Dead Mall: Eastern Hills Mall - Williamsville, NY *CLOSED*

Dead Mall: Eastern Hills Mall - Williamsville, NY *CLOSED*. Opened November 8, 1971. Officially closed January 14, 2024. This beautifully aesthetic mall served Western New York and the Buffalo area for many, many years as the largest shopping mall until Walden Galleria opened in 1989. Not only would Walden Galleria become the largest mall in the area, but it would take a lot of the business away from Eastern Hills, ultimately dishing it its death blow. Sales declined for many years, and little by little, stores left, and so did anchors. The food court became vacant several years ago.
Now, in 2024, the mall closes for good to be redeveloped into a mixed-use property as well as residential apartments. Stores inside of the mall have been evicted unless they have an exterior door in which people can access the stores. Those with exterior entrances are remaining open.
It was a good run and a beautiful mall. It's sad to see this aesthetic gem shut down. This was my final visit to the mall as it stands in January 2024. Enjoy.
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#deadmall #easternhills #buffalo

[@oliveloaf333]

The cats are safe!! Ten Lives Club is moving to a nearby plaza!

[@WallieB26]

That's great to hear!!! 😊❤️

[@jamesgarasiun5082]

AWESOME !!!! Thank u loaf !!!! 🤘

[@jamesgarasiun5082]

Cats🐱 🐈 🐈‍⬛

[@natashanicole8762]

Thank God

[@wilE6764]

What does that mean😂

[@MsAllimack]

The sad thing about malls dying off is it takes away opportunity for people to get out and about when the weather is bad. A lot of malls even had “walkers clubs” which helped encourage physical fitness for the elderly and disabled. They would do special events in the winter to help with “cabin fever” such as RV shows, boat shows, etc. Technology is nice, but at the end of the day people need people. And being able to touch and feel what you are going to buy actually makes shopping more fun.

[@WallieB26]

I couldn't agree more. There were quite a lot of mall walkers during my visit, but it's just sadly too late.

[@barbaraweiss3119]

Eastern Hills had a very active mall walking presence! Not sure where those folks will go now! Sad!

[@Patrico-tl3md]

Technology has ruined too much!!

[@GeneralGorillaSonicOC]

People are lazy.

[@jasonwilliams6005]

I miss working and shopping there. It was a great mall....it was almost 100% occupied when i worked there in the 90s. Loved it

[@rosepetals3752]

I love that mall, I worked at Sears and AM&A's also I met my husband there and we have been married for 34 years. That mall has happy memories for me. 😊

[@joej3365]

Love it Wally, i remember coming here as a kid when they had the animatronic bears and a GameStop. I got my first dsi at that GameStop when out of the blue my dad surprised me and by brother and upgraded our ds lites. That is an extremely fond memory. I would always go here with my grandma or my mom and go to the food court with coins and get these little squishy toys from the vending machines.

[@danielhedrick5886]

That was a nice looking mall.i miss the days when malls had lively aesthetics.

[@gmanandhislady]

Love the 80s music echoing through. PERFECT setup of atmosphere. I'm glad I got to experience the joy of shopping in the mall as a kid in the 90s, even though shopping malls were on there way out even then.

[@WallieB26]

I'm glad you enjoyed! I wish I could have seen this place in its prime. Thank you for the kind words!

[@wilE6764]

How so?...there is still Walden Galleria and fashion outlet mall in Niagara falls think there were just too many..is the boulevard mall closed?

[@Camaro69z]

I had a store here and signed a 1 year lease and then found out 2 days later via letter we all had to leave by 1/14/24. We had a fun little group of mostly small businesses trying to find our niche. Many were just finding it to make a decent living before the closure news. Luckily, we have all moved on to better avenues.

[@willcartoons]

This mall had some really cool art deco vibes! Always hard to see these malls die off or get redeveloped into lifestyle centers. Great video 👍

[@tigerlily102511]

How sad. I've been going to this mall since I was a teen.

[@smooch6581]

AWESOME video Wallie!!! It's a crying shame to see all these great malls wilting on the vines. It looks like they should be able to retain a decent amount of stores with exterior entrances.

