A Very Mills Mall Christmas | Retail Archaeology

[@porschaclub466]

I’m watching this at that very mall as we speak lol, crazy coincidence 😂

[@BleachDemon707]

Sure ya are 🙄🙄

[@baxthered]

​@@BleachDemon707sometimes coincidences, get this, ACTUALLY HAPPEN.

[@baxthered]

​@@BleachDemon707quit trying to start an argument

[@frauwolftherehorse]

😂

[@alexiscastro5055]

@@BleachDemon707 salty *** foo

[@tonyx3722]

I haven't been to AZ Mills in ages. I use to go to Virgin Records in the mall a lot and check out new music on the listening stations. This was back in the olden days of the late 90s early 2000s.

[@serranol08]

Virgin Records is long gone. I used to visit that store back in the day. The space is now a Forever 21.

[@arackisback]

It was right across from Rain Forest Cafe! Crazy haha

[@mericanignoranc3551]

"Olden days" Me who started shopping in malls in the 1970's....psst....you're still young.

[@Fireflyorange]

I think this is true for most of the “mills” malls. Forever 21 also took over our virgin store! It’s also near the rainforest cafe and lets you cross through the circle to the other half of the mall (=

[@blastedmcgraw152]

I know you post these Christmas videos a few days before Christmas, but I like to save them to watch the night of Christmas Eve. Somerhing about them just makes the inner child in me smile. Love your channel. All the best to you and yours in 2025!

[@GumCow]

I'm doing the same thing. Merry Christmas

[@blastedmcgraw152]

@ Merry Christmas!

[@Daniel_Louis]

I love the snorks! That was so freaking awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jamesarguello7560]

The Snorks is one of those cartoons that you try to describe to someone today and they think you're full of BS. "They were Smurfs, but underwater! And they had tubes sticking out of their heads! And they had an infectiously catchy theme song!" Your description of Rainforest Cafe is on the nose. You go there once, balk at the high prices and mid-quality food, then never go back again. I'm kind of surprised they're still around. I guess being in areas with lots of tourist traffic helps them hang on.

[@duncanblue124]

Loved watching the snorks in the early 2000s thanks bommerang

[@benb8407]

I liked The Snorks watched that when I was a kid in the 80s on the weekend. I also only ate at The Rain Forest Cafe once at Rivertown in GR in 2001 it isn't there anymore left in 2003 or 2004.

[@arackisback]

I have a huge connection to this mall. My grandma would walk around it every morning for exercise every day. She made it the paper for it and everything haha. And I always remember going to the imax for a field trip and seeing the star wars fans camped outside waiting for the phantom menace haha they had tvs and grills going.

[@jevinday]

Man, we went to that IMAX on a field trip too

[@selkrasouza6262]

The snorks gag got a good laugh out of me! I never knew there was such a thing as marine smurfs.

[@benb8407]

I was singing the theme when the gag was rolling was hoping for the full theme. Watched The Snorks in the 80s on the weekends.

[@josephtafur]

Hoilday Season at the Mall Merry Christmas, Erik Thank you for all the great content this year and it look forward for more Retail Archaeology content in 2025.

[@lidsman2221]

Loved the Snorks video at the fountin. Thanks for the video.

[@ryanrant1]

I was just here Thursday afternoon. It definitely looked as busy as it's ever been. This one and Arrowhead are two of the malls in the Valley that are definitely still gems and running strong.

[@Jazzy_Waffles]

Chandler Fashion can get pretty busy still too. I hope we don't lose malls. I love malls and mall culture

[@Authorwithanimeicon]

Happy holidays from Canada, Retail Archeology. You’re one of my biggest KZbin inspirations. I really adore the way in which you signal boost the sort of broader cultural experiences of documenting and discussing retail giants as times change and shift. ❤

[@GreyMailMare33]

Best fountain cam ever! 😁

[@ReallifeBambiDeerattheFarm1]

The Snorks! 😂 Memories flood in! Merry Christmas!

[@benb8407]

I watched The Snorks when I was a kid in the 80s wish that the theme was played the whole way threw but maybe because of copyright could've gotten the channel in trouble.

