DEAD MALL SERIES : ONLY ONE BUSINESS LEFT : Stark, Liminal Chambersburg Mall in Pennsylvania

[@janb4374]

Thanks!

[@ThisisDanBell]

Thank you so much, Jan!

[@frenlyfire]

😀😀😀😀

[@AppleSauce15]

As someone who grew up near this mall, a majority of my life this place was empty and had weird back room vibes. The only places that seemed to get a crowd were the movie theater,JCPenneys, American Eagle, and Aeropostale back in the 2000s. Also, they would host child beauty pageants on that weird center stage lol. The mall is just in a rural, RURAL area and kind of out of the way. It’s easy to forget about when there’s more “mainstream” malls, outlets, and movie theaters not too faraway in Maryland or closer to Harrisburg. I’m shocked to see that even ONE store is surviving there! BUT Bonanza is like a steakhouse/buffet (similar to a Hoss or Ponderosa!).

[@zenithperigee7442]

@AppleSauce15, lol your username, I just had some applesauce!😄To me the "dead mall series" is so sad tho because it's like the end of an era. We have one mall left & it's on the other side of the city... Not only has it decreased in business to what it once was it's not even worth the travel. I remember as a kid just waiting for the weekend to hit the local mall, mostly for game time in the Arcade! We also went with family to different events, sometimes a small "car show" or other promotions/holiday events. We'd frequently catch a movie or two near every weekend. They also had an ice skating rink which was nice but knowing I was not the most stable on roller skates, let alone ice skates, I spectated. I♥'d going by the snack shops where there would be a variety of peanuts sitting under warm lamps, my mom's fave was always the "redskins" (I miss you mom, dad, Pops ~_~) They also had a cookie shop where the cookies rotated on trays and those soft, warm chocolate-chip cookies, my goodness, those things were perfect and like ~4 inches in diameter! I ♥'d the waterfalls/fountains too, everyone tossed coins in. Dad always had to check out the latest tools in the "hardware" stores but us kids just wanted to go gaming! As time went on, I realized how precious it was being with family even when it's something as mundane as just "a few hours at the mall." It's just sad watching the malls go away because these were places where you spent time with those you love who've also "gone away."

[@annettevillain4352]

You probably remember Bonanza moved from Rt 30 @Fayetteville. I bet they regretted that move. And then moved back on Rt. 30 across from Lowe's and is now called Ryan's.

[@Ozzy_2014]

Bonanza was in Canada as well, along with Ponderoda, and Sizzlers.died out with the 80s Great to see the Myth, The Man, The Legendary Dan Bell back again! #DMOD

[@webvideofan]

Yeah, growing up, this was our taste of modern civilization in that rural area. 😁👍🏻

[@Quaila]

oh wow the child pageant history makes this so much more cursed lol

[@BrightSunFilms]

I haven’t laughed this hard on the opening for a video in a while

[@samuraijoke16]

You're the best!!! Loved your last video of the stadium in Miami, I'm such a giant fan ❤❤❤ also loved the videos on the Costa Concordia, the oceanos and those abandoned condos/beach resort in Florida that George Bush visited

[@ThisisDanBell]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@LNSLateNightSaturday]

@@samuraijoke16 I *literally* just came here from that Bright Sun Video!

[@jimfaust6342]

Reminds me of Rat Race 😂

[@wesleyrussell8386]

@@ThisisDanBell hahahahahahaha 😬

[@KarlBaron]

I love how the buckets haphazardly strewn around in a futile attempt to capture some leaks and utterly failing at that task have DO IT RIGHT written on them

[@mysock351C]

The only analogy that comes to mind is that of the Titanic going down. Literally a sinking boat, yet the few people still there come to watch movies or work like its any other day.

[@Discospawn]

I loved Dan's uncharacteristic laughing as he imagined the old people shambling through this backrooms-esque building, diligently noting every 1/8th of a mile they covered while making their circuits around the oversized tomb.

[@rachelg3247]

That was the definition of a contagious laugh because it got me cracking up too

[@MeaghanEdwards]

lol same, and the giggling over the buckets

[@Formlr94]

I pictured them power walking like squidward in that one scene 😆

[@Discospawn]

@@Formlr94 Heh, that's funny, because to me I imagined it more like background zombies from an episode of The Walking Dead. Maybe my impression was influenced by the later scene of the barricaded off section of the mall with more severe water damage, which might as well have had "Don't Open, Dead Inside" written on it.

[@kendrickkelly2336]

Understand that one of the healthiest, cheapest and medically suggested activities that fixed-income seniors can do is walking...and during the summer heat, the mall is air conditioned and free. (It was obviously a more stimulating environment back when all of the stores were open...So why not have those signs to encourage seniors to walk and possibly spend a bit?) I have to admit that I became a "mall walker" for a few weeks last summer when the weather became outrageously hot in SoCal and my home became an oven. PS. Wetzel’s Pretzels can eat shit with their doughy awful garbage. Ptuey!

