Mesa Riverview: What A Waste Of Space! | Retail Archaeology

[@BlargGargle]

I like how AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Cricket are all in the same building with a random teriyaki grill in the middle.

[@SearsCool]

I know a place that has Cricket, MetroPCS, and Boost Mobile all in one building

[@steveosk8s]

Yogis grill is delicious lol. It's a chain.

[@SomeGuyButNotThatGuy]

I have always said Mesa Riverview is the world's largest outdoor food court surrounding a Walmart. Tempe marketplace next door is an example of an outdoor mall done right, however it seems to have also become a giant food court too. At least its a nicer outdoor food court.

[@RiderLeangle2]

I was amused by the GNC splitting it up after two phone stores and then jumping back. "Ah yes, GNC cell phones, wait..."

[@FeechLaMannas]

2 t-mobiles!

[@gordontaylor2815]

A good counterexample to the "if you build it they will come" philosophy that underpinned retail in the U.S. for a VERY long time. This shopping center only happened because of unwarranted optimism and possibly a good number of "greased palms" (if you get what I mean by that).

[@mcain2911]

That artwork makes the place look worse because it’s just a series of random photos that don’t make sense.

[@BlargGargle]

I wouldn't mind a nice cheeseburger after a massage, though

[@BrianBBBB]

@@BlargGargle What about a cheeseburger during a massage?

[@BillLaBrie]

How about a picture of someone eating a cheeseburger while giving a massage?

[@SearsCool]

The sprinklers in front of the movie theater look depressing, I don't get why they added a fountain. Also the lake is beautiful

[@stopsign515]

its like what happens after some alone time with the spouse and you go to the washroom

[@jtlovescodelyoko]

Hearing Erik being negative about a Shopping Center, That's a 1st

[@paulnubreu6887]

Many times and it hurt the video.

[@its__Ev]

Knowing his real name feels like forbidden information

[@missalphabet87]

As someone who is really not outdoors-y, I was pretty dang impressed with Bass Pro Shops. I'd love to see a video.

[@seoulalone2420]

I look forward to these videos so much. Eric's voice is so calming... I left Phoenix back in 2003 so I unfortunately wasn't able to go to a lot of these places.

[@dog1331]

I remember in the late 2000s when it opened there were bars and Howie's video games, cigar shop, barber shop, now the whole building behind Bass Pro is deserted. Sad.

[@silicon212]

This all used to be 'farmland'. As recently as late 2005, this was all an open field. The Cinemark was the first building built and opened up. I think it was built in 2006. Tempe Marketplace was built upon automotive junkyards. Both were built out / opened roughly during the same time frame.

[@jcp012000]

Nothing says it's finally Friday like a great video from Retail Archeology!

[@AriKona]

Mesa Riverview is Mesa's response to Tempe Town Lake (or something like that as they were built about the same time. Mesa had some of it stores already there so they were stuck with some of the layout. Tempe started with almost a clean slate so it could put the stores where they wanted. So, Tempe Town Lake will not likely be on your video list as it will remain active as long as ASU stays were it is. Riverview was an extension of the upgrade in the area. Had you been here many years ago, the whole thing was nothing more than a river (Salt River) which went from dry to flooded throughout the year. In fact, in February of 1978, the river flooded and you could not make it from Mesa to Phoenix unless you went to the Mill Avenue bridge. The origin of the terms "lake" and "river" come from the fact that this was (and is) the Salt River. The man made "lake" was a Tempe project to enhance the shopping experience and provide an area where additional housing for ASU students and businesses could locate. So, Mesa Riverview was the "extension" along the Salt River that never made it the way Tempe Town Lake did. They do still have Famous Dave's BBQ and Bass Pro Shop as well as a couple of car dealerships, so it will probably be there for a while.

[@ev4n5eli0n01]

That Neo Geo intro is such a niche touch. Seeing you go through all these places as a local is a lot of fun as I can relate. Haven’t been to Riverview but I can definitely tell why Tempe Marketplace is the more successful venue.

[@atrapforfools]

Highlight of my day when a new RA video drops!

[@Melvin-belvin]

Crazy to hear about chunks of this mall had already been demolished due to size.