[@williampamblanco]

I was already loving the video as usual, but the Snorks bit was pure gold😂

[@Jazzy_Waffles]

I only really go to Mills for IMAX, since it's a true 70mm IMAX. Other than that, I have a TON of fond memories of this mall. From the Virgin Megastore, the Outlet Disney Store(that sold cheap Park Merchandise), the old Gameworks, and that Rock and Mineral store. I miss this mall in the 2000s. Used to be such a great mall.

[@spectroman71]

Wow, I haven't been to this one in years. I remember it was the first place I'd ever seen a Neiman Marcus Last Call. When I think of indoor outlet malls, the one that comes to mind first is the one at Stateline NV - which is the saddest thing ever today. Good to see that this one is still doing well. I'm sure it helps to be located in a major population center, not out in the middle of nowhere.

[@cabewow6331]

I stood by that same lego set and you came to mind when i wondered if you were ever going to visit this mall and look!

[@goblinkwain]

Made me miss my old (now demolished) mall with a Tilt!!

[@Melvin-belvin]

The Snorks transition…chef’s kiss

[@EDCandCOMMSJunky]

I remember going to that mall when it first opened. It was hyped on the local news channels for a while and a big attraction was The Rain Forest Cafe. I also remember how expensive food was there😂 Great video!

[@01FozzyS]

That area brings back memories. Back in the early 90's I used to work for America West Airlines and Tempe was our home. Many a times I went there for training. I think I remember the mills building that used to stand where that mall is now. So much has changed!

[@brandondrescher2182]

Man, I remember going to this mall all the time int he late 90s when I was going to college in Tempe and lived across the street from the mall. I remember that Rain Forest Cafe and the Alcatraz Brewing Company that was across from it. The mall for the most part looks the same as I remember from those times.

[@doctorwhofan6340]

Oh yeah, this is just like sugarloaf mills near me, though mine has a baspro shops, a amc theaters, a trampoline park books a million store a Dave and busters and yes the missing pay phones! We used to have a Sears outlet and even the first in mall shoneys at one point!

[@sweetkitty3249]

I like colored Christmas lights too. They seem more cheerful to me. White lights are too sophisticated & understated for my tastes.

[@elevatorsbylexi]

8:47 LOL

[@ZanderEzekial77]

Merry Christmas duder. Thank you for your continued videos. You bring nostalgic comfort with every effort.

[@HeatherSummerRaine]

I prefer the colored lights over the white ones too!

[@GumCow]

That snorks intro was a blast from the past. Huge whiplash when you showed it

[@davidcook3116]

Agree with you on colored lights. Great video, as always. One of the best narrative voices on KZbin. Merry Christmas. 🎄

[@littleantennas]

I have a December birthday and all I wanted to do for it this year was go to a mall while it was decorated for Christmas (something I have not done in over 10 years). Chandler Fashion Center was the closest but it was so disappointing, nothing except the Santa area. The malls I grew up going to in So Cal were always decorated so beautifully for the holidays, must be a dying art.

[@veronicaeverheart]

I'm so happy you live in AZ and make this type of content.... I never see creators from Phoenix like this!

[@Mathew-q5e]

I remember this place well. When I lived in Arizona, I used to go there when they had a huge Virgin Records Megastore. I was really bummed out when it closed. So after that, I relied more on Zia records and Amazon.

[@tonyc.6205]

I knew the Snorks were hiding in Rainforest Cafe water features....makes total sense.

[@brightnights1145]

I hit the like button before the video even started, because I know this video is gonna be awesome! Merry Christmas! 🎄

[@kirbysuperstaruhh3769]

2:34 that reminds me of where i live, ive never seen the calendar store as just a kiosk. they always occupy empty stores like theyre the mall-centric spirit halloween of christmas. They also double as a gift and games stores here but still only operate seasonally, they occupied the former disney store in a mall in my city one year.

[@benb8407]

At The Crossroads Mall in Kazoo was always a kiosk never did do a storefront they haven't been at The Crossroad Mall since 2020 the closest one is in GR at Rivertown will check them out on Mon. At Lakeview Square Mall in BC they did the storefront for many years the last few years before they were a kiosk they left after 2017 when Penny's & Macy's left earlier in the year. Sears was last anchor that remained before closing in the fall of 2018 which I thought they be the first of the anchors to close not the last. I haven't been to Lakweview since 2016 it needs to be de-malled only way it makes it.