[@captindo]

When I’m depressed or really stoned I come back to your Dead Mall series and the sadness becomes melancholy, then to happiness. Thanks Dan, cheers from Canada.

[@yogbarog100]

The melancholy persists with this one. End of days bleakness vibes just after watching Portland Oregon homelessness video too.

[@rogertoaster9385]

totally agree with you MrMacAwesome, sometimes there's only a thin line between melancholy and happiness

[@motojunkie8348]

So if you get depressed when you're really stoned then why get stoned?

[@shanes.6227]

if you're smoking weed and you still have melancholy and depression, you're smoking too much. weed is a magical healing drug but too much every day is bad and can cause depression like symptoms. I know. It is hard to quit weed

[@captindo]

@@motojunkie8348 I don’t, I said when I’m depressed OR stoned. Cannabis saved my life from PTSD and chronic pain, and it’s side effects are contentment and peace. Guess I could have worded my sentence better, sorry about that, cheers from Canada dude.

[@ay-dionne]

each dead mall intro is more unhinged than the last and it consistently remains the best part

[@weatherwitchandfelinefamiliars]

Not necessarily the best part but they're certainly more unhinged each time 😂😂

[@Sayonero]

After 4 years of requesting you film Chambersburg Mall, it finally happens… best day of my life

[@webvideofan]

I love it that he did it, too. My Dan Bell wish is complete. 😄👍🏻

[@mklotz1426]

Black Rose just posted this: With a heavy heart, we are announcing that our store will be closing our doors tenatatively June 30. Vendors are putting deep discounts on their booths. Come in now for great bargains!

[@CognitiveDissident.]

I worked for a GC in the late 80s and early 90s that did the tenant finish work for smaller chain stores in malls around the DC and Philly areas. I spent a lot of time in malls back in those days, much of it after hours making a lot of noise. I too would have been blown away to think the mall era would come to a close a couple decades later, considering how popular they were at the time. Your videos hold a special and nostalgic place in my heart.

[@crazygamesandmusic3217]

I worked at 3 places in this mall, a video game store, the theater, and Black Rose. Those back halls were always creepy and the center stage was only used at Christmas time for pictures with Santa when I was there. Bonanza was a restaurant and it moved in town. Experiencing the slow death of this mall was interesting and a little sad. Thanks for capturing a weird fixture of my hometown!

[@PrinceAsmodeus]

What was it like growing up there?

[@_gokceada]

@@PrinceAsmodeusit honestly was nice, close to Maryland so you could go to all the nice huge malls, but Chambersburg has sooooo many nice local restaurants and is a melting pot of people.

[@PrinceAsmodeus]

@@_gokceada 🤘

[@ianrjm969]

You had me at 'only one business left'.

[@nightshifter886]

There’s only one Dan Bell and we must protect him at all costs.

[@LaurenMiddleton28]

His Ted Talk is hilarious.

[@libbylou9318]

I came here to say the exact same thing. We love you Dan!

[@webvideofan]

Yup! Can’t beat the real thing. 👍🏻

[@upeedinalamb5297]

This lamb concurs.

[@JBabyLeather]

@@LaurenMiddleton28 he has a ted talk?

[@GinaBoudreau]

Watching Dan Bell feels like a Saturday morning when you were a kid. Wearing your favorite pajamas and eating your favorite cereal without a care in the world.

[@Zizumia]

Hey Dan, not sure if you'll read this but I am happy you're still making the Dead Mall Series. It may be silly to say, but this series has been with me through very tough times in my life. Something about your voice, the music, and the non chaotic atmosphere of dead malls really calmed me down and kept me in a good, relaxing place, if not for a little bit. So thank you for making these videos, Dan!

[@jeltoninc.8542]

This series helped me in some dark times too hahaha what a strange therapist Dan makes.

[@webvideofan]

Totally agree. His videos have calmed me a lot of times as well. No one does Dead Malls like Dan.

[@lauraferro9678]

I don't know what it is about entropy that's so calming, but it works every time.

[@ThisisDanBell]

I’m so glad this series brings you some peace. I appreciate you buddy.

[@MuneageDaydream]

I couldn't agree more. When I'm really in a bad place, I'll rewatch some "classic Dan" that I haven't watched in a few years. I will say the alarm forever beeping in the apocalyptic Ames still haunts my dreams.

[@BitByADeadBeePt1]

Everyone who has ever been to that mall is in complete shock that it's still there. Glad you finally made a video on it!