[@WallieB26]

It is a shame. To my understanding, approximately 19 tenants will be able to remain open. Mister Christmas will be open but their entrance will literally be their backroom door in a corner of the mall that's hard to see. I pray they do well. They were such nice people.

[@Patrico-tl3md]

​@WallieB26 Long time friends of mine..they've worked their asses off for that store but don't hold your breath this town is greedy & will probably let it all go to these developers

[@lisadungan9276]

Absolutely loved this video. I think you did an amazing job, as usual. The music compliments the video perfectly. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it. So sad it’s closing though, the aesthetics were breathtaking.

[@WallieB26]

I'm so glad you enjoyed. I know I'm not the best but I tried my best on this video to make it as I wanted. It's sad this place is closing. Eastern Hills was an aesthetic gem. I loved it.

[@jenniferburchill3658]

I love how this place had esthetics, and wasn't just some black/grey/white sterile set of hallways.

[@nicolemacpherson3908]

Very sad this mall is closing. This looks like a very nice mall. But this is a sign in today's world of online shopping. Great video! The one little kitty looked like he was meditating, as he had his eyes closed! Adorable!

[@DanielRidgewell]

Every mall are not build by Public Transit according to Adam Something.

[@jenniferdrummond2809]

So sad the mall is closing. I remember in 1990 skipping school with my boyfriend and going to the mall to watch the Turkey Drop that was inspired by WKRP in Cincinnati. I worked at Litmans and Zales jewelers. That was so much fun in the 90’s. Great mall. I do remember the morning mall walkers too. So sad that it’s closing, but understandable. So many malls closing across the country. This for sharing!

[@melbrown6019]

This was a great video! I loved the cats. I saw one thar looked just like one of my cats. I’m so sad this mall is closed! I really loved it! The aesthetics were so retro and neat looking. I’m glad you were able to one last visit.

[@FrankTech]

Many many many great memories here.. thanks for posting!

[@danhan2124]

Thanks for making this video. I really wanted to go walk the mall one last time but never made it there. I have very fond memories of going there with my parents when I was a kid. Back then the mall was booming, probably mid to late 70s. I never could have dreamed that malls would become empty shells of what they once were. Thanks again, so much, for taking the time to make this video!

[@chadsullivan8013]

This was my Childhood Mall.. so many friday nights going to the movies and walking the stores to look for girls i never was able to approach and say hi too.. oh.. the memories... GoodBye Eastern Hills Mall....

[@chrissasandlin8344]

Wow. Did not expect that interior after the outside.

[@iankrest3035]

It was so beautiful man.

[@markvolpe2305]

The pink zig zag pattern on the floor followed a same red neon lights zig zag pattern on the ceiling. I'm going to miss this mall, I usually preferred going to this mall than the Galleria back in the day. As far as Niagara Emporium, the son is taking over and is downsizing, they're moving on Main Street across from the Buffalo Brew Pub in the plaza where Dad's is.

[@WallieB26]

Thanks for the info! I'm glad Niagara Emporium will still exist at least. Shame it couldn't stay. I'm going to miss this place.

[@703am]

the mall looks to be in pretty good shape, sad it's closing but at least some of the stores will still remain open. Loved the Christmas trees etc.

[@Spokaneexploration]

Absolutely love the old style parking light fixtures so old school definitely early '70s

[@JeremysRetailExploration]

Great video as always Wallie! So sad to see a mall like this go. I love the fountains here, and I also like those aesthetic lights!

[@WallieB26]

Thank you! Yeah, Eastern Hills has always been one of my favourite malls in terms of aesthetics. Those lights need to be saved! I would take one if I could!

[@JeremysRetailExploration]

@WallieB26 Oh yeah, definitely! Those lights would make an awesome lamp!

[@alexweinsheimer2984]

Great video so sad to see one of my local malls close

[@WallieB26]

Thank you. Yeah, I hate seeing this aesthetic gem close.

[@WallieB26]

Stay tuned, btw. While I was in town, I also filmed Boulevard Mall.