[@SynchroSk8]

Loved your coverage of this. Honestly, I’ve only been there for the Cinamark movie theater. They tend to hold one off events and being a big Trekkie, I’m always willing to drive from north central Phoenix to see Wrath of Khan on the big screen. They also let you bring your Harkins cup for soda. It’s a fun looking theater inside as well, different than our typical Harkins and AMCs in the valley. But I had to laugh that the only time I go to this mammoth shopping thing, is for the movie theater. Thank you for pointing out the chimney cake place. I’ve never heard of it and it looks like something that this sweet tooth could handle 😂 Keep up the awesome coverage of these retail places! -Bree

[@cranklabexplosion-labcentr8245]

Toby Keith had a bar there and they really pressed that you love it and it was your favorite place to eat.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

Keith had a large 🍽 bar-venue in metro Orlando FL. I dont think it stayed open even 4mo. That was 4yr ago. Ole Red put a Orlando location nearby that has opened-closed due to CoVid19 😷.

[@Flamingbro69]

Found it on Google Street View, it was called “Toby Keith’s I ❤️ This Bar & Grill”

[@cylexxxicago]

Because he's an asshead.

[@geopupps]

They had one on the west side of town too and they also took location that was going to be Rascal Flatts restaurant @ city north. I think there was fraud behind them and they have all since closed down. Even Rascal Flatts released a statement that they were in no relation to the company building their restaurant’s. That they just let them use their name and logo.

[@susanwojcickisasshole9511]

There's one here in Vegas at Harrah's on the stRIP.

[@SeaBassTian]

OMG that chimney cake looks so scrumptious, it would be worth the trip to Mesa!

[@MissMTurner]

Don't know if I'll notice?? I was practically yelling at my tablet, "OOH DELOREAN!!" 😆

[@jasonthomas1628]

Hahaha I was definitely doing the same on my computer.

[@Murrlin27]

RIGHT? :)

[@Chronicallymanette]

Me too I’m going to check that spot out

[@zcb477]

Also I love Bass Pro Shops. Most crazy one is in Vegas though at the Silverton Casino. Definitely worth a check if you're in the area. It has a huge tank with all sorts of fish. The silverton also has an aquarium that has shows with a girl dressed like a mermaid and waves to the kids (one of the things that's still free).

[@animeshock2006]

Yeah those empty retail spots look like they half done for future tennats and no tennants actually occupied it

[@martharetallick204]

You wouldn't be wrong. I see the same thing in Tucson

[@max_power8510]

Thanks for reviewing this place. I actually didn't know it existed until I watched this video. That ice cream place looks awesome and I definitely think they'll get a bit more business from this video. As for you question on filming the Bass Pro Shop, definitely do it.

[@dsouth7754]

Oooh, that chimney cake looks mighty tasty! Gonna have to figure out how to make one for the summer.

[@alexctucson]

Right on about the improper use of land in the Phoenix area! We need much more affordable housing instead of overblown retail space. I love going to malls and shopping centers just like you do. But our development priorities desperately need to change.

[@benjaminterrazas7294]

It seemed odd that something like this would be built when Tempe Marketplace is so close. I “heard” Tempe and Mesa were supposedly going to have a joint venture with the two spaces, but it didn’t work out. And that this was a potential spot for the Cardinals Stadium.

[@jjburich]

Great look at this place, Erik. The only reason I've ever been to Mesa Riverview was to visit the Bass Pro Shop. I always thought this was Mesa's sad attempt to copy Tempe's successful Marketplace, as you pointed out. Sad that this shopping center and the freeway killed the frisbee golf course at the old Riverview Park.

[@noxyburd]

This seems to be a formula in the mid 2000's. Pacific Commons in Fremont, CA was exactly the same. So much parking, ate up a wetland (that will be desperately needed in the future), and seems to only get people to come in because it's next to a freeway.