[@ericdravenX00X]

The hallway in the back of the store, reminded me of a corridor that guards would walk a death row inmate down in his last hours. Thanks Dan.

[@chucksuxone]

Just an FYI. Bonanza was the poor sister of Pondarosa, Same style restaurant. They were both were owned by Pondarosa. I worked at a Bonanza in high school, the food was terrible. I was busing tables and a family was leaving, the dad said thanks for dog food. I said your right:) love the video made me chuckle.

[@maxtheprotogen4328]

I always used to go here with my ma before she passed away. Fond memories of asking “hey ma could we go so I can get some cool pictures inside” and then every so often, we’d get food and head up there. She’d hang out at the Bath & Bodyworks, and I’d walk down the main stretch of the mall and get pictures of all the storefronts. Thanks for uploading and reminding me of better times, I miss her.

[@Uprivyfickled]

Opening scene immediately felt like I was watching a adult swim commercial or a Tim and Eric awesome show episode😂

[@LGPanthers1]

Tim and Eric does not play as well as it used to

[@Slop_Dogg]

Classic stuff

[@jeltoninc.8542]

Chad is a bot for sure.

[@mg1342mg]

And just as stupid.

[@ModeSOLOgaming]

Respect! Classic show.

[@dmotz]

I spent so much time at this mall growing up! My uncle's comic shop was there for 20 years (left in 2018). The mall's been on a slow decline since the Valley Mall in Hagerstown MD was redone... but I've never seen it like this. RIP Chambersburg Mall

[@webvideofan]

This was the mall of my youth in the 80’s and 90’s before I moved to Florida. I remember a comic shop… must had been your uncle’s. We lived in Greencastle, so this and Valley Mall were our go-tos, but Chambersburg seemed to be our most frequented. Remember Georgio’s restaurant near Hess’s? We loved that place. My mom worked at Bon-Ton, then later Fashion Bug.

[@polaroidjay]

That haunted Toys R Us in Sunnyvale is a Rei store now, but before it was taken over by Rei, they’d turn it into a Spirit store for Halloween which was pretty funny.

[@brightspacebabe]

I lived in San Jose and went to that Toys R Us with a friend ghost hunting back in the early 90’s. Did we see anything? Nope, but it sure was fun.

[@proskub5039]

So then Asuka says 'Hey Rei where'd you get that plugsuit, at the Rei store?'

[@owllymannstein7113]

That brought up a long forgotten memory, I saw whatever show that was when I was a kid and it hadn't crossed my mind since.

[@islatwin]

So I grew up in the bay area and we would tell ghost stories about that toys r us to each other as kids. I know who Sylvia Browne is-but I don't get the joke in the beginning. Was she full of crap about that store? I just remember her always on wild 94.9 radio station back in the day.

[@bentstrider]

Well, at least the location still carries bicycles. Higher end ones any way. Toys R Us Royce Union vs. REI Novara😃

[@Mszahnclass95]

Dan bell is the king of dead malls , no one explains or does old commercials like him. i love his humor 😅😂 tied into it

[@webvideofan]

9:01 I wasn’t allowed to go to theaters growing up (religious household), but I finally went for the first time when I was 19 to THIS theater in 1998. Saw “Godzilla”, starring Matthew Broderick. Went with my best friend. His kinda ex-girlfriend came with her gal friend (unplanned) and sat in front of us. After the movie, my buddy and his ex ended up making out in the parking lot for a moment while I stood awkwardly by. Makes me laugh to look back at that now. These dead malls are filled with so many human memories and moments.

[@VeganAtheistWeirdo]

I was sketchy about the first long hallway, but that one at the end literally creeped me out with how endless it seemed. You'd not catch me going down there alone, I don't care how bright it is or how empty it looks. That's about 40 meters of _nope._ As usual, nothing daunts Dan. You have the heart of an explorer, my friend. I'm so glad you're still at it.

[@webvideofan]

Finally, the Dead Mall legend himself has documented Chambersburg Mall. 😁👍🏻 This was the mall of my youth in the 80’s and 90’s before I moved to Florida. So many good memories of Friday nights spent there with my family. Glad that they’re still playing the music from that time period. Lol. My Mom worked at the Bon-Ton 7:41 and later Fashion Bug. I remember Hess’s and remember when JCPenney came in its place. My grandparents and I would enjoy the buffet at Bonanza. Thanks for making the trip there, Dan. This needed to be in your collection.

[@gordontaylor2815]

Especially considering the fact with the AMC gone this mall's days are probably numbered. I wouldn't be surprised if in a year's time there's nothing left but the Black Rose building.

[@webvideofan]

@@gordontaylor2815 Yeah, it’s definitely a zombie mall now.

