A Visit to Charlottesville Fashion Square (Feat. Sears and Belk)

Our second stop puts us in Charlottesville, where we get a look around at their shopping mall, and their now-gone Sears. We also get a quick look at Belk before we go.
Come visit on Minds - www.minds.com/...
#Charlottesville #Virginia #DeadMall

[@DoomieGruntVentures]

For those out of the know on the Chris Chan story (myself included), here is a link that outlines what is a pretty bizarre story. sonichu.com/cwcki/Charlottesville_Fashion_Square

[@retardedpigeon2487]

This looks like a perfect place to find a boyfriend free girl

[@intelligentgrawlix794]

This mall cannot be torn down it is a historic site of Chris Chan's moments of epic fail.

[@Beastkingzetta]

Declare this Mall a Historical site of CHRIS-CHAN

[@indeed7289]

rumour is its failing because a ghost known as chris chan roams the halls at night looking for a boyfriend free girl

[@cowbitch1852]

Yes I’ve seen him he spoke once to me and said “don’t call anybody” I’ve also seen a old dead guy named bob there

[@edp445sgrandma4]

Cow bitch lol

[@claudespeed277]

@@cowbitch1852 *the lumberjack

[@ScottyWolfe]

This is the mall where a certain internet famous person (guess who) would sit beside a sign advertising his single-ness until the evil mall jerkcops would come along and thwart his noble efforts.

[@nomadcowatbk]

and also where he spent his winnings from a certain video game hedgehog contest with his daddy old enough to be his granddaddy

[@ScottyWolfe]

@nomadcowatbk That was at Regency Square in Richmond.

[@nomadcowatbk]

@@ScottyWolfe Regency Square was where godbear was

[@cowbitch1852]

I think I’ve gotten to a point in life in where I freaked out when I saw the Chick-fil-A Chris had his date in, what have I become?

[@grungeisdead8998]

@@cowbitch1852 lmfao same

[@thomasthedankengine7134]

Just remember, when stores close here it just means they are now appearing in C-197

[@nickhill8612]

I was there a few years ago and I couldn't believe how small this mall was.

[@Maxxeine]

Did you see any attraction signs?

[@pvoccsurfshacktitosson4362]

The one comment that deserves my father's praise

[@olivius8891]

He really got sand in the potato salad this time

[@someguy23475]

Be careful if you go into GameStop- you might get maced.

[@nomadcowatbk]

and don't call anybody

[@cowbitch1852]

And make sure to get everything about my house off the internet

[@coydog7902]

*puts 36 PS4 games and a limited edition PS4 on counter* GameStop: I can give you 15$

[@kenetickups6146]

@@cowbitch1852 do you realize

[@primusvsunicron1]

@@nomadcowatbk do you realize!

[@RealJasonBehrens]

This is the mall to find a boyfriend-free girl

[@irmarocha7165]

No

[@Bone74838]

@@irmarocha7165 Yes!. I have my sign and ready to go!

[@irmarocha7165]

@@Bone74838 Proof? IG?

[@yoleeisbored]

Nah.. gotta go to ur local community college and wave a sign around

[@AllezlesParisiens]

Im just watching this cause of Chris Chan but man I miss the 90s and early 2000s when malls were the place to hang out. I have so many fond memories of hanging out with friends and family there. It’s too bad online shopping is killing off malls.

[@tunasandwich8049]

Luckily where I'm from, the malls are still jam packed with friends and family

[@Morra5472]

​@@tunasandwich8049 And manchildren with attraction signs?

[@tunasandwich8049]

@@Morra5472 luckily no Most lolcows here would be beaten up

[@trippjohnson7393]

Watch out for men in pickle suits!

[@ajbzombie666]

A place of major significance for a certain funny medallion man.

[@mish1195]

This is the ultimate Chris Chan reference. CWC jokes aside this mall has some neat aesthetics.

[@kokonbini]

Came here just because Chris chan hates blue arms

[@PuffyOne1898]

If I ever come here, I’m just gonna go to the nearest mall security cop or whatever and ask, “h… he’s not here is she?”