[@AbcDef-iq4no]

I lived in Tucson for a number of years. On a visit to Tempe once (in mid-1998) my friend I was visiting took me to Old Town Tempe. At the time there was a local ruckus over the ppossible demise of an historic theater in Old Town. Eventually the theater was razed and then rebuilt to look exactly like the old one! It was ludicrous and bizarre. The argument at the time was that a new theater would support the shops there in Old Town. I left Arizona in early 1998 so I never heard any more about this situation. Maybe it would be an interesting adventure? Also,I don't know how hard it would be to come by but any commercials featuring former Gov Rose Moford but would be funny to see again.We called her Madame per the puppet from the same era. Also there was a Crazy Eddy character who had wild commercials for a furniture store on south 22and St. in Tucson in the 80s and 90s where he ended every commercial with, "...and baby it's a gonga!" Thanks for your videos they are very iinteresting and entertaining.

[@MsSelfloather]

I'm down for a bass pro shop vid but honestly I'd watch you walk around any store.

[@chetpomeroy1399]

It's interesting that the mall property is owned by Kimco, which also owns Factoria Marketplace in Bellevue, Washington -- a remodeled 1970's-era indoor mall. It *still* gets pretty busy on the weekends, though.

[@Pugetwitch]

Dude, can you go and make a video on the Tucson swap meet sometime? That would be freaking awesome. I used to love going to that place and I bet it would get tons of views because it's so unique.

[@rosebaby808]

I lived in the area in 2006. I remember getting fliers in the mail to vote No on building the marketplace. They said it was too much retail space for the area and that it would kill the Fiesta Mall. Boy were they right. I voted No on it because I didn't think it made sense to build all that stuff in that area, but the 202 was a new upcoming highway in that area at the time and I guess the developers wanted to cash in.

[@erinmarsh3934]

I literally just got home from Joann at Riverview when I saw this lol. It's funny because when I was there I was thinking about how unwalkable the whole place is and how I've maybe only been to the back outdoor mall area like once or twice. I also had no idea they demolished part of that area and it's always been weird to me how Riverview and Tempe Marketplace are right down the street from each other. My roommate and I used to go to the Logan's Roadhouse in college but I think it's been closed for a few years now. I really only go to Riverview if I need something for Joann or want to get food from Rubio's or Fired Pie.

[@roseprevost8081]

There's a Boy Scout shop here in MD, by the airport in a strip shopping center.

[@geopupps]

That’s the only reason we go to Mesa Riverview is the Bass Pro. Our goal is to visit all of them all around the country and Canada. The Cabela’s as well.

[@ced1106]

SHOPPING + DINING + ENTERTAINMENT + WALKING + WALKING + WALKING Thanks for the videos!!! 💲💲💲

[@thestoredude3295]

Riverview is in my future. The closed stores in the power center portion were Kirkland's, Catherine's and Famous footwear, which is litterly in Tempe Marketplace.

[@dongilleo9743]

I've lived near this area for nearly fifty years. Back then it was mostly just wild, dry river bottom. As a kid I would ride my bicycle all around there. People would actually go shooting in the river bottom. I would go around and collect the empty brass, thinking that I could someday melt it all down and make a fortune selling it. Over the decades there have been numerous projects suggested for the area, almost exclusively by the city elite movers and shakers who wanted to move Mesa from being a sleepy, boring suburb to something more exciting, and hopefully with greater revenue possibilities. At various times they suggested an NFL stadium for the AZ Cardinals, a hockey arena for the Coyotes, a destination five star hotel, a giant indoor water park, etc. The water park seemed to have no plan for where the water would come from. The City was ready to give away the farm in tax credits and funding to attract a developer. Several times crews would begin to work the land, only to stop within a week or two when there was some problem. A city vote actually approved the water park idea by a small margin, only to have the developer's bank funding to fall through. Another problem is that the area is directly under the landing path of big jets landing at Sky Harbor airport further to the west, which meant there were always going to be height restrictions. The big Bass Pro Shop was suppose to be another "destination attraction" to draw shoppers to the area. The whole complex has always seemed to be less than full. As stated in the video, the various parts of the complex are to far apart to walk from store to store like you would with an indoor mall. You literally have to drive from one part of the complex to another.

[@max_power8510]

Video Suggestion: I'm guessing you have already considered doing a video on Castles 'n' Coasters and if not, I think that would be a great video for this channel. I know it is a theme park rather than a strict retail outlet, but since it has been with Metro Center for so long now and Metro Center is gone now, R.I.P., I feel as if it this place definitely needs to be on this channel. I think a lot of people, including myself, who watch this channel have been there a few times back as a kid, so it would be nice to see a video shot in the easy and laid back format we enjoy. It would be a good excuse to take the family out and you could knock out some footage at the same time. Thanks.