[@alexweinsheimer2984]

@@WallieB26 I was going to tell you I sold film that mall can’t wait to see that video

[@shmittyfloors4870]

Used to skate board through here after work at brennans down the parking lot, to the pool hall in the back. Only got yelled at once loll. Will miss it for sure❤

[@amandaclick3590]

Wallie, the kitties are so cute! ❤ Great mall video! 😄 Love it

[@WallieB26]

Glad you enjoyed! I wanted the cow cat so badly!

[@amandaclick3590]

@@WallieB26 I know! My kitties are doing alright! One of them are in my room laying down in my bed and the other kitty cat is in the other room somewhere with my mom.

[@TheCabbagequeen]

Thanks, Wallie, for capturing the Eastern Hills Mall for the final time. I had also watched Ace's subsequent video, and he, in addition to seeing the fountain and the storefronts, explored a hidden store towards the inside of the ex-Hengerer's/Sibley's/Kaufmann's/Macy's/Niagara Emporium. It was part of local Buffalo men's store chain known as Kleinhans, same name as downtown Buffalo's famous music hall. Check out his video when you get the chance.

[@francesricheal9861]

Thank you for filming this! I did not get a chance to get over there before they closed! As a Buffalo gal it is sad to see all these malls closing. Fond memories of shopping and visiting the mall,especially at Christmas time.

[@Michael_Hannah]

I always enjoy your videos Wally! Glad you’re doing well.

[@WallieB26]

Thank you very much!

[@lindamikel1842]

Awesome Video Wallie

[@WallieB26]

Thank you!

[@crystalscan2002]

i love those mall exterior street lamps so old and so cool

[@WallieB26]

Thank you!

[@derrickhough5854]

I used to work there back in the 90s at Sears back then it was considered an upscale Mall because of the location there were never any vacancies and it was busy all times

[@jeee1074]

Ownership should have kept the center corridor open at the mall and let businesses move there. That area is just too good and should not be destroyed. You did an excellent job of documenting this mall!

[@JacLynMI]

Great video, Wallie - and congrats on 60k subscribers! 🎉

[@WallieB26]

Thank you very much!

[@heathersmith4608]

Thank you for this video. I have so many wonderful memories of shopping there with my mom and then with my son and my mom. (Early 1970's - early 2000's) Loved it at Christmas time with the decorations and my son loved to ride the train. Makes me so sad that it's closed. Wish I could have gone back for one last walk through.

[@djk2884]

nicely done Wallie B. Thanks for posting,

[@randyarnold5494]

I live across the border but ive been there and also been into Duffs a few times. It was slowly dying ten years (or more) ago unfortunately

[@Rich_Mantz]

I just want to inform you about another mall that is closing on January 31st. It is the Harrisburg Mall. Formerly known as the Harrisburg East Mall. If I recall correctly, you did a video about the abandoned Toys-R-Us, which is detached from the mall. There are also many buildings across the street from the mall that are about to be demolished due to a highway expansion project. There is also an abandoned Popeyes in Harrisburg. It is on Cameron St. off I-81. It has been closed since April 2023. All the lights are still on including the outside menu board.

[@WallieB26]

I may be coming out there to check it out. I am not 100% sure yet but I will try. My cousin lives in Harrisburg so it would be a double win to visit/film the mall and see my cousin again who had to miss Christmas due to having covid.

[@evanwilliams6406]

This mall was built by the Edward Debartolo Corporation headed up by Edward Debartolo, Sr. His son Edward Jr. was the owner the San Francisco 49ers during their Super Bowl winning years.

[@patriciaroberts308]

GO NINERS!!! ✨💖✨

[@shannonyoast6906]

As always great video. 👍

[@WallieB26]

Thank you very much!

[@RichardGarza-zo9mo]

The great thing about the malls is walking around, checking out prices of items, seeing movies, and eating at food courts. Getting out of the house for a while.

