DYING MALL WITH A BRIGHT FUTURE | Centre at Salisbury, MD | ExLog 125

[@sal]

The day I filmed this in 2024 was one of the worst days of my life. But Marna, the Centre at Salisbury and all of you helped to get me past it. Love you all. If you dug the video, please consider subscribing and joining my discord to hang: discord.gg/dmod

[@crouchb15]

same here, was stuck at the dealer after a rock took out my left front tire

[@RobertMillerJustme]

Hope you have a better day today !!!

[@TitaniumRhythm]

Hope you are doing better. 🙏🏼

[@sal]

@TitaniumRhythm much, thank you :)

[@arnoroorda3201]

Well no wonder! Your filming at a place wich literaly almost spells Sal is buried 😳 Rest in peace Sal......⚰️

[@KinleysClassics]

Wow, this is wild. Never thought I'd end up seeing my own mall on your channel. That's hilarious. Always thought it was a great fit for a video of yours.

[@umbrelladown2805]

You want stories, I got em. I grew up here and worked in the Macys in this Mall before they left. My mom worked at the Sears before they left. My first job ever was at the Coffee Beanery. The last time I visited was to go to the Centre Library Branch to renew my passport. I still visit for Zumiez sometimes. Got my ears pierced at the peircing pagoda kiosk. I remember the day I discovered the employee-only service tunnels that ran behind the stores and snuck down them as teenager. My memories live in those walls, man. I'm a fan of urbex/dead mall youtube. Big fan of Dan Bell etc. I never thought I'd see one of these videos about our mall. Kudos for throwing some light (and good editing) on it. You made me feel a little bit less forgotten for living here.

[@sharkieshablm2640]

White privilege must be nice

[@roglacken]

I loved the small of the coffee beanery. I could sit there for hours just sipping coffee and eating biscotti.

[@Trashket]

I live here, and I have to say it’s depressing coming to this mall as an adult. To me, it is quite dead whereas, when I was a kid, most of those closed down stores held something. Now it’s sad coming to this mall. The halls feel empty, even after seeing a couple people in there. You’re lucky to see a new store last 3 months in there, unfortunately. There are good people around here with great ideas who could run a good business, but it’s too expensive to run a business in the mall, unless it’s a big corporation. (That graphic tee shirt store next to Dick’s is no longer there) it could not have been there for more than a year, but if it was I’m okay with taking the correction lol. It’s nice to see someone cover this place and its history. Thank you! Edit; you definitely got to see it at a good day, I know the mall can have really busy days, but most times when I’m there, there’s barely any people there :/

[@Radagast49230]

That graphic tee place you're talking about was just the last in a long line of graphics shops in that spot. The first one lasted from like 2012 or so all the way up to about 2019, but after that one closed it got some new graphics or printing business in the storefront about once a year.

[@Kali_Krause]

Yo! I live in Salisbury, MD too! Our economy left us 20 to 30 years ago when Dresser Wayne left about 1990's. My mom and I go to the Centre of Salisbury. Our city council is under investigation for corruption and embezzlement :)

[@SoZettaSlow]

My dad was an engineer at Dresser Wayne!

[@NoOne-bp2jw]

That move of Dresser Wayne in 2000 didn't do them any good either.

[@sevenember3332]

Poor city planning really has a part to play in why things are so messed up in Salisbury. They pushed a bunch of development to the north which had catastrophic impacts to businesses everywhere else. Add in the almost outright hostility towards local non-chain businesses and you have a recipe for financial disaster. On top of that, the businesses that can afford to pay something closer to a living wage outright refuse to, making it difficult for non-professional workers to spend as freely

[@captainsinclair7954]

It feels weird looking at someone roll up to my local mall and for me to recognize everything. I grew up with this mall and, as of this video, I’m still working at the Red Lobster nearby to it

[@sal]

An open red lobster these days is becoming a rare sight! Hold onto it tightly.

[@acog4all]

As a resident of this lovely city, it's sad to see how much has changed since I was a kid. The mall always seemed like it deserved to be more popular but rising rent prices and online shopping has slowly bled retailers. The movie theater, Dick's, Boscov's, and the food court are the only things that is feel remind me of the old days. I may be in my 20's but I still have nostalgia for this place. Thank you for sharing it to the internet.

[@forrestdevine2336]

Fun Fact: the upstairs of the Boscovs is haunted. One of the electricians died while wiring the upstairs hallway. That's why that top hallway is always dim and gloomy.

[@sal]

WHAT

[@dewdew34]

Such a weird place, was always empty...

[@captainsinclair7954]

Oh no wonder it looked like a haunted mansion on that second floor. It was like a whole nother world up there

[@killersnake0024]

@@sal they closed the upstairs a YEAR OR 2 AGO because of this!

[@davidw6684]

I am not sure about the electrician story but I have been up there many times. It used to be in use. The service center that used to do gift wrapping and handled returns was up there. So was the discounted/discontinued/seasonal section. Those are now moved downstairs near an exit on the northeast side I believe. There was nothing nefarious up there. It was not dim and gloomy.

[@DeanTheAdequate]

I live in Cambridge MD and the thing that keeps that mall open is the fact its literally the only game in town 50 miles in any direction. Doesnt matter which Saturday I go, its actually pretty packed for the variety of stores that are left. Of course the whole strip of that road has pretty much everything you don't have in places like Easton and Cambridge, so unless you qant to fight across the Bay Bridge you go to Salisbury. I tend to go at least once a month for my wife to shop at the mall, my son to get manga at the Barnes and Nobel, and sometimes to stop at the Salisbury brance of Portals to see what thier Salisbury location might have that my "home" Friday Night Magic place in Easton doesn't. Dying? Probably not, but i hope there can be a revitalization. (Not sure why the fountain was off when you were there. It was on when i last went in July)

[@sal]

So that’s precisely it. While the last few times I’ve been in there have shown me empty concourses and a barren clientele in the foodcourt compared to years past, the new owner has a plan, and I believe in him, the locals and this mall wholeheartedly.

[@ohmylantajawnt]

Fellow Groove City citizen, Centre is my childhood mall. Now it's the Annapolis mall, not too much longer on the trip, much better options.