[@Stalkinurmom8673]

Another top notch video.

[@narcopsy]

Been watching your videos for a while now, they are very enjoyable, thanks for making them

[@nemesisconvoy86]

I used to go to that plaza often in the past. I worked for Fry's Electronics and some vendors like HP would have "Retail training Nights" where they would fill us ion on new products and then let us see a movie. back when the plaza opened, there used to be a Toby Keith's I Love This bar, the Howie's like someone mentioned and I can't remember the name, but there was also this awesome mom and pop videogame game store. The plaza never did come to it's potential because like you said, there was already a bunch of shopping in the area.

[@beny.391]

Yes to the Bass Pro Shop video. Double yes if somehow you ever get out to Memphis TN and do their Bass Pro Shop.

[@DrJav1977]

Bass Pro tour would be great. Thank you for working so hard on these videos.

[@MrAaronj83]

That park used to have lots of great, large trees.... then when they built the Cubs stadium it was "redeveloped" for a generic grassland and water suburb park.

[@87teggy]

Let's not forget the golf course...I kind of wish I had videos of the whole area before the development. Everything has changed.

[@thejuiceisloose]

There's only two reasons to go to Riverview: Bass Pro Shops and Cinemark. Especially since the Rosati's Pizza closed. RIP Tuesday night trivia.

[@Javitheloser]

Definitely wanna try one of those Chimney Cakes after seeing this!😋

[@mikesexplorations9314]

YES! Please cover a Bass Pro Shop!I have been to only 1 once in my lifetime, maybe 20 years ago now. I remember it being really awesome. It is a retail store but the one I visited had awesome decor, huge fish tanks, climbing wall, little kids play area, and I think a fitness center. They sell outdoors stuff, sports gear, tents, shoes, boats, shirts, pants, camo, binoculars, outdoor games and much more.

[@AbcDef-iq4no]

One factor which I think needs to be mentioned in the struggle of our retail sector is over- duplication / over-saturation. Big box stores definitely come to mind on that note, sucas Bed, Bath & Beyond (aka Bad Breath & Beyond). Tthese behemouths sell exactly what Sears, Penny's and aall other departments sold. Then we'be got humungous office supply stores such as Office Max etc all selling exactly what Target and Walmart are selling. To make matters worse these useless big box stores have mostly been used as anchors at big strip malls, which was nothing but a recipe for disaster. The fall of rretail will really be seen when these giant big box stores fail which I predict will be seen in 2022.

[@cw50must]

That area where they demolished the buildings is actually more walkable now. It had like a main street feel before. there was a drivable street down the middle. The part at the very end of the road (the revelry now)was a Toby Keiths bar and grill on one side and across the other side was another bar I forgot the name and then Howies game shack. It was somewhat happening night life for a while. This opened at a bad time, during the last recession. There was much more planned and since the recession hit many tenants did not move in. There was even a Johnny Rockets planned down by the theater but it never happened.

[@chrismyghostwriter]

It used to be a Cactus Moon Sports Bar. My friends and I used to go out there back in the day...was a lot of fun.

[@aceboogalooace1311]

I remember that used to be a small park/ big dirt field, shout out Mesa

[@BreakTime10101]

You should do Tempe Market place as well.

[@pinball541]

Erik, as far as Bass Pro Shops go. If you film it we will watch! I have been there myself, that place is massive! Hello from Maricopa Arizona!🔥

[@phylanx1]

Yes to bass pro shops vid. also need to check out the chimney cakes now. Looked real good

[@Ash-op2ql]

I live a few minutes away and I really like river view, but I also don’t see it like a mall I guess. Mostly, it’s a place for convenient take out and big box stores for me.

[@AmbientWalking]

It's always such a pleasure watching the way you record the world. I really like it. Thanks so much... : )

[@ragzaugustus]

All that green grass, for a city in the fucking desert, sure is a wonderful idea.

[@Moonbeam143]

That is a nice theater. I always liked theaters, but ever since I worked at one a couple of years ago, I started liking them more.

