Power Square Mall: A Dead Mall Again | Retail Archaeology

[@RetailArchaeology]

UPDATE: After I finished this video the mall updated their website with new information. It mentions a "large business" moving in that will occupy most of the mall. Then it also lists a few businesses that will be staying and moving to the small part of the mall that's left. I'm willing to bet that large businesses is the self storage place people were talking about. Also, don't forget Siesta Mall and Retail Archaeology apparel and merchandise are now available 😀 teespring.com/stores/retail-archaeology

[@904czv4]

Retail Archaeology good news I guess. Still depressing to see it this way compared to when you went the first time.

[@thomashouse6090]

The "large business " could be Amazon. They're putting distribution centers in a lot of old retail spaces

[@hectormorones8733]

They got scared lol

[@Obi_Wanna_Blow_Me]

Retail Archaeology same thing was supposed to happen with my local (now dead) mall. Supposedly a big Wal-Mart super center was going to be built in its place but it never happened and now it's just a big vacant lot with a JC Penny to the side that used to be attached before they tore it down.

[@904czv4]

Thomas House how ironic would it be if an amazon took over a dead mall! 🤔🤔🤔

[@KellySKline]

My wife had a store here years ago, and even then it was a surreal experience. So little foot traffic that it sometimes seemed like a place in some post-apocalyptic world.

[@hotelchannel2824]

Can you tell me like what year you guys left the mall

[@tnbspotter5360]

This mall has an awful look. It's like a maintenance corridor. I can see why shoppers stopped going there.

[@TrainmasterCurt]

Tnb Spotter Yep, I guess they love the black white and grey

[@RocketboyX]

It looks like someone opened up a mall in a self-storage facility.

[@sarahmoore7241]

It looked like a maintenance corridor out of the 90s ten years ago. Factory Stores of America - pardon, Power Square - has died a number of deaths and come back from the brink.

[@girlscanbedrummers5449]

Curt Wakeman that's actually worse. What is this? A 1950s tv trend?

[@Darkfire9189]

Yup. My local mall is thriving. it's expanded and added a ton of new businesses. 2 reasons: 1 it doesn't look like a dump, 2. Owner cares about maintain the mall.

[@zacharyouten4525]

That dude with the bird reminds me of a shopkeeper in an rpg for some reason, should have asked if he had any wares to sell lol

[@DryLog420]

I was waiting for "Your call is inportant to us. Please stay on the line for the next available representative." It sounded like the hold music at my bank.

[@MG-gb6cp]

From an inside source, this mall tripled the rent on all the tenants to drive them out. They are going to be converting to a storage facility. Superstition springs mall offered anyone who wanted to come over at the previous rent to do so.

[@andysorensen1737]

Mark Gurrieri Well that’s classy of Superstition Springs mall.

[@MG-gb6cp]

@@andysorensen1737 yeah I thought so too. But superstition springs has quite a few vacancies as well so probably felt it was a good way to fill spaces

[@Rafegaret]

I really enjoy your videos. Don't know what it is about dying malls that I like so much. Maybe it is the utter waste of time and money it represents

[@misteuraxe691]

i have that same fetish here lol.

[@charlesschauer8927]

Sad to look at

[@ericfresh]

$100 for one of those carts? There's a couple in the alley behind my apt...

[@williamhaynes7089]

They better come with a Title or somthing or someone would assume you stole it

[@danh2134]

+William Haynes they never come with titles

[@amoniousbt1110]

@@danh2134 I don't think he was being serious dude

[@lunayoshi]

I work in retail. Can confirm metal carts cost $100 each. It's... greeeat...

[@daveheel]

yeah, they're expensive. people don't realize or don't care that they're expensive and it's theft to take them.

[@PopRocksV]

What would be cool is to see the storefronts be turned into apartments.

[@peachespulaski5981]

Interesting

[@misterhat5823]

Kirsten Dirksen did a video about a mall that was turned into apartments.

[@calendarpage]

If you search YT for 'Oldest US mall blends old/modern with 225-sq-ft micro lofts' you will see where this was done, but with very small apartments.

[@PopRocksV]

@@calendarpage I've seen that place you speak of. They remind me of some of the tiny apartments in Japan. Also, the bottom floor is a shopping center.