[@mariez.5349]

As per your usual outstanding! You crack me up... being of the mall generation this is so sad to me. Where I live the mall is still very much up and running, thank goodness. I am of the generation that likes to actually physically shop rather than purchase everything via the internet. Those long, empty hallways remind me of a bad horror movie. Looking forward to your next video!

[@EarlFaulk]

Honestly, that empty Payless Shoe Source entrance made me happy. Knowing that their crappy shoes are gone forever. I lost count how many times me and grandmother went there to buy shoes. Only to have them fall apart after 3 months no matter how much the shoes cost

[@TriforceOfTheGods80]

Well Walmart took that crown currently. At least it is cheap, good when your main shoes give out but don't have the funds to buy a new pair currently.

[@oophelia46]

Yes! As soon as you stepped in a puddle, your new shoes would become unglued 😢

[@EarlFaulk]

@@TriforceOfTheGods80 I bought a pair of cheap Brahmas there......they lasted as long as the wolverines I had did. Must be crappy quality control

[@its_ghost_btw_997]

Technically the Payless shoes aren't gone for good the store just moved about 4 miles south of this mall lol

[@government_costumes-ui5lx]

Well Payless is problem as they were extremely overpriced and yeah I can't say the shoes for shit and they most likely didn't have a lot of sizes available after all it was the mall. As far as the quality of Walmart issues go well it's certainly not like it was made by an actual cobbler but I could certainly say that I have a pair of Walmart shoes and I just yesterday noticed a small hole and yet I've had the issues for going on 10 months. I've always had decent life with Walmart shoes of course I'm not a brand conscious idiot because I realize that all shoes are pretty much made on the same fucking Chinese production line since so together by the same poor little 12 year old.

[@zoguk]

Nothing like a new Dan Bell video on a rainy day.

[@TheBattProductions]

As a Shippensburg University attendee from 2008 to 2015, I am so pleased to see a profile on Chambersburg Mall

[@pnptcn]

Totally lost it when you were talking about the mlleage signs for the mall walkers. So funny, dope video Dan.

[@comefondue]

It sure is clean and shiny. And the plants are so well cared for. And what is the deal with the four person tables at regular intervals with no old food joints? Totally worth the drive!!!

[@StrangerStillProductions]

Great job as always Dan! Your short films have come a long way, I'm so happy to see how much you've grown as a filmmaker. Keep it up. You're an inspiration.

[@kristimcgowandarkoscellard3126]

It’s crazy that no one thought to redecorate this place in all this time!!! 😱 If you need to make a movie about life in the early 80s and it has scenes in a mall, this is the place!!! It’s like having a time machine!! 🤪 Cheers

[@Djesclavo]

It’s insane that you posted this video because I’m currently visiting some family here in Chambersburg and when my dad told me about a mall nearby that had no stores my heart jolted. You Dan Bell started this passion for me and to walk around the mall just to come home, search your channel up so I can binge watch all the videos again, I see that the most recent post is about that same mall! I feel like I walked the same steps as Arnold Armstrong or something like that 😮‍💨 keep doing you!

[@ForeverInDiapers]

Hope you’ve been doing well my friend, just wanna say thanks for all the quality content over the years! You’ve helped me develop a fascination with all things abandoned, and I’m immensely grateful for you. Cheers, Dan!

[@VerityTroll]

PSA: Chambersburg Mall officially closed on June 30th, 2023... Another one bites the dust.

[@50shadesofbeige88]

Those entrance signs.. they give me all the retro feels. Thanks Dan! ❤

[@YoungWhiteMagician]

The music Dan chooses for his videos are so good! I get this weird nostalgia for a time that i wasn’t even around for! 😂 Great video as always!

[@joshuahwells7262]

It has officially closed permanently on the 30th of June. R.I.P. 1982-2023.

[@TrumpsTrashTruck]

Believe by Cher always takes me back. Ironically I think the first time I heard it I was at an outlet mall and around 10yrs old. Good times

[@MysterEnygma]

The timing of this video is impeccable, as the final tenant, Black Rose, vacated its space, and the mall officially closed on June 30, 2023.

[@xondisco]

Dan... you are one of the greatest masters of your chosen genre ever filmed and uploaded onto KZbin. Nobody does it quite like you and there's no substitute for you. So glad you're back, Dan! ❤

[@CoatsandGaiters]

Good to see your still uploading Dan...always loved your content, especially the exploring ones. You were always the original and one of my favourites.

[@jessicad83]

Whoop whoop! This is my first time watching one of these that aren't 4 years old! 😂❤

[@Takaho31]

Great to see this series back, Dan ! Hope you've been doing great all the best buddy

[@josephdotson7937]

Great video Dan. Loved the opening tribute to Sylvia 'poopy' Brown. Love seeing grief mongering con artists get destroyed by indigestion. By the way, your right. Bonanza was a restaurant. A buffet/steakhouse chain in the eighties till they got bought out by Ponderosa. My second job as a young teenager was as a table busser-dishwasher at Bonanza in '88 in central ohio.