[@gordyowl9455]

Cwckville mall

[@links5957]

AKA..The Chris Chan Mall

[@picccle]

it’s kinda sad that this mall died a year later in 2020. i miss when all the good stores were here.

[@nickhill8612]

I was there a few years ago and I couldn't believe how small this mall was.

[@sloppyoyster5779]

Darn it I want to go there because of Chris and we cant go to the game places because it closed years ago

[@Bone74838]

For real?.. Not only did the Game Place crumble in 2014, but also the Fashion Square Mall??^^ I guess those "Curse-ye-ha-me-ha" did have an effect after all then.

[@Noperison]

4:21 when you go to that gamestop just know to not *call anybody*

[@j718wn]

2023: Half the stores are closed lol

[@thechildhoodruiner15]

1:01 - The setting where Chris Chan had that 'date' with a girl who was taken by the man in the pickle suit, Bob was there alongside Chris. 4:21 - The setting where Chris Chan maced a GameStop employee. 😂😂😂

[@illuminatedtiger]

JULAYYYYYYYYY

[@raulsandoval2523]

Some say there's a weird man dress like a lady

[@cringevidssuperstore9570]

I saw a man walking around dressed as a pickle with some girl

[@Bone74838]

Sears will bounce back once they promote their collection of clown shirts and crayola magic medallions. Just watch the stampedes.

[@wesleyspencer7082]

My hometown mall!! So many stores have closed since this video was posted. It really is crazy and sad.

[@patrickgibson7895]

My hometown mall! I remember in the 80's when there were several fountains with bronze statues in this mall. When Simon took over in the late 90's they gave it a face lift but also thoroughly blandified the space. Occupancy has dipped recently since this videos was shot. Clark's, Crazy 8s, Steve Madden, Motherhood Maternity, Charming Charlie, Charlotte Russe and, of course, Payless and Sears have all closed this year. The Starbucks finally decided there wasn't enough foot traffic and closed up their kiosk. I hope they can turn things around but it feels like Sears closing was the beginning of the end for Fashion Square. Thanks for the videos Doomie! Keep 'em coming.

[@patrickgibson7895]

Update: Buckle: closed, Sephora: closed, Finish Line: closed, Coach: closed and Gap liquidated and moved out of their double space at the end of the former Sears wing. According to a recent article, the mall has been moved from "Tier 2" to a "non-core" property, which means that "default is imminent" according to analysts. If JCP closes it would almost certainly be a tipping point. I will continue to update here as things seem to be unraveling pretty quickly for Fashion Square.

[@BridishBuffoon]

I have one question and nothing else. Have you ever seen Chris chan loitering there?

[@frankieturner630]

I remember those fountain but I never did like that Mall very good

[@Sumschmuck]

Did you ever see Chris chan?

[@grungeisdead8998]

Did you catch a glimpse of Chris and his sign

[@vuzz5728]

I intend to make a 3 hour trip out there when i get my license. Truly a historic site.

[@nickhill8612]

I was there a few years ago and I couldn't believe how small this mall was. Has it grown?

[@chloevail9729]

@@nickhill8612 no it is so dead

[@nickhill8612]

@@chloevail9729 I remember thinking the mall should be bigger because of UVA.

[@nicholashunt5230]

The JCPenney closed in late 2020. That's how you know when a mall is truly performing terribly. The only anchor stores left are those two Belk stores, and even more of those smaller-format stores have closed within the three-year period that this video was uploaded. It really does feel like the Rolling Acres Mall in its final years... I don't think this mall will be known for anything else other than "the Chris Chan mall" in Charlottesville. Heck, maybe he/she was the one who truly killed the mall... 🤣 I actually kind of hope they don't demolish it. It's oddly historic in a way.