[@Sb129]

About the only time I make it all the way to AZ Mills is for watching something in IMAX, we used to go there often enough in 98/99 when we lived in Tempe, before the Chandler fashion center was built. That was even before the 101 was done over here as well, Lol. I guess the owners are happy just surviving and thus don't want to spend the extra cash for decorations whereas the Scottsdale Fashion Center is still doing good so they can splurge.

[@lexa_power]

Bummer about the lack of Christmas decorations at that mall. Was hoping we’d get some Christmas thrifting time or a new lights video - hopefully in the new year. Happy Holidays!

[@bmarie216]

I really enjoy all of your videos. Thanks for a great video. Happy holidays. 🎄🎅🏻🎁 Have a great week. 😀👍🏻

[@davefuss]

Best wishes for the season, look forward to more content next year.❤

[@SaturnTubes]

Damn, giving me flashbacks to being 11 years old and waking up at 5:00 am every morning to watch the Snorks followed by the Smurfs

[@MaxH0ward]

I havent thought about the snorks in years lol i forgot they existed

[@RivLoveshine]

I was just there a few weeks ago. I ate at the Rainforest Cafe, which is my happiest place.

[@stevexray6253]

Merry Christmas 🎉🎄🎁🍽️🍖🍗🍲🍛🌲🔆🥘😁👍

[@bigtroy750]

Love the channel - looking forward to ‘25, keep up the great work 👍

[@nole8923]

I always love your music selection for your videos. It’s not depressing music like so many other mall video KZbinrs have.

[@wolfgang1097]

It's been a while since we've seen a certain busy mall here that's actually the same age as me. Despite being a large mall, it's too bad there's not as many Christmas decorations. LOL at the Snorks when you began the fountain cam. Nice touch. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Good luck with getting ready for 2025.

[@MrDan708]

3:00 Wait, a "fake eyelash" vending machine?? LOL!

[@josephtafur]

Yes I've seen one at my local mall

[@jevinday]

Man, I remember when that mall opened. I should go check it out sometime, I actually was just by there at the dispensary a couple hours ago lol

[@oliverw.douglas285]

That was a nice review of the mall. I've notice that the local malls don't seem to be putting-out quite the effort for season decorations, as they had in years gone by. I recall not only the setup for Santa, but also a TV playing Christmas Shows, like Snoppy, Garfield, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, etc... In the 1980's, during the month of December, we even had a hourly puppet show at our mall, on the weekends leading up to Christmas. In those days, we had four large competing Malls. Today, there's only one left. Three of them turned into glorified strip Malls, and no longer have a common enclosed area. The mall dynamic in the U.S. has changed dramatically, over the last few decades. I find it very sad... especially for our kids. It's not the healthy social interaction they so desperately need.

[@benb8407]

There was 2 major malls where I lived in Kazoo MI Maple Hill Mall which is now a strip mall now which was de-malled once Wards & local department store shuttered all there remaining stores it was on life support even know it had a Target now on 30 years was a Mejier Square before they decided to build a supermarket they were going to use the space that Jewel had as they moved across the street to dead mall West Main which was a dead mall when I was a kid wasn't datched to the mall itself it was a JC Penny at one time before moving to The Crossroads Mall in 81 or 82 when that opened. Southland Mall was part enclosure and more stores on the outside which was more popular than the enclosure part why they took the enclosure out in the early 90s more a strip mall should take the mall part off it isn't a mall in my mind or opinion. The Crossroad Mall is the last mall and it is a dead mall now not as busy as its heyday of 80s, 90s, 00s or even 10 years ago the foot traffic was starting to decline a decade ago. A slumlord owns The Crossroad Mall will be year 3 come Jan or Feb as national chains are leaving The Buckle moved to Southland and if Macy's or Penny's closses the mall will be on its death bed. I like mall culture too bad that a lot of them are closing for many reasons I'll end it at that.