[@michaelaurban4120]

A true Dan Bell opening classic 😂😂😂😂 I was half asleep and those sound bites woke me UP 🤣🤣🤣🤣 . . .

[@eddieg82]

I remember this mall in college and going to the AMC. Crazy to see the mall like that all these years later.

[@gtasick322]

Ya like they said . one and only Dan Bell . its gold . your the tallent ! Always . love ya ! Keep rocking it out

[@alexandercooke7634]

Great to see you back with the Dead Mall Series! Utterly brilliant! More content please Sir! ❤

[@colin._.wright]

I have been to this mall in real life, it is crazy because I remember when it was still alive. I went there before it was shut down with my grandfather not too long ago. We saw all the closed stores and such. We actually went up on the stage in the center. While walking around we saw a bunch of elderly people walking, not even talking to each other just walking. We called them “Mall Zombies” lol. I remember watching movies in that theater. Good times.

[@ethanstein42]

Its always a great day when Dan Bell uploads

[@ballsgmaing]

dan balls

[@Utubesuxmycock]

Neeeeeeeeeerd

[@The_Real_ASMR_Noir]

Bonanza was the bomb back in the day! Was like an Outback, served steak & baked potatoes, had a stellar buffet of salad, food, burritos & tacos and ice cream as well!!! Was one of my favorite places to eat & much better than the crappy buffets around today.

[@kevinramsey417]

Dead malls that are just hanging on by a thread like this one is make me legitimately depressed. I grew up in the golden age of shopping malls and watching them die makes me sad.

[@WilliamDunn-u2q]

Hard to believe building these giant structures just to get 30 - 40 yrs of mediocre sales out of them.

[@unchainedsilver9702]

This video made my day , love the Dead mall series and seeing new content , the intro was great .. Love the old school brown tile floor in this mall reminds me of the mall as a kid before they started renovating most of them ..its amazing this place is still open when much more modren malls have closed and been demolished in recent years ..

[@Varkalis1]

When I saw the stage I started to sing "I think we're alone now". Then you mentioned Tiffany and laughed so hard!

[@jeffmcbride469]

This was a great way to spend 15 minutes of my Friday night! Classic Dan video. Thanks Dan!

[@fratercontenduntocculta8161]

The quality of your editing has finally crossed into having fun with it territory. I'm so happy for y'all, no better urbex channel out there!

[@leejtam0914]

my grandparents used to power walk here in the 90s and i remember buying comics and video games here. I saw Mulan here

[@mjg263]

Deader than dead mall! Bonanza was a steak house restaurant chain kinda like Rustler I believe. Love the diagonal plank board style, that was so common in malls in the 70’s - 80’s.

[@Official_ry_Nirvana]

Thank you Dan. I really really needed this new video from you.

[@dreammfyre]

I’ve realized recently that I really miss in person shopping and I’ve even gotten really nostalgic about it. Browsing record stores and checking out all that new band merch. Trying out guitars I’m never gonna buy. Checking out those all in one CD/cassette players. Etc etc. None of that exist in this town anymore tho so I literally have to do all my shopping online these days too. So I guess I’m also part of the problem, involuntarily. But it just feels so very dystopian to me to just have stuff sent to you from a warehouse, and all those friendly clerks that used to greet you are now droning around in the back of some storage facility. EDIT: Maybe this doesn’t really apply to malls tho. More like they killed regular stores in the city centers, then online store killed malls, and now we’re left with nothing at all locally.

[@government_costumes-ui5lx]

