg Boulevard and Savannah Highway meet here. Interstate 526 is also close by. This location makes it easily accessible.
Originally, Sears, Belk, and Thalhimer’s anchored Citadel Mall. These stores drew shoppers from all over. Sears moved from its downtown location. Belk relocated from Pinehaven Shopping Center. Thalhimer’s was a new upscale chain from Richmond.
Over the years, Citadel Mall has seen many changes. In 1992, Thalhimer’s became Dillard’s. Dillard’s later moved to a larger building in 1994. JCPenney then took over the former Thalhimer’s space. Target eventually replaced JCPenney in 2001.
Belk also relocated to a larger, two-story building in 2000. Parisian moved into Belk’s old spot. When Belk acquired Parisian in 2006, the Parisian store closed because Belk already had a store in Citadel Mall. JCPenney returned in 2007.
The Richard E. Jacobs Group added a food court. They also remodeled the interior in the early 2000s. Later, the mall was sold to CBL & Associates Properties. Dick’s Sporting Goods joined as an anchor store in 2005.
Citadel Mall even made it to TV. Food Network’s “Food Court Wars” featured the mall in 2013. Two couples competed for a lease in the food court.
The mall faced financial troubles in 2013. It went into foreclosure but was later purchased at auction. New owners have since taken over.
Today, Citadel Mall boasts over 100 stores. Anchor stores include Target, Belk, and Dillard’s. Mixed Bag Productions and the Medical University of South Carolina are also anchors.
The former Sears store is now a production facility for HBO’s “The Righteous Gemstones”. The show uses the space as the Gemstone Prayer Center. The Citadel Mall offers retail and entertainment. It adapts to changing times.
Citadel Mall continues to evolve. It is a cornerstone of Charleston’s commercial sector. The mall has a unique mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Stop by and experience it for yourself.