[@cheryljeffali8251]

Yes, it malls would be very successful as housing and could also possibly support an on site cafe and hair salon. What ever you see in neighborhood strip malls now. This would only be if a large enough number of units were created.

[@darerun1051]

Power Square was the name of a large piece of pepperoni pizza my elementary school would serve on thursdays for lunch.

[@andysorensen1737]

Absolutely love this version of “I can’t make you love me”. As for the mall, it’s a shame to see Power Square struggling again. You see multiple videos on a single mall and you kind of become attached to these places and want to root for them. EDIT: At least they’re not closing up, just getting a major tenant.

[@DANGMQ]

The elevator music you have in the video is soothing although it could also be “please hold” music

[@TrainmasterCurt]

DANGMQ 😂

[@doubleh333lix]

It’s called vapor wave! Like, look up blank banshee or saint pepsi or the song resonance by HOME. It’s really cool and the songs feel weirdly nostalgic lol

[@nancydarling4918]

Good video. Interesting mall. It's kinda sad that it is so dead. Loved the bird picture of the man and his umbrella cockatoo. I have a mollucan cockatoo. I hope you do more of these mall videos soon.

[@fistpittingnork]

The layout and architecture is interesting. Almost more like a craft mall/indoor flea market/outlet mall rather than a traditional shopping mall, with its simple industrial ceiling and long straight and narrow corridors.

[@akkid89]

Oh wow, I remember going here as a kid. Sometimes I try to find this place online, but 20 years ago it was called Factory Stores of America. I remember the flag logo on the sign, the name change is why I couldn't ever track it down. Superstition Springs really was much nicer though, and it had a Lost Dutchman mine themed playground. But the real treat was when we went to the Mills Mall. Thanks for the nostalgia trip.

[@cesariojpn]

1:30 Nope, those are (former) Best Buy Carts. You don't have a very good angle of the cart from the front, but it looks like the "chassis" is much bigger than the basket part itself. Best Buy had those types of carts where you can put say, a huge LCD or a big box electronic in front/on the "chassis," and the basket is where you can throw your purse in and any auxiliary cables/accessories/smaller items.

[@Toastandtea682]

Hi thanks for the great video always enjoyable. But I miss the 90s and all its cheese. life was so much more fun then anyway thanks 😀🙏

[@gordontaylor2815]

This is almost "stick-a-fork-in-it" territory. Like Sears, this mall probably won't be around much longer, especially if the owners are bent on converting it to self-storage...

[@CvBrony]

A tiny mall like that... I would have tried to reinvent it as a medical center, turn the stores into various doctor offices of different specializations.

[@YusufNasihi]

Is there an explanation for why Arizona has so many dead malls?

[@origamiandcats6873]

I have no idea. It's hot af here in the summer so there isn't much to do other than the mall. There sre many retirees here. Phoenix empties out in summer when snowbirds flee the area. It's too bad because the mall was once the only exercise people got.

[@collin4215]

Wow, things have really gone downhill at this mall. Unfortunately, mom and pop stores don't bring in nearly as much traffic as a national retailer. When I saw your first video of this mall, I figured it wouldn't last much longer. Small businesses aren't a long term solution to failing malls. Hopefully they can revitalize this place but in this day and age I doubt the big new business going in here is going to be retail.

[@LethaWolfStudios]

I dont know why I always geek out every time someone uses vapor wave Dan Bell has used

[@andysorensen1737]

H.H. foxaddict Dan Mason in particular (The artist featured here) is quite good.

[@JayyJayyTripz]

...... Its music by dan Mason ..

[@JayyJayyTripz]

It's real music not just "dan bell video " music.

[@LethaWolfStudios]

Looks like you need to read the comment again, I never said it was “Dan Bells Music” just that I geek out when I hear music HE HAS USED in other videos such as this one.