Now the internet literally had zero to do with the decline of fall shopping centers or retailers in general. The evidence is as follows.... First off all retailers and or the vast majority of retailers have all had a fucking website between 1995 definitely by 1998 meaning they are and have been the internet so they can't get away with blaming the internet while they are the internet... The second reason blaming the internet is a little bunk is simply because now there's an income deficiency across the population and by the way as times went on if you gauge it from the mid to late nineties through today you will find that it's gotten worse. Of course that time frame also coincides with the decline of balls and other assorted businesses within the retail trade. Another reason that basically backs up the other two reasons is simply if I don't have the 5 10 20 40 50 bucks if I don't have the $15,300 to hand to the likes of a brick and order store in my area then what in the fuck makes you think that I would have any of those dollar denomination to pass out across the internet? The world we live in is primarily either you have the money or you don't and basically we really don't have the money. This reason backs up everything I said before even more like at the most of these retailers you'll find that in and around 2005 they all took a billions upon billions of dollars dead and by the way have never quit these companies are heavily saturated in tens of billions of dollars of debt they have run themselves out of business for the most part. This is why what affordable cheap prices did exist at one point a lot of people want to blame the banking system a lot of people talk about inflation yes inflation but let's look at where the inflation is created particularly within retail trade. About 50% of the fucking price that you're paying down at any retailer I got news for you it's made up inflation they're just charging it out because they know they can't and if there's any customers out there with any qualms about paying these prices particularly here within the past 3 years then these businesses will explain it away through supposed shipping costs they'll explain it away that their wholesale cost went up. But I can certainly tell you as a retail manager and business person with over 20 years experience I can certainly say yeah for a minute shipping cost did go up a little bit however they're back down to normal levels so any retailer feeding you that horse shit is lying. The mess that we are in today got started a very long time ago to those of us that are more as aware of this and have been following it for pretty much the majority of our lives it's no surprise to Us by the way I'm 38 I got started very young. blaming the internet is a lot of shit and the reason it's a load of shit or shall I say yet another reason it's a little shit it's simply because it's a piss for excuse used by bad management that have driven these companies into the ditch due to taking on mass amounts of debt and other is sort of piss poor business decisions at the same time it'll also serves as a stupid excuse handed to stupid people by asshole politicians who will not take any responsibility for the mess that the nation as a whole is in! Here's some numbers for you. Online retail only makes up 8 to 10% of all retail sales at any given time meaning 90 plus percent is actually still happening in the brick and mortar and fire but the reason for the downturn there again is simply you know even though Bob Bill George might go down to the store a couple of times a week they're buying less and less every time they go there of course some of this does coincide with recent price there again most of which are fictional and don't actually need to happen. In other words it's very easy to argue or you could say the cheap shot towards the industry as a whole is simply that these retailers are pricing themselves out of existence yes they are however they're doing so due to their credit obligations they have no choice they have to soak One customer as if two customers are buying that item. The problem with that strategy is simply it only works until it doesn't look at Sears by the way pennies isn't far behind neither is Macy's or Kohl's. The problem is simply what most of the public never gets to see is huge fucking bloat that's involved in retail and that's the public hears terms like wholesale they hear terms like shipping they hear terms like supplier but they don't see the bigger picture that makes up the entire business or do they get to see the bloat. The only time the public really gets to see any of the bloat is with three cell stores or known as closeout stores like Big lots or Ollie's parking outlet or nowadays the pallet stores are a big deal. To open up a pallet store basically what you need is a building and you need to be able to take a semi truck you don't need a dock you just need a way to unload a semi truck of basically 26 pallets of random shit and you know what this 26 pallets of random shit cost you? Roundabouts 13 to 1600 dollars depending upon the load and here's the deal you don't really know what's in that limit but there's usually good shit. That's the back end of the business the public does not realize when they walk into the pallet store or even the closeout store that they're seeing the bloat of retail they're seeing the fact that the bigger retailers can't sell this shit all by the way you not only get Walmart and Target pallets you get Amazon stuff now that's been happening for years most of you people don't know this shit I know it because I work in the industry I see it everyday! So my advice to anyone is if your town does not have get yourself a building get yourself a couple of pallet jacks you can buy the Muse get yourself a forklift some type used right those are your expensive arrangements your building that's going to be another expense up front so basically let's just say for 8 Grand you can start one of these fucking stores and within a month you're going to see profits. You can literally clean up on this it's a very simple business now I expect someday you're probably not going to be able to someday the retailers May figure out a way to deal with this stuff themselves they may decide to go through the expense of creating a spin-off store. But to be honest joints like Walmart Target etc they've got enough problems on your hand it's been off to sell the items that they can't sell or to deal with the excess of inventory honestly it would be more of a nightmare for them to deal with it's just much easier to sell off each pallet and the hell with it!

[@Infindox]

I think what we have lost with malls going away and local businesses also struggling is just the sense of going to the store and buying what you see without knowing what you wanted to get. Being suprised at a deal or even just window shopping, thinking about saving up to get what you want another time or in the future.

[@cuddlesthetiger-mallsnmore]

Was having a bad night, but seeing a Dan Bell video just release was like medicine for me. This mall is on my bucket list for sure. And speaking of buckets, that area in front of the kids play center looked like something from ADR

[@chocoboasylum]

I've never been to any of these malls, not being from the US myself, but it always feels sad and nostalgic to see these places

[@evanbender744]

I was born and raised about 10 minutes from this mall, so many childhood memories from the early 2000's! Hung out there many of Friday nights! Sad to see it in this shape. Thanks for sharing!

[@danjohnson4082]

Videos like these may seem weird to Gen Z, but if you grew up in the 80s and 90s (the 80s in particular), you would understand just how special these places were.