[@onurpro9514]

Wow I cant believe This is the same place where Chris chan got punked by emily and badass pickle man on his fake date and chris also bring his dad on the date emily mostly talks to his dad because his dad is more chad than his loser son while being creepy to her and doing inappropriate stuff without her consent until chad pickle man rescues emily away from creepy chris lmao 🤣 this mall is now cursed because of chris being chris its depressing to see this nice looking mall right now is decaying into dust

[@aaronbusi5703]

This is my hometown mall. Sadly most of the stores have closed since this video and the owners have started to let the building get rundown, with lots of roof leaks and water damage. Before Simon Properties did the last renovation sometime in the late 90s or early 2000s it had nice terrazzo floors, two large fountains in the center and trees in, in floor planters along the main corridor with skylights above. The Simon renovation was in my opinion a step backwards. Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle county is a fairly affluent area, which should be able to support the mall easily. I would love to see Fashion Square bounce back, but I expect it will be torn down and redeveloped as overpriced condos since real estate costs are insane in this area.

[@johnwaffleh2p70]

Aaron Busi did you ever see Chris Chan

[@dondavis5633]

This mall is very nice, clean & sparkly; I really like it a lot. Hard to believe they had a fight of such enormity! Cool video, as always, Doomster!

[@ilackedtheheart]

4:22 DON'T CALL ANYONE!

[@primusvsunicron1]

DO YOU REALIZE!

[@johndersham1]

A Sears at a mall near me closed and began a big new entertain bowling alley and gaming location. It helped the mall traffic.

[@trulydave]

they need a tribute to chris chan there

[@ed9492]

It's been a long time since I've been there. Doesn't look too different, but the carpet on the ramps has been replaced. And the bench seating doesn't seem to be there anymore. There was also a fountain, maybe more than one. I don't recall the skylights, but maybe they were there and I didn't notice them. The Victoria's Secret has either moved from a different location or significantly changed the entrance. There were a couple of long gone book stores I used to visit when I went there.

[@theshenpartei]

I have that Tom Clancy book and it is signed by him

[@rileyshaw9863]

When You a went Into Sears Near The Restrooms I Heard XLERATORS They Had XLERATOR Hand Dryers In There Restroom Along With Kohler Fixtures

[@miabaker5425]

I love this mall

[@Bone74838]

I have seen you there countless times and admired you from afar. But you never noticed my love sign.

[@Beastkingzetta]

For the love of the Gods SAVE THE MALLS

[@cowbitch1852]

I say save this one especially it’s a historic site

[@LethaWolfStudios]

I like that Belk store, it’s very nice

[@nomadcowatbk]

how much time does Belk have left?

[@lindagoreham2238]

Hi Doomie, Keep good videos like this one coming, I've been entertained with these abandoned places you go!

[@Me97202]

Too many malls were built. Real estate and contractors were greedy. Malls became hassles. Customer service sucked. Shopping tastes changed. Finally…the internet did to the malls _exactly_ what the malls had done to downtowns before.

[@paul2019.]

I used to go here a lot. Not sure if it can be saved, but I kinda like the aesthetic of it

[@anthrofan0369]

Have you seen a man who happens to peper spray a game stop employee

[@paul2019.]

@@anthrofan0369 no I was a child when it happened and i was not familiar with that side of the internet

[@grungeisdead8998]

@@paul2019. so you didn't see chris chan with the attraction sign out in the wild

[@seanyboigaming8204]

Beautiful mall. Probably one of the most infamous one's ever. (Yes Intend to go hear a buy something

[@WhittyPics]

Dave and Buster's have been going into some of the Sears space. I think Sears will end up like Radio Shack. Restructuring only buys them a little more time. It looks like a nice little mall.

[@nancydarling4918]

Good video. Your videos just keep getting better and better. Thanks for filming. Really liked the inside of the Belk.

[@hannakinn]

When I travel to visit relatives that mall is always busy. I love to stop there and eat lunch. I love going there because it's usually just as busy as malls used to be in the 90s..although that could be because I'm usually there near the holidays. There aren't all the closed up stores and lack of upkeep that you generally see in dying malls.

[@binnieb20]

8:39 there it is. The place where Chris maced that person.

[@binnieb20]

And 4:20 as well. Amazing.

[@yaritzarodriguez6917]

It’s 2022 and this mall is now dead with almost nothing on there

[@randomwiiguy4555]

The mall now today has barely any people and the mall might be closing i dont know

[@Karmy.]