[@DeanTheAdequate]

@@ohmylantajawnt maybe, but then I have to go across the bridge and... yeah. Gotten too accustomed to the easier driving over my years here, lol. But still ita worth a stop when I'm across visiting relatives

[@ohmylantajawnt]

@@DeanTheAdequate definitely not as simple as driving up 50 to Salisbury, you're right.

[@boltstrike2787]

Was going to mention Dover Mall but Google Maps says that's 57 miles away so technically still correct. But you definitely don't need to cross the Bay Bridge to find an alternative. That being said, Dover Mall feels about the same as, maybe worse than, Salisbury so IDK that it's particularly worth it. Usually for us though, when we want to go somewhere nicer than Salisbury, we go up to Christiana. That's actually more worth the drive.

[@Kaiha]

Preword: Long comment, just sharing my experience growing up here and some more details about the mall. Thank you for sharing your experience and for preserving the memories this place holds. I'm a local to the Salisbury area, living just north across the state line in Delmar, DE/MD my entire life, its no exaggeration to say I grew up at the mall- everything happened there- ive watched this place bloom and wilt. "The Mall" (The Centre at Salisbury) was THE spot for anything happening, doesn't matter if it was a public or private event- a treasure hunt throughout the mall with stores participating or a birthday party in the food court- it happened there. The mall now is a brittle shell of its former self as y'all saw in the video, yes there was a sharp decline within the span of 5 years (2019-2024) thanks to the pandemic, but it started many years prior, though not noticeable at first. I remember walking through The Center with my parents when i was a small toddler, early 2000s; kiosk after kiosk lined the center of the hallways, each selling something new, not a single storefront boarded up. Decorations everywhere no matter the time of year... with extra effort put in around Christmas. It didn't matter what the occasion was, if there was even one, you could go to the mall and get it done- except grocery shopping. Every weekend (and even during the week but in the evening) the parking lot would be brimming with cars; families eating at the food court, people walking in and out of the big department stores, people lined up at the Regal Cinemas outdoor ticket counter waiting for their turn to buy tickets- the 4+ employees unable to get the tickets printed fast enough as more and more people got in line outside. Dozens of people would be hanging out in that open courtyard area outside the theater, skateboarding, frisbee, chalk drawings, picnics in the grass, performing music, or simply sitting on the bench enjoying the weather or the sunset as you have a pretty good view facing west, albeit looking out over a highway. However, around 2012 the foot traffic @ the mall started to dip, continuing and worsening as 2020 approached. Less events were being held there, the restaurants in the food court constantly changing out, kiosks only lining the center of the halls during the holiday season, rather than (for the most part) all year long- all worsening as the years went on. Less people simply spending time at the mall during the day. Still plenty busy on weekends, and especially so during holidays- as there were still plenty stores to shop at. Talks of a Cracker Barrel going in the mall went around town again in 2014/15 , we all got really excited for that as we'd been waiting for one for a long time... then word got out that Macy's and JCPenny were the ones pretty much preventing the CB from going into the mall all those years we waited... it didn't take long for the town oh so desperate for a Cracker Barrel for decades to decide which was more important, the community voting with their wallet. With the prevalence of online shopping, and the community really wanting a Cracker Barrel; JCPenney closed in 2014 + 32 other locations nationwide. Macy's saw less and less traffic into their store as the years went on, finally closing their doors (and 124+ other locations) in 2020. Sears would also close down as foot traffic into the mall slowed down approaching 2020, shutting their doors in spring 2019 with 79 other locations, though i don't think sears experienced a drop in sales the same way JCP and Macy's did- Sears was popular and is still sorely missed. In the years leading up to 2020, after JCPenney closed, many stores (and restaurants) inside the mall would come and go- contributing to the decline of traffic into the mall as more storefronts were boarded up. These closures, two of which happened within a year(ish) of each other did a major hit on the amount of foot traffic the mall saw- and then the pandemic closures. By 2019, even on weekends, the parking lot was barren... most of it empty. What spots were filled were all outside the food court- now a dim glow from its bright past with many restaurants boarded up-, the Regal Cinema, Dick's, Boscovs, and Sears before their doors shut. While still alive and bustling, it was apparent the mall was struggling compared to its former glory. The only resturants which survived all of this was Chic Fil A, Sizzling Wok, and Shoyu Japan... all in the exact same spots they were 20+ years ago. Now, Boscovs is the only remaining original retailer from the malls construction, id argue its a major part of whats keeping the mall alive... that, and the theater. For good reason too, Boscovs is great and who doesnt love a good movie (and $6 candy) What used to be a bright and bustling mall which the city of Salisbury adored, packed full during the holiday season and on weekends, now, is depressing to look at even on holidays. I remember going to see Santa at the mall numerous times there, the mall having decorations up everywhere and Christmas music echoing through the halls. Now, I'm not even sure they do it anymore... and the last time I was in there for Christmas shopping... there wasnt a single decoration in sight nor any Christmas jingles. I really hope our mall doesn't meet the end that so many others do. The Centre is a major piece of Salisbury's history and flourish, to watch it bleed out like this is tough- especially with the population exploding in recent years... its time for the mall to bloom once again. All this, and we STILL don't have a Cracker Barrel.

[@crusmonster1397]

They did have Santa this past year. The area they have him in isn’t as large as it used to be, & for the last few years has been in the seating area in front of Dick’s Sporting Goods’ inside door. I miss seeing the huge ornaments & lights in the “hallways” during that time of the year. If I recall correctly, they only really decorate the food court & it’s usually only with a few lights & banners/flags.

[@bajnaj73]

I live 5 minutes from here and it's dead. But it's not just the mall that is dying, It's almost the whole area that is dying. The economic situation is dire and crime is rampant. The pay around here is super low so I don't imagine a lot of people make much to spend. The biggest problem with the mall itself was the retailers themselves all seemed to be selling the same stuff. I miss the old mall truthfully.

[@rangerman9241]

Well the shootings don't help.