[@willkettle3959]

there's exceptions to that, i live not even a half hour drive from the largest mall in the US and I spent my childhood in many malls that were thriving (or at least somewhat busy)

[@IVR02]

Nah, I'm Gen Z and it feels weird to me. I grew up going to malls in the 2000s, and even now still meet friends to do some window shopping on a Friday. Of course, I'm also from New Jersey, where mall culture never really died in the first place.

[@realquestforgreatness]

I'm 21 and even as a kid I remember in a smallish town close by that mall had tons of stores and people in it

[@XxsoapywolfxX]

Born and raised in Chambersburg, my Great Grandmother and I would go up there every so often. Then I didn't really go up there that often. The last time I went was my first date w/ Kelly (10+ years and going strong) In the front of the mall (main entrance), the Bonanza was an All you can eat Buffett. It had 1 major remodel. The original lay out had the lines going around the inner wall of the restaurant towards the kitchen entrance to the register, the remodel then got rid of that to make room for more patrons. Across from Bonanza was Carmike cinemas which turned into the AMC. (Watched the SpongeBob Movie and Olympus has Fallen there (me and Kelly's first ever dates)). At the main stage, the mall would usually have Santa Clause set up in the middle. Back left of the main stage was Electronics Boutique, which then at around 2006 (I think) turned into a GameStop. On the front left was Kay Jewelers (hi Kelly 🧡) Continuing to the left side of the stage, there was a Sears (which was a favorite to frequent for me cause back in the 90s they had a Dreamcast w/ a demo of Sonic Adventure playable). The Sears also had an entrance and a garage for automotive repairs. Then there was a children's play area, Payless Shoes, JC Pennies, another entrance (back left) and the Bon-Ton. To the right of the main stage, going down that way, there was a shop that closed down roughly 2012/ 2013 that was a dollar outlet. Lots of cheap knick knacks. Continuing down, you would have a HUGE comic book shop that had A LOT of novelties from the comic book industry. Across the comic book shop was Aladdin's Arcade, which had a lot of games, sometimes frequently shut off due to damage. Next door from Aladdin's Arcade was Auntie Anne's pretzels. They were the tits. Then at the far end was Value City, which closed it's doors and became a Burlington Coat Factory. And 2 entrances on either side. Lots of memories loaded up in that place. It's a shame it didn't survive Corona.

[@KellyProto22]

He forgot to mention that Olympus has Fallen was our first date. 10+ years later we're still going strong. This Mall was one of the first true adult-life experiences I ever had, my first and still strong love was founded here, many memories I carry will always be in my mind from this place, shame to see it so archaic.

[@XxsoapywolfxX]

​@@KellyProto22 no I didnt 👀💦 /S if it wasn't apparent.

[@richt4472]

I work in CCTV in the UK and have worked in a few shopping mall control rooms from time to time. So many malls built in the 80s are crumbling away, leaks all over the place. Many of them poorly bulit and not helped by lack of investment for maintenance. I have often walked through malls at night when they are closed, all the lights off whistling the Gonk theme from Dawn of the Dead😊

[@dylanbarnhart4379]

FINALLY! Been waiting for him to cover this mall.

[@webvideofan]

I agree. This was my childhood mall in the 80’s and 90’s. Very happy to see Dan’s coverage. No one beats him.

[@EmeraldCityVideo]

This mall reminds me a lot of the one in Vestal, NY. A ton of similar design elements. Made me feel like I'd been there even though I'm positive I haven't.

[@halfandhalfling]

Each Dead Mall video is like a little jewel, I treasure each one. Thanks for making them Dan.

[@appalachianwoman561]

Never been to the Chambersburg Mall but you're correct Dan, Bonanza was a restaurant it was a steak house type of place and they did some items buffet at times. They used to be all over, I remember slices of cakes up front where you would order and get your drinks wrapped in cling film. When your steak or food would come out it would be on those plates that had metal so your steak or chicken would be sizzling on your plate. I'm surprised they went out of business because in my childhood in the 1980s every Bonanza around me would be packed especially on Friday night, Saturdays and Sundays.

[@petegregory517]

This Bonanza was packed every Friday, Saturday night for most of the years. I don't do lines much over 4 people so my (now ex) wife got perturbed cause we walked around till it was 'time'. I spent many an hour and many a $ in that mall and walked many a mile. We love to walk ([now] wife is retired letter carrier) and on those cold, dreary, wet miserable weeks of crappy PA weather this was our walk area as we lived about 3 miles s east. I left area 12 years ago (FL) so when we were there about 10? stores plus the Brothers Pizza was still open, we supported them for years. Think it closed approximately '15?. It had one of the best JC Penney stores I ever shopped in and the Sears was more than adequate. I still have a side stand, magazine rack combo I bought at Gee Bees for $10 'bout 30? years ago. Still looks new. Can't bring myself to part with it. That mall was built in Scotland and not Chambersburg because of a money thing regarding upgrading sewer, water or some such. People knew it was bad decision but......peons know nothing, college boys most likely decided. Never be any sort of comeback now because of the building up just south of there on what was the Gabler Farm right off 81. Once that was announced everyone knew lights out for the mall.