[@Mikeshik]

The song is on KZbin in the clear so just search for it

[@TrainmasterCurt]

Good stuff like always Erik, your videos and calm commentary are relaxing after a hard day’s Hotel work

[@garretth.1920]

I google these malls after watching your videos and I particularly like how Power Square Mall's website says " Power Square mall is not closing. We are not tearing down any part of the mall." nice and big on the front page. Since this is the only video I've seen with commenting available I'll take this time to say I really enjoy this channel, I've watched the majority of the videos on here. I spent a lot of my time at the local malls growing up, they're still around but remodeled/refreshed and not always with the same stores I grew up with. (Waldenbooks, Babbages, KayBee Toys, Sears, any CD/Music store-- RIP) Keep up the great work!

[@azblueauthor8081]

This makes me sad. I remember going to a kids Olympics in the main atrium around the time of the 96 games, I was 6 for that. I got a bronze medal. That toystore was a major part of my childhood--some of my favorite Lego sets came from it--so the fact that it is once again emptying hurts. The mall did have an addition made to it sometime in the 90s that added the entrances labeled 2, 3, and 4. The Dress Barn was original to the addition, if I'm not mistaken. I'm glad that you have been documenting the malls in the East Valley. Like you, I spent much of my childhood at Superstition Springs, VF Factory Outlets, and their surrounding stores. It hurts to see them in the shape they are now, but it also has brought back some really good memories that I'd forgotten. Thank you.

[@brandonsanchez7465]

Geez, I forgot this mall existed since I haven't been there for 10 years.

[@KoubuPilot]

Actually, VF Factory Outlets became something like Factory Stores of America and then Power Square. The namechange happened no later than 2010 as that was when I noticed the change when I moved to Power and Guadalupe. I remember when the VF Outlet had brown carpet and the aisles were marked off with duct tape.

[@kylemag1139]

Enrique Cortez I live off of power and Guadalupe as well :)

[@904czv4]

Lol, I bet the dude with the bird is just using the free WiFi (if the place has it). 🙂

[@mijiyoon5575]

Luv those red metal looking columns...the man & the bird was a nice touch...also the ad/commercials on some of your videos are great!!! I need all the cooking tips I can get..TY...I mean the ones for *pork* prep & so on

[@mijiyoon5575]

I also luv the retro ads & the ones w/ humor...I'll watch these through & not *skip* them :)

[@FFOPRadio]

I grew up with this mall, and I was just in there and it made me sad. But still picked up a lot of stuff from the Corning Ware store before it finally wheezed it's last breath.

[@buzzerd48]

Just to let your viewers know that approximately 60 days BEFORE your video was shot, the mall management group notified all the tenants that they had a deal with a new company who was going to lease 2/3 of the mall. All that were potentially going to stay (very few) were given notice and were told they could negotiate a new lease in the coming months, the rest of the tenants, were given 30 days to be out. Corning and Kitchen, Dressbarn were given an opportunity to stay, but refused because of the cost involved in renovating in the soon to be gutted mall. The now management were not offering a cent to anyone to relocate for any TI's. For the big tenants, it was in their best interest just to pull the plug. The mom and pop's that were occupying spaces, were the first asked to leave, because they were just paying expense covering rent, if that. So just to say, this mall was induced to the point of what your video has shown. Don't get me wrong, the mall was definitely in trouble and dead, but not to the extent of the time of the video. Many vacated already on notice from the landlord. Some decided to leave and re-locate, and most who did, went to the resurging Superstition Springs Mall. Some newly signed anchor tenants will be moving into the mall in early to mid 2019. Names like Ulta, and Ross Dress for Less are two names that will be opening soon in the old Mervyn's, upstairs. Downstairs, there is a national chain gym who has signed a long term lease. The name escapes me. Superstition Springs is also looking for 1-2 large national tenants to take the old J.C. Pennies home store location. Have a few big names showing interest, but nothing yet solid. Superstition , if the leasing people do it right, they may be able to kick start that mall, and keep it going for another 10 years or so, but it is all about the tenants you can get in there, and the rent they are wanting to charge. So far, things are looking up.

[@JaneDoe-ps6ve]

I hope so and thanks for the update.

[@josephtafur]

Looking at the bright yellow that cart is either Best Buy or dollar general.

[@gmcnewlook]

Joseph Tafur i think it’s Best Buy, notice how there’s a big space to put a bigger item.... I used one similar to this when I bought a computer at a Best Buy....