[@johnnada]

Yes America has been will continue to change for the worse unless we fight for it. Vote red, have kids, and fight tyranny

[@kawaiidere1023]

⁠@@johnnadaRed won’t help. Red wants to lower wages and taking away our rights. Red wants to continue doing unsustainable things that brought us here and make things even worse through regression. Blue isn’t necessarily great, but Red is not the answer to our troubles.

[@FormulaZyn]

Too many brown people

[@SusanRaickle]

You're absolutely right. I live on the opposite side of town. Salisbury is looking pretty rough these days

[@ForestTekkenVideos]

To me, if a mall still has a theatre open, it is alive and well! Big fan of the channel!

[@ConnorBailey]

This video was surreal. I live 15 minutes from this mall and worked in this mall for roughly 5 years. I worked at that Regal and at the Hot Topic and have been going to this mall literally my entire life, and still go pretty much every day for one reason or another. The mall used to be amazing and packed right before the Covid lockdown (as you noted) but with so many developer changes and the lockdown, people just haven't been showing up. However, it is the only mall in a really far distance so it's the only one around. There are a lot of changes that need to be made, namely the air conditioning needs to be updated and the previous owners refused to do it and then tried to gaslight everyone about it. And from what I had heard, the rent prices for tenants was way higher than it had any right to be. But beyond that, I love the mall and have so many great memories there. I want it to be here for a long time and to eventually take my kids there when I have them. I have so much hope that it'll turn around and I know others that work in the mall still do as well. Also to explain the ice, when the ice machines need to be cleaned out the employees have to take all of the current ice that had been made and literally dump it outside so it can melt. This was done roughly once a week and usually on Mondays or Tuesdays. So that's why there was so much ice lol

[@taylorlukens8486]

I live about 40 minutes south from here, and for most of my area, Salisbury is “The Big City” as there’s not really much else. If you’re ever down this way again check out Greenbackville VA, (or really any of the small villages) as it’s practically a ghost town with dozens of abandoned buildings. Quick edit here, just wanted to say that literally nothing changes down here. At my local shopping center, I kid you not, there is still an active video rental store with VHS tapes, DVDs, and even a small selection of Sega Genesis games you could rent. Also to answer your question, yes, I have driven past this mall a number of times and always thought it was abandoned until I saw your video.

[@thegromlin6736]

I live 30 minutes from here and was born in Salisbury. Fun fact; the theatre wasn’t always there, it used to be in the mall across from the old arcade (no longer there either sadly) until the early-mid 2000’s. I remember Shark Tale was one of the last movies that played and I saw at the old theatre before the regal cinema was built. After it was built, the Chronicles of Narnia was one of the first movies that played and I watched. They had quite a few technical issues back then lol but they definitely worked out the kinks since for the theatre. The mall has changed so much though. It used to have a Disney store at one point a long time ago too. Used to be more of a hangout spot as well. I really hope it recovers as I have fond memories here and it’s the closest mall and the only one I really go to.

[@crusmonster1397]

I think about that Disney store each time I pass by its old spot (I think it became a kid’s clothing store but now it’s vacant).

[@cindymorris5459]

Loved this video. I grew up in Salisbury and my grandfather owned the Buster Brown shoe store in the old mall, so I adored that mall. The Centre was struggling before COVID, but has been nearly decimated since then. Operating hours were cut and never returned to pre-COVID levels. Rents continued to rise and stores are shuttering. I live 5 minutes from this mall and I have two teenagers. We rarely shop at this mall. We will take the 90 minute drive to the Christiana or Annapolis malls if we want a "real" mall shopping day.

[@curtisjackson4090]

Yeah... that upstairs auditorium at Boscovs is gone now. I think it was just before after the pandemic that they closed it and moved it down stairs

[@Radagast49230]

This is the closest mall to me. As of right now it's down to Boscov's, Burlington, and Dick's Sporting Goods for anchors. The interior storefronts are a third vacant with 4 more closing soon signs up. The place was active and packed up until about 2018 or so. In 2014 the place took two 26 foot box trucks to handle package delivery daily. Now a single P1000 handles that mall plus all the apartment complexes around it.

[@kobaeyashi]

Only adding to this as my father & I have been delivery contractors to this mall for years, I’ve seen deliveries here go from full 26 foot trucks to maybe a pallet or two every day

[@sal]

Sad

[@Radagast49230]

@@sal Also locals call the sword store the "mall ninja store"

[@sal]

@Radagast49230 perfect lol

[@sjgrall]

Oh you threw in that vintage MPT bit, I love it. I went here a number of times 2014-2018. Only time I ever saw any semblance of “busy” was Christmastime.

[@goORIOLES236]

When I was in college, this mall was already in rough shape, but COVID really hit it hard. It’s been steadily making a comeback ever since I moved back, a couple years ago, but the Regal was doing a LOT of heavy lifting beforehand. The fact that it’s one of only a few malls in Maryland to still have an FYE is nothing short of astounding. You wanna see a REAL dead mall? Go to Marley Station. That place has been dying since 2012.

[@dewdew34]

I grew up near Marley, last time i was there was around 2016 but only to Sears, sad. The best mall i went to was Owings Mills and i read it went under in 2016. My girlfriend loved that place but it was expensive lol.

[@goORIOLES236]

@@dewdew34 I’d say the best malls are Columbia and Annapolis, but I do have a soft spot for Arundel Mills (even if it is more lame and generic than it used to be).

[@jasminejustice8129]

I live right behind that mall now, and I still go pretty often but I miss when I was a kid and it was busy all the time. I would meet up with my friends and we’d just wander around everywhere. I kind of wish malls had a comeback. I remember my mom mom bringing me to Macy’s, Sears, and Boscovs every year for school clothes and supplies. I even remember my aunt bringing me to the mall to shop for my birthday and me getting violently ill in Hollister, and I was crushed bc we had to leave before we made it to Limited Too, my fave store. Damn, I even remember when my dad was working for the company that demolished the old Salisbury mall near the civic center. He used to bring home cool little bits and pieces of the rubble.