[@danielgawrys1382]

Thanks for sharing this video and for all the work and research you put into it. When I lived in the area, in my teenage years, late 70's early 80's that was the main mall I would go to. Back then virtually every store was occupied and had plenty of people milling about. Spent time in the record store (every mall had to have a record store), the arcade playing games like Pac Man & Defender, saw some movies at the cinema like The Terminator & The Jerk. They even had a Roy Rogers restaurant for a while, the only one I have ever seen or been to, as I recall it was pretty good. This past summer I was up visiting my family and was waiting for a repair on my Mom's SUV to be completed I decided to walk over to pass the time. Have to say it was pretty sad seeing all the empty stores and lack of people. It was much like your video except back then in the summer there was no Mr Christmas display. Hope the next phase of redevelopment will give the place some good use. Thanks again for the video, well done.

[@WallieB26]

Thank you for sharing your story. I hadn't been to the mall in a few years but I know the owner of Mister Christmas had said their displays took 4 years to build. I hate that the mall is closing but with redevelopment, it shouldn't be sitting and taking up so much empty space.

[@jamesgarasiun5082]

Wallie! CAN YOU BRING BACK WEIRD-O SERIES AND ALSO- WEEKENDS WITH WALLIE!!!!!!!! Com’on BIG MAN ! BRING EM BACK Wall!! LOVE THE MALL Vidz!!!!!! 🤘

[@adamsATSfan415]

Awesome video Wallie I remember when you filmed this 4 years ago :)

[@WallieB26]

Thank you. Yeah, my filming skills weren't nearly as good as I'd like to think they are today. I'm not perfect by any means but I would like to think I'm much better now than I was 4 years ago.

[@barbaraweiss3119]

Thanks for this video! I really enjoyed seeing the mall through your lens and reminiscing about all of its history. I remember when it was built! Sad to see it go…I have lots of good memories there over the years. I was exercising in the gym (next to Mr. Christmas) 2-3 times a week right up to the last day. I also volunteer with 10 Lives Club (in a different location) and I assure you that all kitties are fine!

[@jasenbooker340]

Saw this video come up in my feed and went awe man Wallie was in town again.

[@WallieB26]

I hope you enjoyed the video!

[@slackingpacking]

Wow this mall is very nice! I love the aesthetics! So nice! There’s also a mall In St. Joseph, MO with a similar name and that place is dead too.

[@WallieB26]

East Hills Mall. I heard about that place. Yeah, it's a shame something this nice looking is getting erased.

[@jaimienichols5649]

Awesome Wallie

[@WallieB26]

Thank you!

[@kimiastewart6293]

😻 Thank you for sharing the kitties Wallie 😻

[@WallieB26]

Of course! I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@tonyarea5402]

​@@WallieB26I have a kitty named carly she's a calico cat

[@jeffreybaker100]

I was in there yesterday afternoon and recorded with my phone a walk through the inside area. I felt sad knowing this mall is going to be a piece of the past😢

[@LikeImSure]

So many memories! Worked at Suncoast Motion Picture Company, Merry-Go-Round, Camelot Music, Spencers and the movie theatres. Went there often as a kid with my Mom and remember Friendly’s, Woolworth, Hot Sam, Original Cookie, etc. I remember when the food court was full - BK, Ted’s Hot Dogs, Tijuana Taco, Arby’s, Subway, Charley’s Steakery, Scotto Pizza.

[@lisafreeman4222]

Awesome video I love that waterfall

[@WallieB26]

Thank you!

[@user-fy1qi5lp8t]

Remind me of the Easton mall when you went there in Columbus Ohio. Thanks for sharing buddy

[@WallieB26]

Glad you enjoyed! Are you thinking Eastland Mall in Columbus? I miss that place! It's hard to believe with as few a malls I've filmed in comparison to others that several have closed their doors forever since my videos. Eastland was one, Chapel Hill, Chambersburg, and this one just to name a few.

[@IanMicheal]

Nice production... doing great! Lovin your channel. Thanks WallieB26!

[@5ch3nk]

Fun Fact: This is the mall that the song "Weezer - In the Mall" is about. As the drummer Pat Wilson grew up in Clarence. I've got a lot of great memories tied to this mall. From my mom taking us there as kids, to hanging out here as teenagers with my friends, or even as an adult just walking around and window shopping. It's been sad to see so many shops leaving over the last 10-15 years, it becoming basically just thrift/antique stores, and now it closing down.