[@CommodoreFan64]

I use to work for DG(Dollar General), and I don't recall ever seeing carts that small, and the Dollar General up the street from my house has slightly bigger all yellow carts.

[@animeshock2006]

Yeah that's my guess I use to work at best buy looks like them to me

[@bryanbond3886]

The biggest reason malls are going out is because the owners of the mall what a ridiculous price to rent a space in the mall even the kiosk spices down the middle of the mall are stupidly priced out of reason no one can afford the rent that's why these malls are shutting down

[@mecelaya]

Dang!! This is half a block from my house, I didn’t know it had gotten this bad! Thanks for the update!

[@mallaholicretailadventures]

Sad to see a mall backside. I remember the first video and it gave me hope. Too bad this is going down again. Thank you for the content.

[@kayleewilliams1232]

I really love the malls with an older look. I wish so many didn't have to close.

[@GCJACK83]

That is one awesome looking bird. Back when I was little, a neighbor had an Iguana that he'd bring out on a leash during the warmer months. He'd even let neighborhood kids pet it.

[@comancheviperrrr]

What's interesting about the kitchen collection company is that they no longer offer the ability to purchase any item from their website. Which means you are required to actually go to a brick-and-mortar kitchen collection store to shop. That just seems really weird in the era of online purchasing.

[@TheSuperHybrid80]

so weird in these usa malls that are closing in here (Finland ) its the opposite in my city had 2 big malls opened couple years ago and are full off life mayby its better balanced in compered to people size and mall numbers ?

[@bedoniyt]

What was probably not known about this mall is that it is across the freeway from a bigger mall/shopping complex. This would make a good place for an indoor gun show. I hate PHX heat.

[@Ram-2112]

Love this place, lots of memories here from 2000 to even Black Friday the past year! Hope it survives some how

[@sarahmoore7241]

I photographed this mall pretty extensively around 2007-2008. I can’t believe it’s more dead now than it was then.

[@Dyaxxis]

Kind of a shame. I actually like the simplistic yet nifty shopping layout. I'll stay tuned to see what eventually happens.

[@MVelli]

"Corningware" was a KB Toy Liquidator

[@jw6948]

Love that muzak version of "I can't make you love me."

[@Reno_Slim]

Ahhh. My kids and I have been calling this place the Creepy Mall for the past 10 years.

[@bentstrider]

Never thought I'd hear a vaporwave version of Bonnie Raitt's "I can't make you love me"!!

[@TheCaboose568]

That man matches his bird perfectly.

[@rosebaby808]

I moved to Mesa in 2004. At that time the mall was still called the VF Factory mall, and the nearby hotels on Superstition Springs Blvd had pamphlets for the mall in their lobby collection of local attraction brochures. I remember buying kitchen items in the corning ware and kitchen store as well as small clothing items in the VF store. The bookstore used to have a guy working there who looked like Jack Ritter. It was so nice to see in your last video a revival of this mall with unique antique and vintage shops. It's so sad to see how it is now in such a short period of time. Btw, I visited the used bookstore's new location at the Superstition Mall when you mentioned that they had moved there. I asked the owner if he knew about your videos of the VF Factory Mall. He says he has seen your vids and would love for you to come film his bookstore's current location at the Superstition Mall. I don't know him personally, we were just making conversation, but thought I'd let you know.

[@chrisf6666]

Great update! Now where is our Spirit Halloween store video taking over an old Toys R us? Lol

[@ericawhitneyNOLA]

For a minute I thought I was on the phone on hold.. great background music

[@MannyQuacioua]

I love this channel!!! You have inspired me to film dead Malls as well!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THESE INCREDIBLE VIDEOS!!! PROUD SUBSCRIBER

[@psychic644]

Excellent vid ! Very interesting as to what is going on business wise ! I like Mervin's it was a really good store ! Thanks !

[@evanredacted7977]

That's honestly one of the ugliest malls I've ever seen. Looks way more like a self storage place than a mall.

[@zu1505]

my dad took me back to school shopping here... in like 2010 lol. safe to say i wasnt the most well dressed kid that year

[@shesulli]

That kettle corn is pretty good. Except the bacon cheddar, skip it.