[@sal]

I love these memories! Thanks so much for sharing :)

[@allisonmg81]

Great video! I went to SU and lived in the Salisbury area from 1999-2008. During college I briefly worked at the Peebles in the old Salisbury Mall, where my mom was also an assistant manager. This was in about 2001, shortly before that store closed and a couple years before the mall was shuttered altogether. At that time there was one corridor open with Peebles on one end, the grocery store on the other, and the karate school and a few other stores in between. The rest of the mall was this huge dark decaying structure. Late one night someone did a smash and grab in the Peebles and my mom got the call, so we went out there. We couldn’t get anyone to come out and secure the store until morning so we ended up staying there all night. It was creepy as hell. Salisbury Mall was my first experience with a dead mall, though, and I’m still fascinated by them to this day. As for the Centre, it used to be a happening place back in the aughts. Still not the deadest mall I’ve ever seen, but still seems like it’s fallen pretty far since I left the area. Hope the new owners can turn it around. Also, let’s go O’s! 😁

[@sal]

Thanks so much for watching! Go O’s!!

[@lijahwayne6332]

Amazing video. I've lived here all my life. The mall use to be packed shoulder to shoulder when I was a child. Attendance seemed a bit lower when I was a teenager, but nothing to scoff at. Now its just eerie how empty and quiet it is in there now. I really hope it has a resurgence. I have many fond memories inside that mall.

[@sal]

Thanks so much for watching and sharing!

[@skylarmcdeezy4059]

I live in delmar, not even 5 minutes from the centre at Salisbury. That place is the only public meeting space for literally anyone in Delmar and parts of Salisbury, I go there every month or so with friends and it’s rlly the only place you can go, walk around and shop for clothes mostly and hang out with friends, the regal theatre the food court auntie Anne’s and the few stores such as hot topic, Spencer’s, fye and zumies are single handedly keeping that place alive. On the weekends around 2 or 3 that place is alive and thriving. It’s the only thing we got around here besides Wawa or royal farms 😭

[@sal]

To be fair, it was around that time, but on a Monday. While I do think the mall is dying, I also think it’s in good hands and has a robust enough community to make a comeback.

[@dewdew34]

Delmar too ... yep Shoyu for teriyaki is mainly the reason i go a couple times a week. Feel for you younger folks. At Christmas it's busy, the seasonal kiosks do ok.

[@mattm340]

My first job was at the Sears in this mall, in the hardware department. I worked there 2016-2018 and it closed in 2019? I spent a ridiculous amount of money at that Chic-fil-a, simpler times lol!

[@BigKahuna0275]

I love the celling accents in the main thoroughfare. So bright and warm. Wish we could've seen the water features in their original intended presentation.

[@sevenember3332]

They were everywhere in the mall and the bridges were made of the clear plastic blocks so you could see the water running underneath. There was a variety of water features, from waterfall fountains to geysers and all of them had plenty of live plants around. Unfortunately, I don’t blame the owners who decided to remove them as it would have been pretty easy for a small child to find their way into the water features. I certainly considered how to do it as a ten year old. The trade off was that the mall felt more open with their removal and opened up space for more rest seating, shopping kiosks and a play area for small children. All of which cost far less in maintenance fees

[@SnaabbeamSneebers]

Spent a lot of time here as a teen around 2005 to 2010. This place was still lively at that point.

[@kristencrowhurst4356]

This is the mall I grew up with!! Crazy thing is that this mall replaced another dead mall in the town because someone was murdered there in the late 80s I believe?

[@sal]

Omg that’s terrifying!

[@kristencrowhurst4356]

My bad- the incident at the old mall was in 1991 when a young woman named Heather Miller was stabbed to death. I remember my mom telling me that was the real end of the old mall when that happened. 😢

[@sal]

@kristencrowhurst4356 holy shit

[@rabidslimes]

theres still a empty parking lot near the area where the old mall was demolished, just... sitting there. rotting

[@Talking_He4d]

Yep my mom told me the same thing

[@EvenningASMR]

So, I literally own the nail salon right across from H&M. I spent the past year building my business from the ground up, have gained a loyal clientele and staffed it with skilled employees. Just saying, it kinda hurts to be called a sub par local tenant😔

[@sal]

I didn’t call you a subpar local tenant. You provide services, not goods. You’re in a class far above the “sword shop” type stores.

[@bloop003]

I live just a few minutes away from this mall and I love it to bits! It’s not declining at all tbh. Sure some stores have closed down but she’s running strong!

[@sal]

I really hope the mall thrives with new management!

[@bloop003]

My grandfather helped work on this mall (god bless his soul) and I remember when BOTH Macys and JCPenney was still open. Sadly they have gotten rid of the neon lights and the 2000’s esque theme at the regal cinema last time I went :( But remember you are always welcome here at Salisbury sir!

[@sal]

@bloop003 I’ll be there next month playing in the violin section at Salisbury Symphony!

[@meowskerkoopa]

I've spent most of my life in salisbury, i worked at the homegoods attached to the mall for 4 years and i worked at the hot topic for a year. Its crazy to see a video about a place i have 20 years of memories about! This was super well made.

[@SuperBuickregal]

Thanks and Keep em Rolling!

[@sal]

Thank you so much!! I just finished a huge filming expedition throughout the entire state of New York with so many incredible malls. You rock!!

[@Drawkcabi]

25:52 The moment you opened the door I actually _smelled_ popcorn. Haven't been to a movie theater since 2019 (Avengers: Endgame) But this is where I went. This is also where I went to the movies for the last time ever with my mom (Superman Returns) and my dad (Captain America: Civil War).

[@sal]

I hope those were some of the best memories you’ve ever made with your parents.

[@Drawkcabi]

@@sal For me, movie memories with people I love always are. 🙂

[@clydeosterhout1221]

We moved to Pocomoke City, south of Salisbury, in 1991. The old mall in Salisbury was still doing ok at that point, and we actually preferred shopping there. Then a teen ager was knifed to death near the bathroom. It seemed like the mall died over night. The last I heard it was supposed to become a community college campus, but that obviously never happened. The Centre was still brand new. It was always crowded and lively. I can remember stopping there to get Pizza Pizza for the kids (when we didn’t head up and get it at the k-mart in Rehoboth Beach. We haven’t stopped there for years, as we live in PA, but we often drive by on our way to Ocean Mall, and we couldn’t help but notice that the parking lot was becoming less and less crowded. We still have ties to Columbia MD, and the mall there seems to be (almost) as busy as ever. It’s hard to understand why a malls make it while most die. Perhaps it has gotten to the point where most people simply can’t afford to shop, catch a movie, or eat out with friends.