At least this mall has a Soul I guess

[@primusvsunicron1]

Sonichu Soul

[@knotsandcrosses1]

My wooden badge was delicious.

[@Wemfsh]

favorite thing he ever wrote

[@dr666demento]

I think Sears will flounder through the year. Being bought out of bankruptcy by Lampert bought it some time but like you said it's too damaged to survive more than a year at best.

[@MEXICANMOOSE1976]

Baltimore huh? Hope you get to chill with Dan Bell.. he's exploring with the Proper People and someone else right now!!

[@someguy23475]

For this channel’s sake, hopefully not. Dan Bell is arrogant and has been accused of faking some videos.

[@miabaker5425]

I been to this mall so muchhhh

[@nomadcowatbk]

think this mall has more time left than River Ridge Mall

[@KoubuPilot]

Perhaps Sears was long overdue to leave this mall? Sears was the last place to close the dead Los Arcos Mall at the south end of Scottsdale, AZ (this part of town looks too much like Tempe and not enough Scottsdale) back in 2000. They moved to Scottsdale Fashion Square to the north into tje 1990 Dillard's anchor (vacated because they relocated to a new space that's over 300k sq ft). The rich people of Scottsdale decided they weren't going to have any of that and practically ran Sears out of that mall with solid gold pitchforks. Sears would close and vacate, allowing Macy's to move in 2002, where it continues to operate to this day. Sears is too low end for a fashion mall.

[@PinkAgaricus]

For the Ala Moana location they were the 2nd to leave...after JC Penney's closed and became a bar and restaurant court. Sears just became an expansion to the wing giving the shopping center 4 anchors, Macy's, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, and Target...and another food court from a company that had a retail store there (which I would also kind of consider an anchor at the time). [In fact that space they were originally in (mall level floor) is another food court, so we have 3 food courts] I wonder why some "fashion" malls consider Sears a worthwhile investment since they mainly sell private label stuff...I know there was some stuff there like Laura Scott (I think this was probably a smaller designer, since it's a name. This was my mom's favorite brand back when she shopped at Sears.), the Kardashian section (the girls as a whole, and I'm glad that's gone), and Levis. Other than those, yep everything else seems like store brands.

[@cringevidssuperstore9570]

Good video

[@theneonexplorer]

Dear lord do Fords have loud turn signals 😝 (you know I own 2 Fords of similar years to yours right?)

[@DoomieGruntVentures]

Are they really that loud? I never really thought about it that much.

[@theneonexplorer]

People on VC complain about both my turn signal and Sal's because, per Junior, they're very loud.

[@theneonexplorer]

But yeah, my 2 Fords are 2010 and 2011. Yours is a 2010, right?

[@DoomieGruntVentures]

@@theneonexplorer 2010 Fusion, yes

[@Hans-be6sm]

Woof 🐾

[@ToxicRadio]

Anyone know the song at 3:30?

[@LeonelLAURE]

Try to Shazam it through your mobile or tv

[@leeblankenship4755]

This place is dead drove by the other day an it looked closed parking lot was empty.

[@17z483]

Koki: Richmond, Virginia 3/22/15

[@scottuncfan]

Jc penny closed recently. So who knows how that mall will do

[@theneonexplorer]

Actual question: this mall has a standalone Sephora. Does the JCP ALSO have a Sephora? That seems excessive.

[@DoomieGruntVentures]

I have noticed that at other malls, like Hanes Mall & Johnstown Galleria. A bit weird, yes, but if business is good, who am I to judge?

[@theneonexplorer]

I guess lol. North Hanover has the store within a store, but not a standalone. I think we're too rural to have a good enough market for that.

[@theneonexplorer]

As a mod on the discord, I'll do you one better. Pop into #moderators_ears when you first join, tell us if you're between 13-15, 16-20, or 21+ and that Doomie sent you and we'll get you set up. Those are literally the two things we ask.

[@ericeckman9470]

Round one gabes

[@skrrt_cobain]

@4:20 Don't call anybody!