[@drivingbackroadsofgeorgia]

it makes it even more epic with the snow

[@12HpyPaws]

Nice to see that it was still nice inside. A lot of drying malls are dumpy looking.

[@WallieB26]

Yeah, it makes it that much more sad that something this aesthetically pleasing is going to be wiped away from existence. I wish there was a way I could get a light to save.

[@stacymcfarland7720]

Damn Wallie! Great Dead Mall with awesome VaporWave 🔥😍

[@WallieB26]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed!

[@T3CHJESUS]

love all ur videos keep of the work. even know malls are sadly dying and ones that are staying alive like our local Ross Park mall for example are just becoming a lot of higher end stores i still love going and checking out malls and seeing their aesthetics and just taking in all in

[@WallieB26]

I rarely go to Ross Park anymore. As close as I live to and am in Ross Township and the mall being there, I rarely ever go because there only 2 or so stores I'd ever shop at. Not worth the time and effort.

[@Gnsocialite]

I spent a lot of time here when I was a kid. I have lots of fond memories, its a shame to see it end up the way it did.

[@keithatkins9783]

What cute cats😊

[@renardfranse]

Erie county is kinda dying and is economically depressed! Had many friends leave that area

[@WallieB26]

That's a shame to hear.

[@Patrico-tl3md]

It's a over taxed shit hole now! We only stay because house is paid but we travel out of the state for about 3.5 months or more each year..it's sad

[@renardfranse]

I feel your pain. I left that area MANY years ago for a purple state, Nevada. No state income tax and LOW prop taxes. Plus your governor is satan with a vagina!@@Patrico-tl3md

[@jet34thehawk]

Awesome 👌 old mall video

[@WallieB26]

Thank you!

[@jet34thehawk]

@@WallieB26 yes love to watch

[@okiecubsfan1961]

I think it would be a great idea to have apartments and restaurants and shops all in one. I would love to live some place like that where i didnt have to ho out in the elements for groceries or dining out. Wish they would do that with more of the closed malls. They are huge buildings and could definitely do something like that.

[@melbrown6019]

A lot are actually turning into mixed use spaces just like this. I wonder if this idea will eventually burn out like malls did.

[@barbaraedgley2634]

Mall only 50 years old & gonna be dead & gone. Who'd have thunk it in its heyday?

[@Melanie-et6ux]

This is so sad for me. My childhood is gone.

[@Patrico-tl3md]

Me too!! I'm still working PT in here as one of my many PT jobs but this state is shit & is taxing everyone to death! Hopefully we can leave it soon too

[@juhi4]

So many memories ❤

[@GeneralGorillaSonicOC]

I used to eat, shop and walk around that mall. I remember watching Nintendo's E3 in 2019 and freaking out when Spyro Reignited Trilogy was revealed for Nintendo Switch, Banjo & Kazooie being revealed as DLC for Smash and the first teaser for Legend Of Zelda Tears Of The Kingdom. I didn't get in trouble. I remember my cousin got fined and banned for doing donuts in the parking lot at night. I thought of a survival horror game with psychological horror elements that had both Boulevard Mall and Eastern Hills as locations where you'd fight a boss in their food courts. (Back when Boulevard Mall had a food court.)

[@ToeTag9899]

I miss this mall already use to go to EHM all time I remember the pink confetti carpet from back in the day. For me personally once they lost Macy's, Bon-Ton and Sears it never felt quite the same. The Niagara Emporium store is really cool but I just don't have the nostalgia for it like I do with the old anchors.

[@ivyseal5161]

Happy New year Wallie for 2024 love the start of the video with the beautiful snow we could do some snow here in Australia as the summer is very hot here in Australia at the moment also the kitties look cute I hope that they find some good homes for the cats be for they close the adoption center down but what a shame they are going to closed down a 53 year old shopping down I was born 7 months before the shopping center open its doors but the design of the shopping center was lovely and as for mister Christmas I hope the owner gets a good location thanks Wallie for a great video to start of the new year

[@10baileyb]

🥺🥺💔 gone but never forgotten❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@WallieB26]

Exactly why I did this video as well as my original 4 years ago. To keep this place very much alive.