[@starfrog1696]

Woah that's crazy! I go here all the time!

[@RaVeN_Marie316]

This is my local mall. It’s always dead unless it’s the holidays. It really doesn’t have to do with the economy at all. It has to do with online shopping. It’s taking over.

[@savannahastings6807]

I grew up around this area and came here pretty regularly as a kid. A lot has definitely changed but it doesn’t seem dead anymore, just a little sleepy.

[@sal]

I hope so! Really hoping that this mall pulls through…I’ll be back next month to check up on it!

[@Elle281-fm1yi]

@@savannahastings6807 nope. It's dead.

[@maxplanck1423]

One of your best excursions, Sal. I appreciated the rich neon of the early Boskov’s which without your capture, would be difficult to describe to one who’d never seen it like me, who’s at the other end of the continent. Also appreciated the banter between you and your fellow virtuosos that provided a sense of what you all do when offstage or not in rehearsals. Thank you.

[@sal]

Thank you so much for the kind words! That’s precisely what I had intended for this episode…a brief vignette into my life between rehearsals and concerts!

[@Segasedge]

Used to come here on my lunch breaks when I went to Wor-Wic in 2012, came back a few months ago and was shocked to see how dead its become. Before the advent of Amazon this mall was the best place to buy stuff in a 30 mile radius.

[@sabres6481]

That Metroid commerical goes hard. Another great video. Your history research is always top notch. The details elevate the content

[@sal]

Thank you so much for watching, and I truly appreciate the kind words!

[@amtrakfan3503]

As someone who has lived in Salisbury for my whole life. I have seen the decline of the mall for last several years.

[@LisaBarnes-y3f]

Another great ex log Sal, I’m glad to hear that you have plenty more planned too😊

[@sal]

Just finished filming a ton of new locations in New York State. Get excited!

[@zotz9184]

I was just there today lmao Born and lived here for over 30 years. My grandmother used to work part time at the Sears before she retired and it eventually closed. I remember the water features and everything. I really miss walking over that bridge sometimes.

[@Fieryredhair08]

In 2019 it was barely hanging on. Post pandemic, I'm surprised it is still here. I used to work in the mall from 2010-2014 and weekends were PACKED.

[@lisafreeman4222]

That movie theater looks awesome

[@soapgaming4903]

I have a lot of good memories there. It’s really sad that the mall is dying.

[@rangerman9241]

It would be great if the gangs didn't meet up in the parking lot.

[@soapgaming4903]

I went to this mall last month, not much has changed. Still all the closed stores, barely any people, and the barren parking lot. This was my main childhood mall, mainly due to its close proximity to Toys R Us, and it used to be pretty active. Now people just go for the anchor stores and not much else.

[@dondavis5633]

Another superb video, Sal! So glad you're back, mio amico!

[@NYSW3636]

If you want to see a cool standalone Boscov’s, Binghamton’s is a full 3 floors in it’s own building and has the old facade on the outside, it has the mirrors all over and the chandelier on the main floor.

[@Wilsondude]

When I was a kid there were water fountains all over this mall, I remember how sad I was when they closed all but one, growing up here and watching jc penny, sears, gamestop, the old toy store, and all those stores close always made me feel a certain way I could never describe. I ended up moving to FL a couple years ago where in a 15 mile radius we had 4 thriving malls with multiple stories, I came back to the eastern shore this year and coming back to this mall really reminded me of how dead/dying it really is. Ruby Tuesday I feel closing is the cherry on top lmao

[@j.darekpatterson8609]

I don't visit there as much as I used to. I'm from Virginia's Eastern shore and it's a good 90 minute drive for me. I was there 2 weeks ago with my sister, my nephews, and my boys and while I can say it's nowhere near as busy as it used to be, it isn't like deptford Mall dead. But I do have friends who live in the area and I can concur in regards to the low pay scale, the crime rate, much of this factors into the overall economy in both the Maryland and Virginia Eastern shores. Much like you, I hope the new owners are able to breathe life into it once again but things have to improve in the area overall for that to happen.

[@almondkissed3794]

Have been going there all my life and a lot has changed

[@ChibiStarTk]

I live in Ocean Pines about 25 minutes from this mall. Only mall close to us. I will say that after the pandemic I have seen a bit of an uptick of people whenever I visit there.

[@sal]

Good!! I’ll be there again next month to make sure it’s all going well :)

[@zeroiscubed7823]

Part of the Centre's hayday that deserves to be highlighted a bit more is just how many temporary stands used to be in the middle of the halls. You can still see remnants of this in the footage, but there could be anything, packed back-to-back all the way through the mall. Holiday specialties, fancy new tech, candy, arts and crafts, anything and everything. Stands cycled in and out so often that, even if you were a regular, it was always worth walking from one end to the other and seeing what you'd find (and often who you'd meet, as the Centre was and still is the only thing nearby serving as a proper social area). Today, the modern detached stores (Men's Warehouse, Homegoods, and the cinema especially come to mind) are doing most of the heavy lifting, and the main building stores that are still kicking tend to be the ones with their own outdoor access, leaving the concourses mostly empty even on big weekends when the parking lot is relatively busy. As others have commented, the entire region is currently struggling, but that location and amazing building still maintain the framework to thrive if a spark happens. It's a place locals want to be, and if the average person had more economic stability and spare time, the Centre is where a lot of us would be going with that time.

[@DrJoesFunStuff]

I miss the Hechts, the Disco styling of Boscovs, and the Monkey Wards. We routinely took our twin toddlers to the playpen in the mall just to burn off their energy. We called it the mosh pit. When they were 5 years old they would circle the food court for a meal of free samples. Now they can drive themselves to the Centre at Salisbury. Salisbury Universiry used to run a daily bus to the mall for students to shop. But that was over a decade or two ago. Losing Sears really hurt. I am hoping it hangs on but even the Regal Cinema appears to be suffering. Howdy to the other locals commenting. 😊

[@dewdew34]

Delmar here, hello:) I go to Shoyu about twice a week, best thing there... maybe buy some shoes once in awhile and at Christmas shop the kiosks. I do miss Sears and Macy's.