[@Nuggs1980]

That's a shame, I actually really liked going to this mall. It wasn't too big or packed with people, but also had a good variety of stores. Yes VF totally reminds me of Mervyn's, miss that store too!

[@MyDreamIsAStory]

This reminds me of the mall in my area that use to be popular. They had a game place for kids, jewelry store, furniture store, bank, a Ventures, and others. But several years ago back when I was still in school all the stores closed down and now it’s just mainly some offices and stuff. It went downhill because there’s another mall in town. But that mall isn’t doing so awesome either. It still has a lot of activity, but with several empty slots.

[@mattetch12]

Dead mall for sure, its hard to entice businesses when superstition springs mall is only a few miles away.

[@Str8edgejon]

When I see a place like this a see so much potential. ( Mainly for Gamers and Sci-fi fans.) Here is a list of just a few shops/Necessitates. 1. New food court. ( Have your typical Pizza, Burger, Asian food, and Ice Cream spots.) 2. A card and board game shop That sells singles and sealed product for games like MtG, Pokemon, FoW, and what ever else is big single wise I'd Sell Card's Against Humanity and games in that realm. And other games from across the world.( And have prerecorded instructional videos. On how to play.) 3. A Anime/ Foreign shop. That sells figures, Stuffed Animals, Anime of course, Cosplay Stuff (NONE of the weird stuff.), And gaming stuff and snacks. 4. Completely empty out one of the bigger shops and place Tables and Chairs and a decent sized Judging area, Feature match game's and some where for a podcast crew could set up for coverage. 5 .An Arcade with a section set up for pay to play Brawl* Or what ever the newest version is. 6. A Funko Pop Shop 7. ( I know this is the head scratcher) But a Wrestling and Gaming Clothing store. And more stuff I can probably think of but am way to tired right now.

[@thepoozer]

I find these videos very relaxing for some reason

[@natalieshaffer9440]

Great video! I've never heard of this mall before but after seeing your video, I definitely want to go see it in person.

[@edgexl8327]

That banana split picture definitely came from Swensen's. Source: I ate so many of them.

[@camillekleiman2866]

That's a Best Buy cart. They aren't marked, but we have them at my local Best Buy.

[@whatchacookin1096]

The Kitchen store is gone? That sucks...

[@CommanderEllisWard]

Power Square Mall is probably in it's final days now. The VF outlet is closing down - December 2020. Only a few antique shops left, pretty much everything else gone. Most of the mall converted to storage facility. Imagine that is the fate of the rest of the building at this point. A redux / final video of the place would be fun.

[@ZoruaZorroark]

it's sad that malls are dying, i too enjoyed going to malls as a kid

[@bryanslife7229]

metro center is really slowing down .... I love going to dead malls

[@kendalson7817]

Good vid. Could you visit Biltmore Fashion Park? I once lived close by and it was a good, though expensive, mall. The remodel Westcor subjected it to was really dreadful, IMO.

[@Dezkochis]

Pretty sure that's a best buy cart. It looks exactly like the ones we have at my work.

[@Toastandtea682]

Dystopia hear we come lol

[@SeaBassTian]

I'm pretty sure that I visited this mall five years ago when I visited AZ. Did there used to be a Burlington Coat Factory there? I remember the stark design.

[@brianfuller5868]

Been both to this mall and Superstition Springs. Mesa is great and I did like this mall. It will be interesting to see what happens as I like the space. Love The videos

[@kaityk4788]

That carts with the yellow accents were old BestBuy carts.

[@MG-gb6cp]

That dude with the bird is literally always there. Think he hangs out to use the WiFi from the mini Mesa library

[@carlt817]

May 2019 update...Dress Barn is closing all stores nationwide Wow

[@sgtryoseirui6394]

I got giddy when I saw Dan Mason's name, his music really added to the video

[@guestdj6665]

This mall was like this when it opened. Just busier. Imagine the year is 1989, the mall looks exactly like this, but with more people in it.

[@jonh4265]

Amazon.com is KILLING these Malls. Why drive all the way to the mall and face the crowds when I can order it on-line and within days have it delivered.