[@taylorwaterman7316]

I'm assuming they let those kiosk people have multiple locations for a couple reasons: 1. Makes the mall look less empty 2. They just paid for more kiosks for more opportunities to sell 3. They have lots of unsold stuff and asked if they can spread it out over a couple carts And yeah the smoke shops are concerning and gross. Considering the mall was supposed to be a fun place for kids. But it's nice that they have more affordable stores like Ross.

[@JazzyBabe56]

that was a lovely vid - you have such a relaxing voice - I could listen to you any time of the day. Merry Christmas to you and yours and we'll see you in the New Year!

[@BrandonPenson]

What a NEAT video, and a BIG mall! Happy Holidays! 🎄 LOL at 8:51! 😆

[@bonethugs]

Dillards in arrowhead right now has an insane huge christmas section worthy of your channel

[@TheHrb1234]

Glad to see you on bluesky

[@2004JETTA]

Great video!! There should have been more decorations for sure. Love the video as alwayus! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!!

[@mariogonzalez8185]

I loved,, when you put the snorkes cartoon it brought memories.. Merry Christmas and Happy New year..

[@GaryGeat28]

It's funny I used to go to Tempe all of the time, but I never went to Arizona Mills Mall. Tempe Marketplace and San Tan Village were my favorite malls in Phoenix. Tucson mall was my other favorite mall.

[@jasonleman1396]

I remember one of my favorite holiday gift was every year I got one of those tear away calendars that had different facts (usually sports that happened that day in history) i havent seen one in forever

[@scana1979]

The ‘aircraft hangar’ look reminded me of DFO (Direct Factory Outlet) malls in Australia which have brand stores selling a lot of clearance stock - ironically a number are located near airports. We also have those calendar pop ups at this time of year at many malls which trade as ‘Calendar Club’.

[@benb8407]

Calendar Club was the name before they rebranded them GO Clandars a decade ago. 2020 was the last time that GO Calendar was at The Crossroads Mall in Kazoo.

[@drewconway7135]

I hope you go to Big Lots again before they give up the ghost. Might need to hurry.

[@sheparddave]

In “random trivia I never thought about”: after you do a fountain cam, is the camera wet? Do you have to walk around the mall with a dripping camera? And Merry Christmas!

[@dindog22]

I've noticed the malls and shopping centers near where I live aren't doing any outdoor decorating. they used to put those tinsel shapes up on the light poles. now they don't . maybe it has something to do with the way the light poles are made and they can't hang stuff on them anymore

[@mariaglucas4798]

I recently discovered your channel and i really love it! i was a 2010s kid and didn't grow up in the 90s-2000s era that you touch on often, but its very interesting to hear it from someone who experienced it !!

[@ilikecats4711]

Hey! Can you check out the Prescott Gateway Mall? I always loved their Christmas decorations. I hear they went under a rebrand. I agree on the coloured lights! Great video as always.

[@sjntube]

Wow. I would say I haven't been to that mall in at least 10 years. Going to have to go visit sometime. I'm way way closer to Superstition Springs. Thanks for the video!

[@ScuzzyBeta]

Interesting, we have that same calendar & board games thing at my local mall but it's just a permanent, year round store front. I assume theyre some chain that takes whatever lease they can get, whether it be a kiosk or a whole store

[@S47AS]

Thank you for uploading! Merry merry

[@KROMO50]

Great video happy holidays

[@RsSooke]

Gotta love the Mills malls. It’s been a decade but back when I lived near Calgary, Alberta “Crossiron Mills” was all the rage.

[@Gnarlystariee05]

This one and Metrocenter have always been my favorites 🙌🏻 does anyone remember when this mall had neon lights indoors??

[@luvzdogz]

I bought wedding rings from a jewelry store in that mall, circa 2003.

[@dapoet2000]

Merry Christmas to all

[@kellycarroll6829]

Merry Christmas to you and your family💚

[@carvahaunter122]

Yep I’ve seen that Hot Wheels machine at Sawgrass Mills in Florida recently lol

[@shannonyoast6906]

As always great video 👍

[@davebruins8623]

I prefer the colored christmas lights too. I remember my mall use to have a gift wrapping center in the mall near jcPenny....long gone

[@nerdoftomorrow]

Love your videos!!