[@astriverofstrengthandknowledge]

Lived in WiCo for nearly as long as I was born and followed my parents here throughout the 2000s. Coming back and exploring this mall years later, it definitely feels like it’s hanging by a thread. If it weren’t for the fact that this is the closest mall past the Bay Bridge in the Eastern Shore, it would’ve been gone entirely by now.

[@jwilson2899]

As someone who grew up in Salisbury, this is a great piece, thank you for covering not of only the current state of the "new mall" but the old one as well. I do have a couple small quibbles: 1. Can people please learn to pronounce Salisbury correctly? It's even provided in the Salisbury Communication ad you inserted at the beginning of the video if you listen to it. 2. Also, you said the new mall is off of its own Rt 50 exit, but it's actually off of route 13.

[@Ender-le2jh]

Literally every time he said Salisbury I cringed slightly lol

[@sal]

@Ender-le2jh are you going to be okay? I know it’s tough…

[@dewdew34]

@@sal 🤣🤣

[@MrDan708]

Missed this completely when it premiered. Well done, Salvatore.

[@starfrog1696]

As for the question at the end, no. I wouldn't at all consider it dead. Depending on when you go sometimes it is FULL with events and vendors and people. It's not what it used to be, but its still a very lovely place. Also disappointed you didn't show the sword store, lol.

[@sal]

I’ll go live from the sword store next month lolol

[@diplenski]

There was a skateboard shop in Salisbury I used to go to late ‘90s, I think it was maybe the old mall. I vaguely remember brick floors or brick brown tile, I only went once or twice

[@chrisfoxwell4128]

You might be thinking of The Connection at the old mall.

[@diplenski]

@@chrisfoxwell4128 yep, that's it. thx.

[@godsgiftoflove75]

I actually hopped onto a pedestal in this Boscov’s and posed like a manikin (in my teens). I scared the crap out of this man as he stepped closer to get a better look at me. He was telling his wife/gf, ‘she looks so real’. That’s when I said, ‘hello sir’. His wife laughed so hard she cried. I’m so glad he didn’t swing on me. 😊

[@MrMcFish219]

I live in Salisbury, and I visit this mall a lot with my dad and brother. We always go to the same stores, just to walk around, see what's in stock, and maybe buy a thing or two. I'd say the mall might be making it's recovery, as it has a decent population almost every time we go there. It's not packed, but the parking lots often have their front rows filled. Shoppers roam the halls, people sit and eat at the food court, and kids play in that really creepy play area next to the shoe store. I have a lot of hope for this place, as I visit it all the time. It's definitely slow, but I think it has potential to get back up on it's feet, despite all the issues in the area. (which there are a lot of)

[@JohnJacobJingleheimerSchmi-k2v]

Appreciate you changing the title from Dead Mall to Dying Mall.

[@sarahanderson7398]

This is my local mall it is struggling but everywhere around the area is struggling

[@gerardkarperien1430]

Dude. We have so many malls in Calgary Alberta. Most of them have never really struggled. New horizon and Northland malls have had trouble. But they are currently being resurrected. It's almost as if Calgary has been untouched by world economic deficit. I have been watching since 2018. Your Videos have got me through some rough times. Thanks Sal. Also, I would really love to hear your music. I can tell you have quite the ear. you have hinted at orchestral positioning.

[@glennscotti8891]

Love watching your mall videos. My childhood mall was Burlington Center in Nj with the elephant fountain named petals. Still sad ill never step foot in that mall again.

[@GhoulishAura]

If you haven't yet, please check out Marley Station Mall also in Maryland. The mall in the video & this one are similar vibes for sure.

[@skeeter197140]

I live about 45 minutes away in another state (with no sales tax). I didn't go to this mall very often, but when I did it was ALWAYS packed with people. You couldn't even find a place to sit in the food court. I hadn't been there since before the death of malls, so it's surprising to me that it's like this.

[@strawberrykami]

i love the mall !!!!!!!! i love hottopic!!!!!!!! and its near the movie theater omg

[@godsgiftoflove75]

I grew up in lower Sussex County (Delaware) and I remember when they opened the Center at Salisbury. Prior to this opening we traveled up state to Dover or Christiana to hit up their malls. That meant a 45 to 90 minute trip. Salisbury was only a 25 minute ride for us. I loved shopping at the Center. There was a scary shooting incident there once though.

[@soapgaming4903]

I thought that was Christiana?

[@godsgiftoflove75]

@@soapgaming4903 Christiana Mall is in Newark, DE. The mall in this video is in Salisbury, MD.

[@sal]

Correct. Christiana is a big thriving beast of a mall.

[@soapgaming4903]

@@godsgiftoflove75 I meant the shooting sorry.

[@godsgiftoflove75]

@@soapgaming4903 Oh. The one I’m referring to was in December of 1995 at the Center, but there could have been one in Christiana too.

[@josemuse4119]

I have spent considerable time at both the old Salisbury Mall and the newer Centre at Salisbury... Mall. Salisbury made the same mistake as Dover, DE, just 50 miles north on Route 13. In the early 1980's, a second indoor shopping mall was built in Dover a few miles away from another aging shopping mall. The new mall killed the old mall by poaching anchors and regional chains. There is no way that a town of 25,000 people could support two malls. Just a few years later, Salisbury did the same thing. As a kid, I remember the Salisbury Mall having a classic 70's interior with tans and earth tones. It was close to downtown and just off Business Route 50. The parking lot was huge and there were rows and rows of parking without all the greenery. There had been plans since the mid-70s to build a new shopping center on Route 13 just north of Route 50. However, they could never make it work with the right-of-way and traffic impact on Route 13. There was even a lawsuit based on proposed reconfiguration of the roads by taking land and building flyovers. A magic wand was waved and suddenly all was okay and the Centre at Salisbury built in 1989 I believe. The old Salisbury Mall hung on as stores moved to the new place. But as someone else mentioned, a young female college student was killed in the mall's bathroom a couple years later. Folks started questioning if the old mall was still safe. That was pretty much the end of the Salisbury Mall. Not to be a Negative Nellie but the Centre at Salisbury had a violent start to its history. An argument between two groups in the middle of the mall led to a shooting in 1995. One man died and two were wounded. I know vendors at that time were concerned not about mallrats but gangs of kids with weapons. Seeing the police in many scenes of your video makes me think they are being proactive in making sure that nothing gets out of hand these days. I hope the new owners can make the mall work. Just one look at the highway to the north of mall will show you dozens if not hundreds of shopping options that the mall cannot provide.

