There was something special about spending a Friday night at the mall. It wasn’t just about shopping; it was about being part of a social experience, a rite of passage for teenagers, families, and friends alike.
For those who grew up in Schuylkill County, the memories of Schuylkill Mall, Fairlane Village Mall, and Cressona Mall still linger, bringing back a wave of nostalgia for an era that has slowly faded away.
The Malls That Defined an Era
The Schuylkill Mall, which opened in 1980 and stood as a retail landmark until its demolition in 2018, was once the go-to place for entertainment and shopping. Anchored by stores like Kmart, Sears, the Bon Ton, and Hess’s, it had everything we needed.
Fairlane Village Mall, still standing today, has seen its share of changes. It was once bustling with stores like Value City and Fashion Bug. Stores like Boscov's, Dunham's, and Kohl's are keeping the location alive today. Did you know that the mall was named after the Ford Fairlane car?
Cressona Mall, though smaller, also played a significant role in the community, offering a mix of shopping and dining options over the years, including Hills and various specialty stores.
More Than Shopping—It Was an Experience
Going to the mall wasn’t just about buying the latest fashion or grabbing a new album—it was about hanging out with friends, meeting up for a night at the movies, and enjoying the simple pleasures of youth. Friday nights at the Schuylkill Mall meant catching the latest blockbuster at the movie theater, then grabbing food at Chick-fil-A, Arby’s, Suglia's, or McDonald’s. There was even Bonanza, Ponderosa, and a Chinese Buffet if you were extra hungry.
As a student at North Schuylkill, I had perfect attendance in elementary school several times, which earned me a free Chick-fil-A Sandwich Meal. It's crazy to think back to how a quick trip to the mall meant we could grab some Chick-fil-A.
The smells of the mall were part of the experience too: the aroma of popcorn from the movies, pretzels from Village Pretzel, or Pizza from Suglia's.
Then there were the sounds. Walking past the jewelry stores, you could hear the distinct hum of the ultrasonic jewelry cleaner, the sounds from the arcade, and of course the sound of water from the fountains.
The People Who Made It Special
The malls weren’t just defined by the stores but also by the people who worked and hung out there. Many locals fondly remember Lenny from Long John Silver’s, Sharky the Mall Cop, WWE’s Virgil, and who could forget the man at Boscov’s jewelry counter, whose voice echoed throughout the store with special announcements?
During the holiday season, Center Court at the malls became a tradition. Lining up to meet Santa Claus and get your photos taken was just part of Christmas as a kid.
Some of us were fortunate to work there. I actually started working at Disc Jockey in August of 2000 and within four months, it merged with Record Town and eventually became FYE. I spent four years, including four holiday seasons working in the mall. I still remember the days when we first received CDs for Eminem and "Who Let the Dogs Out," or DVDs for films like The Fast and the Furious and American Pie.
The Little Things That Made It Special
For many, a trip to the mall meant stopping by Electronics Boutique to check out the latest video games or flipping through books at Waldenbooks. Music lovers eagerly awaited new CDs and DVDs at Disc Jockey, Record Town, FYE, or The Wall, way before the days of online music. The pet stores were another must-visit, where kids and adults would admire the puppies, fish, and birds.
And of course, who could forget the blue light special at Kmart? That flashing beacon meant deals were happening, and it always drew a crowd eager for a bargain.
A Time Gone By
Malls like the Schuylkill Mall may be gone, but the memories remain vivid for those who grew up in an era when a Friday night at the mall was the highlight of the week. It was a place of friendships, first jobs, first dates, and unforgettable moments. While online shopping and changing retail landscapes have reshaped how we shop today, nothing will ever replace the feeling of stepping into a bustling mall, where sights, sounds, and smells created an experience that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
What are your memories our Schuylkill County Malls? Drop your comments on social media!
If you have any ideas for our "Schuylkill Beat" column, you can always reach me by emailing skooknews@outlook.com.