[@lilliearizona]

I wish that they would multi use purpose that land for retail an affordable housing. Rather than all those empty shops. I used to actually daydream of buying an old circle K and making it my living space. Just a dream. But the huge front windows just seemed like an amazing loft space.

[@sherrybell3924]

This video is so nice I viewed it twice :-) All of your content is not only very entertaining but humorous and charming as well. I always look forward to a new release of a Retail Archeology video. Your channel comes highly recommended. Thank you, Sir!

[@danieljw321]

That Bass Pro is pretty awesome for the outdoors type.

[@jo.sevigny]

I guess you visited during the fall ? I can see Halloween decorations at 12:27 !

[@Idelia412]

I think indoor malls are on the way out except a few. Outside malls seem the way retail is headed, however, brick and morter places just cannot ever compete with online shopping. I generally only buy shoes at retail, most everything else is done online. To walk around endlessly searching for something you want at brick or morter places when you can find it quickly on the web makes more sense along with being cheaper.

[@chrismyghostwriter]

Back in the day I used to live down the road from here and my friends and I used to go out to Cactus Moon all the time...had a lot of fun there. It's changed a lot since then, though.

[@JazzyBabe56]

I enjoyed the vid - at present however I do agree that everywhere is over-retailed - up here in Canada you can't even go into a store....I"ve been on and off locked down since March of 2020 and its getting to be a bit of a drag -- I"d love to go shopping or do something but its just stupid up here...at least I get to live vicariously thru your vids so thanx for this... ♥

[@AtomicAgePictures]

I don't know about being overbuilt retail or a waste of space however I do know that anytime I've been there in the evening whether it's a weeknight or weekend it's impossible to find a place to park. I think people are there for the restaurants and honestly for the strip mall section. I've never actually been in the walk around the mall area.

[@davinp]

At my Potomac Mills Mall in Virginia, they've added 2 entertainment venues - Round 1 Bowling and another one.

[@AZDeathMetal]

I used to go to Howie's Gameshack ALL THE TIME with my friends after high school, since my school was right down the street from Riverview. I have a ton of memories here. We used to play games there until 3am.

[@KALAIII1]

yeah, video on bass pro shops wouldnt hurt, give it a shot

[@ampersand2001]

Bass Pro Shop would be interesting! I enjoy some of the overwhelming and unique features of those stores, even though I don't camp or do "ourdoorsy" things. I just love walking around and getting a few packs of astronaut ice cream if they aren't broken up too much

[@azisles02]

I used to go often when I had a cousin that lived in Mesa & we would meet at the Toby Keith I Love This Bar & Grill that used to be there. He moved to Scottsdale and I know the bar/grill closed. It's been a while since I've been there.

[@camree2408]

One of the best things about my Fridays! Also, have you ever thought about doing a Q&A video?

[@Chronicallymanette]

I would hope that instead of building more retail spaces that Phoenix would build more housing space. I was born here and never in my life have I had a problem finding a place until this year. Because of it I opted to move to buckeye Arizona. I’m going to miss the city because it’s all I have ever known but Phoenix is growing way to fast.

[@TheRealCapnJack]

I remember stopping at this one 3 years ago while on business, looking for someplace to eat. Turned out the place on googlemaps was closed up. This kind of place seems common in AZ.

[@siktaho83]

Bass Pro Shop...do it! Never even knew we had a Mesa River View here, total news to me.

[@darktetsuya]

yknow what sure sign me up for the bass pro shop tour. :P the makeshift fountain cam video was neat I bet it was even more impressive back when it was working. also betting that retro place will be really cool when its done, guessing the delorean is part of the motif there?

[@Flamingbro69]

The storefronts at 5:20 Used to be Famous Footwear, Catherines Plus Sizes, and Kirkland’s Home and the store at 5:58 was a Rue 21

[@paulknight532]

I really like the Riverview Park with the lake running through it and I wouldn't say no to a chimney cake, they look awesome!! :)

[@appalachianwoman561]

This place looks so much like The Pinnacle shops at Bristol, TN even down to the theaters looking similar. Please, pretty please do a video on Bass Pro, the one over at Bristol is lovely with a nice home like fireplace and a huge fish tank along with stuffed bears etc they're really neat and for the people that have never been in one they'd love it.