[@fredflintstone4715]

"...and face the crowds..."?!?!?!?

[@GoGreen1977]

Sorry, but I want to try things on, maybe several things before I buy. I want to make sure I like the quality, that the items fit, and most importantly, really look good on me. But then, it seems there are a lot of people too lazy to care (or know) as to how clothes look on them, whether the clothes flatter them, or are well made. They just want cheap stuff and if your wardrobe just consists of t-shirts, jeans or baggy shorts, yes, you can just shop online, since it doesn't matter what you end up getting.

[@kylemag1139]

Wow this mall has been literally right across the street from my neighborhood since I was a newborn. Its a shame to see the mall like this but I do stop by occasionally to pick up some clothes. And to answer your question about the popcorn stand, it is still operating but it usually operates during the early hours of the morning and early afternoon

[@fairymay7486]

That shopping cart looks like from best buy or dollar general i believe

[@4looming]

Love that LoFi Bonnie Raitt in the beginning. ❤

[@carlgarcia3255]

You should come to Atlanta to show Northlake mall only the anchor store Macy’s is open pretty sad

[@RealCoop]

All of Dan Mason's music reminds me of my local mall that has closed.

[@danh2134]

which mall is that ?

[@dog1331]

I've been in Mesa 15 years and I've never heard of this mall!

[@kristenderrick9853]

I recently heard the BIG business will be a fitness center and that the remaining mall is getting a facelift! We shall see!!

[@jcadult101]

I remember driving out there when 60 ended at power.

[@i_no5429]

There is a dead mall near me called Crossroads Mall in Omaha it has barely any stores

[@alexdhall]

I vaguely remember going to that mall a decade and a half (ish) ago. Seemed like a nice mall at the time.

[@Handl3sAreStupid]

Your floppy disk didn't fully slot into your PC

[@airsailor6176]

Snow birds may peck some business back in it, until it gets the storage remodel. Nice video.

[@ckendall9955]

I do hate to see malls close. I live in the suburbs and we have have two nice shopping centers. They are about to break ground on a 75 acre shopping center. This makes it convenient for us so we don’t have to drive 30+ minutes to a mall. That is one reason malls are closing.

[@contrabandjoe7974]

So many of these behemoth retail shops left to blight and eye sore.... too many of them in America.. they eventually look like hell after they are vacant.

[@sevenfunnyjokers2994]

Loved the music! Looked very CALM in that mall :)

[@nabilahnovel7753]

Malls should be a one stop center in my opinion. I am currently working at a school, inside a mall which makes everyday work felt less burdensome.

[@aaabbott1383]

Self storage rents at 2x retail on a PSF basis. Smart.

[@kathleenl7035]

I think I was in that mall a few times when I lived in AZ, early 2000. It always was the red headed step child to Superstition Mall. Did it really go down after 2008??

[@Ron4885]

This is happening to malls all over the U.S. What is the reason? Does anyone have a handle on that? Is it because people are ordering online? I'd like to learn why.

[@streamtrollmike5348]

Its not online shopping, its because there are too many malls at the moment. And a lot of them dont have good owners COUGH!moonbeamCOUGH!

[@kyleflounder9783]

You mentioned something about Dress Barn. We used to have 4, maybe even 5 Dress Barns within about 25 miles of where I live. In the past 3 years, all 4 of them have closed. The first one was in Stones River Mall, which is already a dying mall that is hanging on by a thread thanks to Dillards, Chuck-E-Cheese and their brand new movie theater, but then our Smyrna location shut down with little notice. I was really concerned about the business when the Opry Mills store shut down last year alongside the Cool Springs Galleria location. Those are two insanely busy malls. Maybe it's just my local area, but I don't think Dress Barn is doing too well. You would think the Nashville Area would be their prime business area considering they have "Barn" in the name, but who knows?

[@Bluegoo]

I want to say that those carts are old Food 4 Less carts.

[@dennismanbook]

Bluegoo there used to been those stores here in the late 80s around in central Iowa. The carts look almost like theirs or maybe Best Buy’s. DG’s carts have all yellow baskets and frames

[@ckendall9955]

I would love to have that men’s dressing chair! My grandfather had one. I’d like to buy it got my husband.