[@xoddam3873]

I go to the university here, this is a surreal video to find

[@ScoobaPenguin]

I work at the Homegoods that is attached to this mall and we are slammed daily. The mall is definitely a slower one but it has its very busy days still.

[@sal]

That’s great news! I’m pulling for this mall super hard…the new owner seems great!

[@dewdew34]

Probably the busiest place there and Shoyu Japan , my favorite ...

[@beesbeesley3514]

Not my colleague at 4:10 😂

[@BRFilmStudios]

Great video Sal at an awesome mall! I found the outro very uplifting, and that was awesome!

[@ChiefCoralcola]

Some additional info/clarifications: The original Salisbury Mall started as a line, but became an H shaped, because they added a Hutzler AND the grocery store within a yearish of each other. The original four anchors of the centre were supposed to be Wards (from downtown Salisbury, not Easton), Boscovs, Penneys, and Leggett… but Leggett pulled from the mall mid-construction, because Hechts had just decided to move to the mall too, in the area that would eventually be Sears. The Legget’s superstructure was entirely done, but then they pulled out, and Hechts ripped it all down to use their own contractor to rebuild the same superstructure and store layout. When news reached its way to the Old Mall owners, they informed other tenants, then Sears decided to go into the Centre. This is also why Hechts and Sears opened later than the rest of the mall. There’s a lot more to that story, but it’s a lot for text. The Centre has always had very vehement haters from the beginning…. because it’s not the old mall (locals hate change, period. I have no better way to put it). This same kind of vitriol is also what put the Macy’s under, because the Macy’s business plummeted over the 5 years since they blocked the construction of the Cracker Barrel. Yep, my friends who worked at Macy’s back then saw the foot traffic plummet by sight for the next year, hoping for a recovery that never materialized. Salisbury people have been vocally passionate about trying to get a Cracker Barrel in town since the late 80’s. Another long story is about that, how the mayor got involved, and the fallout… Of recent, the food court has filled back up a bit with two new restaurants, the outdoor area next to Men’s Warehouse is all full, but Express and a couple others inside closed. During the weekend, it still does well, but it is definitely deader during the week. It has a future, but they need to either rip down the old Macy’s and/or Sears so there’s an entry to get in the middle section, or move all the middle-area stores to the edges and convert the middle area to something different. Maybe The mall would have more traffic currently if Cracker Barrel had gone in front of Penney’s…

[@sal]

Ah, fantastic info!!! Salisbury Mall was before my time, so I really do appreciate this!

[@dewdew34]

You know the history. Been in Delmar since late 99. Don't remember Hutzlers being there, i grew up near the one in Glen Burnie. Salisbury has had some shady history ...

[@Probookuser03]

always heard from the olds they would never shop at the new mall just by principal it wasn’t the old mall. they still mention (no matter who i talk with) that the parking lot is “a sign of our times” and the civic center should do more with it

[@rabidslimes]

am a local - its a bit dead, but i believe it can rebound back under new management... eventually. i personally only really go there because salisbury in of itself is the only place with a lot of shopping places available in the area, to which I think would be the reason why it remains open in the future.. a lot of the places still there are not anywhere else nearby within a reasonable drive. not a lot of people around here like change though, and a lot of the places within the mall are laughable to look at or have so extremely high prices that its a wonder they stay open, esp since the salisbury area in general are on not in the pay grade to spend a lot on shit. it doesnt help that fewer people are going to movie theaters after covid either... the regal is lovely looking, but with prices going up, i can only really afford to go there with a student discount and snuck-in snacks (9 dollar movies for college SU students :) )

[@sal]

I believe in Reznik and the Centre at Salisbury!

[@nordicdraw]

Great looking movie theatre

[@Droford824]

Annoying Fact - its the only Regal location in Maryland that charges the top tier price for the Regal Unlimited program. There are other regals on other side of Bay that have Imax and 4DX and are only in the mid priced tier.

[@retroguy1976]

i been to this mall back in 2012 I was on a trip to Md to get my mind off things after my mom passed away. I stayed in salisbury and visited this mall it was okay

[@rangerman9241]

I still go here all the time

[@crusmonster1397]

My family has lived in the area for generations. Even though I’m only 27, I remember the very end of the Salisbury Mall - Mitchell’s Martial Arts was one of the last places (if not THE last place) in the old mall & we helped them move into the old Skateland building. Seeing this mall slowly diminish over the years is disheartening. The loss of the water features (leaving one lone fountain by Boscov’s), the loss of many big-name stores, the loss of chain eateries in the food court & now the loss of the large “anchor” stores & the constant shuffle of local businesses is mirroring the fate of its predecessor. I hope it’ll hang on, but I’m not as optimistic as I’d like to be.

[@ShibblyWibbly]

They just put the Spirit Halloween in and it was bumpin' 🎃❤️ (and by bumpin' I mean me, my mom, the cashiers, and some pre-school aged kids enjoying the animatronics with their parents) If you go right after Christmas it is pretty dead but it has some days that are more "alive" than others but it will never be what it was. I can never understand how people prefer outlets over malls. Edited to add: I believe someone bought the property earlier this year and had "big plans"

[@Talking_He4d]

Me and my friend used to hang out here all day back in 08-09

[@tomboyishruby]

This mall is a regular visit for those at UMES. Spend the day doing some shopping/walking until it’s time for your movie to start and then catch the shuttle back to campus.

