Best mall/shopping district in Columbia

[The_sandlapper]

These polls are fun. Where is the best place to shop in Columbia?

[Spartan]

That is a trick question. The best place to shop is definately Columbiana. However, my favorite mall is Richland Mall. I have to say that I make a sincere effort to not go out to Harbison unless I have to. So basicly, unless I need clothes, I stay downtown.

[The_sandlapper]

Yeah Columbiana is my favorite spot too.

Has anyone been to Columbia Place since its renovations? I haven't been there in about 2-3 years.

[DigitalSky]

I voted for Dutch Square since its the only mall i've been to... ;-/ well next time im in Columbia i hope to visit the others

[Spartan]

Dutch Square is a nice mall. It was Columbia's first mall, but its now dominated by the newer/larger Columbiana.

I had always heard that Columbia Place was kinda run down, so I've never been. But if its been renovated it might be worth going to.

[The_sandlapper]

My friends and I always used to go to Dutch Square when I was in middle school (St. Andrews Middle). We always went there before basketball practice. We would hang out there until the girls practice was over those were the days!

Yeah Columbia Place has supposedly picked itself up now.

Columbia Place Mall

[Spartan]

Since this also includes shopping districts, should Two Notch Rd not also be included?

[The_sandlapper]

Since this also includes shopping districts, should Two Notch Rd not also be included?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's funny I actually thought about adding Two Notch as well.

Sure I think it should be included, but I guess it's too late to change that now?

In a few years I guess I can add the Village at Sandhill, that's off Two notch as well.

[Spartan]

That's funny I actually thought about adding Two Notch as well.

Sure I think it should be included, but I guess it's too late to change that now?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you really really want it added, I can change it. I just hope that nobody would have picked that for their answer.

[ResearchMan]

I agree with Spartan, Richland Mall is the best. I'm biased in I had

my first job there as a bus boy at JB Whites. I am not sure

what determines a mall (completely enclosed?) but Richland

was there long before Dutch Square. I think it became enclosed

around 1980. Before that it was a series of stores that opened

out onto a center court. If enclosure determines a mall I guess

Dutch Square would win. I remember it being built in the early

70s.

In order Richland, Dutch Square, Columbia, Two Notch, and

Columbiana. Yep Two Notch should be included.

Ok..who remembers when Sears was THE major department

store in town and it was located in ... Five Points.

[Spartan]

I read that Dutch Square was the first, so I assume that means the traditional enclosed mall, like Columbiana, or what we would think about when you picture a generic mall. I didnt' realize that Richland was a shopping center first. That explains is unusual layout with Belks separating the two sections. Cool info.

To me its like the most urban mall I've ever seen, even more so than say Lenox in Atlanta. It has the parking decks built all around it and on top which also has a movie theater. If it just had more stores that I needed to go to I would go there alot more.

There was an article recently in the State that said there was a guy who was planning to fill up Richland mall with all sorts of stores, most of which are not chains. Should be interesting to see.

[The_sandlapper]

I read that Dutch Square was the first, so I assume that means the traditional enclosed mall, like Columbiana, or what we would think about when you picture a generic mall. I didnt' realize that Richland was a shopping center first. That explains is unusual layout with Belks separating the two sections. Cool info.

To me its like the most urban mall I've ever seen, even more so than say Lenox in Atlanta. It has the parking decks built all around it and on top which also has a movie theater. If it just had more stores that I needed to go to I would go there alot more.

There was an article recently in the State that said there was a guy who was planning to fill up Richland mall with all sorts of stores, most of which are not chains. Should be interesting to see.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The first time I saw the renovations of Richland Mall (back in the early 90's) it reminded me of Kings's Plaza in Brooklyn.

Richland Mall is similair to King's the way it's built with the parking garage next to the mall.

I don't remember sears being in five points but I do remember when Macy's was downtown.

Oh yeah spartan if you can go head and add two notch to the list. Thanks.

[Spartan]

Ok, I added Two Notch Rd. If anyone that has already voted would like their vote changed, just let me know and I can adjust that too.

[pinky]

I like Columbiana better...I'm not sure why...

....seems like I subconsciously pick my choices of favorite places to go from Spartan's list of least favorite places to go.

I like Richland mall as well...but the Belk in the middle is odd (compared to other malls).

[ResearchMan]

Richland looks different because of the original layout. Where

Belks is now used to be the one enclosed department store.

The rest of the mall was two strips running to Forest drive with

perhaps a 75 foot wide median between the stores. There was

no parking garages in the early years..just a large parking lot

with a small Russell Stovers candy store and Post Office

up next to the base of the hill. Work was done to enclose

the strip part around 1979-80. The second end of the mall

was built when a new anchor department store came

in. I believe this was Bonwit Teller around 1990. The

original theatre was down past where the Bank of America

now stands. It was standalone and set away from the mall.

I believe the theatre was added around 1969..I was in

elementary school and our class buried a time campsule there.

Enen though it was one department store and a series of

smaller businesses (Winn Dixie, Eckerds, Happy Bookseller,etc)

I always remember it called Richland Mall.

[emerging.me]

Richland looks different because of the original layout. Where

Belks is now used to be the one enclosed department store. 

The rest of the mall was two strips running to Forest drive with

perhaps a 75 foot wide median between the stores.  There was

no parking garages in the early years..just a large parking lot

with a small Russell Stovers candy store and Post Office

up next to the base of the hill. Work was done to enclose

the strip part around 1979-80. The second end of the mall

was built when a new anchor department store came

in. I believe this was Bonwit Teller around 1990.  The

original theatre was down past where the Bank of  America

now stands. It was standalone and set away from the mall.

I believe the theatre was added around 1969..I was in

elementary school and our class buried a time campsule there.

Enen though it was one department store and a series of

smaller businesses (Winn Dixie, Eckerds, Happy Bookseller,etc)

I always remember it called Richland Mall.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Welcome back, RM! You have been missed around here.

[Spartan]

His post was from Nov 10 He hasn't been active since Dec 22. I'd like to see him back though- he usually had some good insight on things.