[@endruv_2287]

I wouldn't say Kimco is all bad. A new highway went up a few years ago and they built a massive shopping center there as well, maybe even larger than Riverview. However, that shopping center is doing really well because it has a great location. What I find strange is how heavily they brand their locations. It's not often I can recognize a retail developer.

[@Austin.D]

yeah i liked to see a video or two of you covering Bass pro shops and outdoor worlds

[@Shadowbass]

I live near the original Bass Pro in Springfield MO. I would love to see what the Phoenix one is like. While I have lived in mo 40 years, I grew up in Arizona, so I love your show. Tucson Globe and Tombstone, Sierra Vista areas where we lived plant still live in Tucson

[@my3dprintedlife]

Riverview park is a great place! It has that splash pad and a huge climbing structure.

[@Railfan77]

It be a great idea to do one covering Bass Pro Shops, not to mention they also own Cabela’s.

[@jeffrapier947]

I like the entrance gazebo at the beginning of the video and that back walking area looks nice, but yes, it's really just a big strip mall. As far as the scout shop goes, when I was growing up, the main place to shop at was Pomeroy's on Main in downtown Mesa for scouting gear and books. Also, I would go hog wild on one of those chimney cakes.

[@cyberi4a]

I'm not a walk around a mall/shopping center type guy. I would go there for a certain store and then leave, so a place like this wouldn't appeal to me. And for a chain store, they are everywhere so one somewhere else may be a better option to get in and out of quicker. Bass Pro Shops are like a sports amusement park, so is like a mall, so do a profile on one.

[@bradleypollack5658]

I don’t understand why the hell all these malls are moving to outdoor malls in Arizona!! It’s so freaking hot in Arizona in the summer for 6 months out of the year!

[@DialHoang]

I'd love to see a Bass Pro Shops video! The nearest one to me is quite far away and I'd like to see what it's like inside.

[@hollyarmstrong2293]

The leasing art work looks great to me. It looks very professional. It's nice to see the effort.

[@qcriderbrandon9047]

I would love to see a Bass Pro video! Out of all the years ive lived in the Phoenix area, I only visit Mesa Riverview for the Bass Pro Shop. I also thought how weird it was being so close to Tempe Marketplace!

[@drscopeify]

Another great video. Looks like they over estimated the need for retail at least at the time it was planned.

[@sylkates]

Something about this place slightly reminded me of a mall called Legacy Village in Cleveland, Ohio. It's just fully a fake town. Have you ever been to a mall like that? It has a town's square and everything.

[@DanielHaanpaa]

What type of camera are you using for your smooth camera work? Awesome videos

[@rick2Tails]

I never thought there was anything that would drive me there.I think the only place/reason I`ve gone there is the Cracker Barrell .And now that they built one out on Higley,I dont see any reason to go there. I think the thought process for the place was Chicago tourists wanting to see the Cubs would make the place busy during spring training and the strip mall aspects would drive traffic along with the Bass shop. That combined with a panic about Tempe Marketplace draining away shopping revenue after Chandler mall drove away a lot of mall shopping from Mesa and they just floundered about in desperation. I mean Fiesta mall did die and so did Tri City Mall. They figured they needed to go big but they only built big.They didnt go big as far as stores or exclusive thigs that would drive anyone there other then the bass pro shop. (which personally I have no interest in )

[@texasrox2010]

Yes there is too much retail space and yes a video on Bass Pro Shops would be awesome.

[@manga_spawn2662]

I used to go to a barber shop and cigar shop here when I lived in az. It was way to big and spread out. We’d go to the Walmart and maybe a few other places but yeah it was giant.

[@andrefecteau]

early 90s the first 'super malls" were amazing in Phoenix...

[@bananajoe9951]

"Plus it was getting a little warm" Checks weather for the day: High of 100F Yep you live in AZ alright.

[@StLouis-yu9iz]

Do Bass Pro Shop! The one in Memphis is crazy lol

[@bennetfox]

I've always wanted to know, is that all you do in Phoenix is shop? There's more malls there than we have traffic lights in Portland!

[@vilaintrolltrollinsky8007]

I know nothing about Bass pro shop, but do it. You make everything look great, or interesting. We follow you to see stuff we know and stuff we do not know.