[@10baileyb]

You did an amazing job capturing the beauty!!! I appreciate you so much awesome video man!!!!

[@WallieB26]

@10baileyb thank you for the kind words! 😊 I put a lot of time and effort into making sure this came out exactly as I wanted. It's not perfect but i gave it my all. Glad you enjoyed!

[@coreycoyle9548]

Great Video!!!! Ilove the Fountain and the Christmas Decor!!! F+L, Corey

[@shmittyfloors4870]

The Niagara emporium relocated on main and transit across the street from the Arby’s!

[@TCORV]

I understand that they might be replaced with a town center but this is buffalo where temperatures in the winter can get below freezing and multiple foot of snow.

[@vf-31tomcatters]

22:38 i remember being scared of the lights because they were spikey and had the aesthetic coloring to them when i was like 6 (didnt know they were just old ahh lights then) ill miss this mall!

[@jeffreybaker100]

Don't forget in 2005 where Burlington Coat Factory was located became home of Dave & Busters until around 2014 or so then D&B moved to Walden Galleria

[@drewscruis]

In the back where sports performance park is used to be a Woolworths

[@jasonwilliams6005]

Niagara Emporium moved close by.

[@lisawaller7620]

Sad a beautiful space

[@sophiehanssel2017]

This was the closest mall in my area and I went one last time before it closed😢😢 BTW Niagara Emporium did relocate but it's not as big as the original location sadly. It's now called "The Emporium"and I liked the original location better because of the vintage toy selection, I rescued several there and I hope the new location gets more of them. I bought a Funko at the new location recently.

[@barbaraedgley2634]

Sad, end of an era.

[@kevin2400]

I had a awesome cat.... his name was moe.... he passed away in 2015.... i did everything i could to save my buddy

[@gregsouls2666]

And their replacement... Outdoor strip malls, and the stupid follow, especially in the north.

[@iankrest3035]

I am so sad

[@keithatkins9783]

I never knew Raymore and flanagans went out that way there real big in the Philly area and they just opened up some stores in the Lancaster pa and york pa area

[@rerej3809]

One day, you should come and visit Ohio because In Tri-County/Springdale there is a ton of stuff that had closed like for an example, IN Springdale we have a Toys R us that been abonoded sence 2018, a full mall that is abonoded, A Party city, A Wendy's, a Tuesday morning, a Full Costco, a sears and More! More than likely Target is planning to leave

[@adrianlong8267]

somebody tell me what music was used both in the begining and end of this video . it sounds like vaporwave. great music!!! and great content of this mall.

[@crystalscan2002]

they wanted to close the inside off to save on the electrical bill, they will prov shut off hvac on jan 14th , just turn off most lights

[@WallieB26]

I was there last Sunday when they closed for the night. When the lights go off, it gets DARK inside. So, yeah it'll definitely alleviate the electric bill.

[@davegaluski5224]

Thanks to online shopping and people becoming lazy. Marks the end to an Era with lots of memories

[@billswr14]

Their website doesn't say anything about being closed. Are you sure this wasn't because of the recent Lake Effect storm advisory?

[@WallieB26]

Look at the sign on the doors.

[@lisawaller7620]

CHQ mall isn't so great. I pray the malls can be revived. Maybe stores, places of education, health & lifestyle. Made local stores, walking club, community spaces, teaching ppl to grow food, cook & eat better, make clothing, learn carpentry skills & other trades ...possibities endless other than wealthy ppl wanting too much for rent

[@BuffaloChicken]

I adopted my Kitty from Ten Lives Club!

[@elviscobb5922]

In 2014 the only busy business was the Tim Horton's serving coffee and donuts to the people who still worked at the Mall.

[@GregTheMan]

So cool

[@WallieB26]

Thank you!

[@GregTheMan]

Your welcome

[@user-hf3wo1lv5r]

@WallieB26 Next is Eat N Park closing at the Highlands in WV, Stop there in 2 weeks to get a view Please

[@WallieB26]

I'll try to.