[@raymondmartin6737]

Thanks for this Holiday Mall Review. The Palisades Mall near NYACK, NY feels like in a terminal in some ways. I just saw that Metrocenter from 1973, which we went to in 1976 when living in NE Phoenix a while, was being torn down now. 😊

[@boeing_RBLX]

7:09 feels like a terminal because the ceilings and overall dimensions, aesthetics, and layout are similar to the duty free airside of an airport

[@darktetsuya]

always enjoy the mall holiday spread videos! had to laugh at the fountain-cam bit, well played. :P been too long since we last went to our local one I think they have a dave and buster's in there i really have to hit up one of these days. there was also a massive comic shop I'm wondering is still there so we may have to investigate that in the new year. happy holidays!

[@RheaStorm]

Merry Christmas! Wishing you well.

[@delibakerytravel]

This mall looks big. But the decorations are Shameful!! If I had a store there I would be very upset with the mall owners. Again, No Holiday Spirit there. That's one reason to go to the mall during Christmas. I love your Channel. Have a great holiday and Happy New Years.

[@lisafreeman4222]

Cool video Merry Christmas

[@jeremyud]

Can you do an update on Prescott Mall/Pine Ridge Marketplace? It looks like the owners are getting things like food places and pilates classes to move in. But not actual retail.

[@BlueJay6441]

Loved the video, thank you. I visited Phoenix last April and made it to several malls, but this was one I didn't get to visit. Next time for sure, it looks like a fun mall. Reminds me of Pittsburgh Mills if it had somehow been successful and alive. Same design elements, I guess because it's a Mills mall. Anyhow... have a great Christmas and a happy New Year!

[@Potter5416]

The Kroger I work at has a Pokemon card machine

[@fromthemoon070]

Fake eye lash vending machine? 😂😂 I can’t believe those sweaters were $70! I don’t know why, everything is super expensive now. Thank you for all the videos you make! I wish you and your daughter a Merry Christmas and happy holidays!!

[@garageink74]

What a sad decoration job. 😂 merry Christmas RA fam.

[@RealThatDesignerGuy]

I'm so old now, when I saw the prices of those hot wheels, i literally had a shock an d awe moment at the almost 5 dollar price tag. I remember them being just under or just over a buck when I used to play with them. That was the toy my mom would get me because they were so cheap!

[@dorfschmidt4833]

Merry Christmas.🎄

[@LawrenceSeetoh]

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!

[@giselletorres4156]

I went to Arrowhead in November and it's much more Christmas-y than Mills. Have you talked about the Round 1 arcade over there? I'm so shocked because I remember it being the two-story Forever 21! Now I can play cool rhythm games there. 😊

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

Still feels like yesterday where me and the crew were blasting KMFDM inside Gameworks

[@gamergamesgame781]

that tilt is crazy i need to go there :0

[@AnimeJSaysBah]

SNORKS!

[@JonEKatt]

Merry Christmas! Here's hoping you create more content in 2025. Your videos are great but I'd like to see more.

[@Boogiesince]

Have you ever done a video on Chandler Mall?

[@pcsextravideos4958]

This mall looks almost identical to the Ontario Mills Mall in Rancho Cucamonga in Southern California

[@frauwolftherehorse]

Ontario, CALifornia,, fellow Mall Friend. Victoria Gardens Outdoor Shopping Mall is like 15 mins away in the city of Rancho Cucamonga. take care the mills corporation - SIMON MALLS 💜

[@frauwolftherehorse]

Ontario, CALifornia,, fellow Mall Friend. Victoria Gardens Outdoor Shopping Mall is like 15 mins away in the city of Rancho Cucamonga. take care the mills corporation - SIMON MALLS 💜

[@datalore6187]

I am sure you saw that Big Lots is closing all of their stores, as well as Party City. And that Spirit Halloween may open Spirit Christmas themed stores. Is this what you meant by 2025 being a busy year for the Retail Archaeology channel?

[@chrislongbeard]

Yeah kind of a beige mall. And the last time I ate a rainforest Cafe was early 2000.