by Alex Lloyd Gross
In May 1989 the Franklin Mills Mall opened for business. The mall was occupied to over 95 percent. Now, 30 years later, the mall has changed ownership and with that comes a name change. The third in it’s history. The mall is now called Franklin Mall. For a few years, Simon Corp tried to rebrand it as Philadelphia Mills, a name that did not really catch on,
Alex Lloyd Gross Photo-Delaware Valley News.com A sign with the new name and logo is now inside the mall. Look closely, at the bottom of the photo.
When Simon Malls filed for bankruptcy , they have to give up this mall. The name change is subtle. It is almost unnoticeable. A few signs on doors. The signs for Philadelphia Mills still are prevalent as landmarks for the mall. The mall has light traffic and some of the stores are vacant.
Simon Malls reported that this mall had operating income of just over $10,000,000 for the year of 2023. They owe a debt in excess of $258,000,000, that has gone into a special servicing. All markings of Simon Malls have been removed.
The mall is not a ghost town. It is still occupied and people still shop there. It has changed a lot since that spring day in 1989. There were two bustling food courts, featuring Flamers Grill, a steak shop and many others. None of the original restaurants are there. The sports themed food court is gone.
Anchor stores included Reading China and Glass, Ports, Phar-Mor JC Penney and Sears. None of those anchor stores are there anymore. None of that has to do with management of the mall. Phar-Mor closed after it’s owner was caught embezzling hundreds of millions of dollars, Sears closed all of their retail outlets, Reading Chine and Glass went by the wayside as well. JC Penney closed on July 31, 2017. There was an arcade, the 49th Street Galleria. That’s long since gone.
Wal-Mart took over the in a new store after tearing down the old PORTS store. That store cost a rumored $10,0000.00 to build. Turn 7 has taken over where JC Penney once stood. Sears was replaced with a movie theater.
Alex Lloyd Gross File Photo-Delaware Valley News.com Sears opens at Franklin Mills 1989.
You can still see the presence of Franklin Mills as many of the streets are still named after the old mall. Franklin Mills Boulevard and Franklin Mills Circle.
The small chain restaurants that made up the outposts around the mall have changed as well. Roy Rogers, Hooters and many Chinese buffets and chicken spots have come and gone. Taco Bell burned down during the winter in the early 2000,s and has been rebuilt.
People that worked in the mall could be hired for as little as $3.35/hr when it opened.. Today, most people demand at least $12.00 /hr. The minimum wage is $7.25/hr.
Alex Lloyd Gross File Photo-Delaware Valley News.com People wait to get into the new Franklin Mills Mall May 1989.
There were two video courts with large televisions . Those televisions would air commercials for mall retailers. There was also a giant Ben Franklin replica that hung in the Grand Court. Actors, singers and sports notables made appearances at Franklin Mills. No word on if this will be revamped.
Shopping habits have changed. Black Friday saw the mall no busier than a day in mid August. People will shop online and avoid parking, lines and crowds. Clothing continues to be popular to buy in person. No one wants to order online and have their clothes order not fit properly.
Alex Lloyd Gross File Photo-Delaware Valley News.com The grand opening of the mall in 1989.
It costs a lot of money for a full name change. Signage must be measured and constructed, then installed. The Philadelphia Mills name will be visible for a short while in the future. Very few people referred to the mall by that name. Only time will tell if the Franklin Mall will catch on .
You can visit the new mall website here.