[@dchawk81]

They're not out of business, they just moved to rt30 where they get traffic.

[@LarryTezekjian]

I find it fascinating how clean that mall is! Very eerie, feeling, and it’s a shame what’s happening to all the malls throughout America. All because of Walmart and Amazon pretty much. And it sucks. 💔🥺😢

[@WhittyPics]

A NEW Dan Bell dead mall video. The legend that started all the dead mall videos.

[@WhittyPics]

That is an interesting idea. Instead of buckets under the leaks, just plant more trees

[@JennasMusic76]

Love this Dan, very sad to see another mall going down. It hits home to those of us 70's, 80's and 90's kids as it was our childhood. Much love to you thanks for another great video.

[@BillThompson-b8v]

It so sad to see a mall that once people was shopping at an have fun an working at is now empty an look so sad 😢😢😢😢

[@kristinepfs]

I agree. Especially being one of the people who used to shop and have fun at this mall.

[@techking231]

Still the best shots in the game

[@FigburyWitchASMR]

Time to go to the MALLLLLL! Amazing video as always, Dan.

[@audreylonsinger2678]

Hello Dan! You are right. Never could we have imagined in 1998 this would be the future😢

[@rogertoaster9385]

As someone who derides consumerism on an intellectual level this makes me feel uneasy on an emotional level. It's a weird combination of a childhood lost, an abstract nightmare, and a realization that all of our important toils will some day be only like this dead mall. The feelings and moods this stirs up is why I cherish your dead mall videos.

[@TvshkaHumma]

Take it from me, no matter what you do, or how hard you work nor what you ultimately achieve, it is all for not and will result in decay. Have a nice day!.

[@Artist11_NC]

You so very eloquently put into words exactly how I feel when seeing videos like this👍

[@laurastrobel718]

Love ya Dan. Thanks for another one 💖

[@tylerh.1615]

I grew up near Chambersburg so seeing the mall's gradual decline from a regular, decently populated shopping center into this ghost town has been depressing, to say the least

[@freudianslip6330]

I cannot get enough of these videos!! I just binged watched so many of them. Thanks for doing this!!

[@douglasallen9428]

Glad to see the OG back doing what he does best!

[@webvideofan]

Simply the best, better than all the rest. 😁👍🏻

[@Oni1left]

Dan, your videos seriously are so wonderful. They always bring a smile to my face. I really appreciate your long hours of hard work, and travel to put these out. Thank you. :)

[@massecurr]

it is surreal seeing this mall on here, I went here as a kid, Im about 90% sure that store to the left of the stage at 7:17 with the black corner shaped sign area used to be a Gamestop, I remember seeing one of the worst PS2 games in there as well as a used copy of one of the rarest, yeah Bonanza was a western themed restaurant, saw The DeVinci Code in that theater too

[@Wiz_Outlaw]

Love you man, so glad this video showed up in my feed, always a treat.

[@JeremysRetailExploration]

Thanks Dan for going here. I laughed so hard at the intro! I've been going here for years and been watching the slow death of the mall.

[@tcbgarage2845]

I cant believe that's still open! Great video Dan.

[@LangstonDev]

The editing on the intro on this one was particularly unhinged and I'm here for it 😂

[@bennysh]

intro/ending editing is a work of art!

[@ChamanConTenis]

9:56 this right here is when the last bit of Dan's sanity leaves his body

[@Jonathan-yh7cr]

"Look at this old information desk; there is no more information needed, it's closed baby!" 🤣🤣🤣

[@Beansquishy]

Missed you dan, good to see you're still fucking around in malls

[@Gregatron90]

9:16 The highlight of the mall. The Phantom Menace Pepsi machine. That machine has been at the mall a very long time. I have a lot of great memories at this mall. I'm glad you finally did a video on it!

[@Rhewin]

Genuinely the craziest thing is the dead Bath and Bodyworks. I've never seen a mall outlive one.

[@AKayfabe]

Dan great video I love Dead Mall series that’s why I started watching your channel and then I just watched everything. I hope you are feeling much better lately and that you are taking care of yourself. The feeling of apocalypse is real here. Thank you

[@billya4491]

Live long and prosper Dan Bell, I love your content.

[@jameswells9403]

I could not help but hear Brian Eno's 1/1 from Ambient 1- Music for Airports while watching this video.