[@96WackoXJacko96]

I used to come to this mall all the time growing up. I always enjoyed the vibe there. Shame about the neon lights and water fountains being changed, they were quite pretty. I will say my biggest memory is about 10 years ago seeing a massive brawl of well over a dozen people in front of the theater. I was walking around with family and a friend. We walked out the side mall entrance that lead to the theater, looked ahead and saw a herd of flailing arms. We turned right around and went back inside lol Don't know how people could be so upset at such a chill place 🤷musta been a bad movie.

[@DJ-fo2er]

The may have been a Montgomery Ward in Easton that closed the same time the mall opened, but on the south side of Salisbury there was also a Montgomery Ward that also closed when the mall opened.

[@Feldkampinator]

I literally live on the Eastern Shore and didn't know this mall existed

[@thenuggetlord5367]

Shoutout to Shoyu Japan. That's always my favorite place to eat when I'm there at the foodcourt with the boys.

[@sal]

I’ll try it next month when I’m there!

[@insertname1129]

My god I never thought other people could live in Salisbury Maryland I had convinced myself all the cars were actually empty nice to see other people at the dead mall

[@destinysmith5453]

I currently work in this mall at the Burlington. I do say that the mall is usually dead during the week but weekends is usually pretty busy. There are definitely stores in here that get more business then others Burlington being one since we open before the mall and close after the mall.

[@sal]

I’m seeing more and more Burlington’s at dead malls these days, but even more that survive after the mall has been closed. Your job is secure.

[@Probookuser03]

i live now not that far from the mall, i used to live outside of Salisbury in Parsonsburg, but any time i drive by the mall, its always half full. when i was growing up in the early 2000’s it was either completely packed and chaos or half full, never in between. i miss going there and seeing all of the seasonal get-up stores like B&BW or Holister would have. now, it just feels like it’s fallen off a cliff and no one really seems to care.

[@bftvclips8925]

Haven't been there in 20 years, moved away, but moved back to the shire

[@kjhardy92]

I was last here for some late Christmas shopping. It was so dead even around the holidays. Growing up it would be hard to move from store to store around that time of year.

[@scottbennett3975]

I always had thought the old salisbury mall would have done well to turn it into a retirement place or assisted living. Then you could have turned the other half into regular stores. Grocery, hair salons, bookstores, and the elderly wouldn’t even have to go outside just grab their walker and head out to the other side to shop for themselves. Multi purpose revitalization! But that idea would have made me rich! But I still live in town and work for someone else of course. Missed opportunities

[@scottbennett3975]

I really miss the holidays at the centre now all we get is stand alone stores, the internet, and wal mart🙃

[@Definitely_Not_A_Tree]

Yeah, I remember when I was younger. Honestly now that I think about it, it’s been quite dead the past couple years :/

[@CloudyPuffin]

I live in Salisbury. There's nothing to do tbh, it's a dead place nothings fun, I don't even wanna video anything my self anymore being here. Half the mall is closed rn as we speak which is still crazy to me, I hope they do something better with it

[@sylansylan4189]

So, I come here to this mall for eye doctor appointments at the LensCrafters, and sometimes I'll stop by the stores every once in a while. Boscovs, Hot Topic (its the only place that still sells band shirts in the local area) and maybe hit up the FYE store and see what they have in there for anime, manga and foreign snacks. Other than that? This place was bustling. Hot Topic, Spencer's, GAP, Gamestop, Chick-fil-A, Auntie Anne's. Most of those are still there, but most others are either dead or have moved off from that Shopping Centre in Salisbury. Like I said, the only thing left there that I ever do now are my eye appointments and maybe stopping by Hot Topic. I'm hoping that this video and many other people spread word about this old mall and gives it the kick it needs before they either close it all entirely and make it land development for more apartments or worse.

[@MoistCandyBar]

Somehow the Boscov’s at this mall was in the top 10 stores, I only know because I worked at the airport when the CEO flew in to do a holiday thank you

[@NetSaverHQ]

My hometown's mall! ^_^

[@HeyYoCopernicus]

All the ice is from the theatre. They throw it back there when they do an ice machine sanitizing.

[@connorpusey5912]

Im from Sussex County Delaware. My family frequented this mall throughout my childhood in the 2000s. I used to love the fountains and streams running through it with the bridge, as well as the skylights and high white ceilings. I thought it was the coolest place to visit. The Boscovs was also one of my favorite stores to visit for the tall glass ceilings, giant chandeliers and 80s/early 90s color palette. It remained busy throughout the 2010s as you said, but I was disappointed when they removed all the water, and in the latter half of the 2010s I did start noticing odd stores popping up here and there, although occupancy remained strong with lots of shoppers. The regal theater also was busy, with the longest theater line I’ve ever seen being for IT in 2017, extending far outside the building! As you said, JC Penny went. Then it seemed like traffic may have started slowing a little by 2018/19, but not significantly. 2020 really seems to have been the death knell. Since then stores have been leaving left and right, little traffic except Christmas, and even the theater slowed down. All this within a short few years. I still attend showings at the theater. Being a film buff it’s the closest theater to go to and they play classics through Fathom events which I love. If they close, moviegoers within a radius of a few miles are going to have to drive significantly further for their movies. The theater has wonderful architecture and a great interior design, but they _need_ to start utilizing the box office again so that the theater doesn’t appear closed-down, as well as keep up with the exterior lighting and do some extra landscaping around the grounds so it doesn’t look so barren. The last few times I’ve been there’s been a slight increase in patrons, hopefully it keeps up. And although I don’t like the design of the renovated Boscovs nearly as much as I do the old one, I understand the necessity of it - needing to break away from that dated mall appearance. I really hope the new owner does something magical with this mall before it’s too late. It could have a lot more life left in it if it is properly revitalized. I’d love to see those fountains and streams come back lol.

[@crusmonster1397]

I miss that bridge in the middle of the mall so much. Even now, I still “walk across” the bridge when I’m going through that part, & when my friends go around the columns I tell them they fell into the water 😂 I wish someone had photos or footage of those water features. They were awesome to see as a kid.