Capitola Mall memories: a coastal classic since 1977

Opened in April 1977 Capitola Mall has long served the seaside communities of Capitola and Santa Cruz, California. As the only enclosed regional shopping center in Santa Cruz County, the mall played a vital role in bringing department store shopping and modern retail to the Central Coast.

The mall debuted with two major anchors: Sears and Mervyn’s. In 1988, it underwent a major expansion that nearly doubled its size, adding a food court, a new JCPenney, and an expanded mix of national and local retailers. The final anchor addition, Gottschalks, opened in 1990, replacing the chain’s store in downtown Santa Cruz. Gottschalks remained in operation until July 2009, when the company went out of business.

Anchor stores and shifting identities

Mervyn’s was a cornerstone of Capitola Mall from day one. Its recognizable California-style signage remained in place for decades, even as the brand began to fade in the late 2000s. The store eventually closed and was later reoccupied by Kohl’s, with the former signage leaving behind a distinct labelscar—a ghost imprint of the mall’s earlier era.

Mervyn’s at Capitola Mall, just before its transformation into Kohl’s.

The Gottschalks store, opened in 1990, featured a blend of late 1980s architectural styles—glass bricks, pastel tones, and a spacious interior. It offered a more traditional department store experience, with wide aisles, personalized service, and a quieter atmosphere. Gottschalks served as a stylish and distinctly local alternative to national chains until its closure in 2009.

Gottschalks at Capitola Mall—complete with 1980s flair.

Design, ambience, and atmosphere

Capitola Mall’s original architecture included gentle lighting, textured flooring, and a few standout features such as its interior fountains and decorative skylights. The older wing, where the Sears and Mervyn’s once stood, retained a more muted, intimate feel—even into the 2000s.

Fountain and lighted skylight in the older wing of Capitola Mall.

In the central corridor connecting the old and new wings, vendor kiosks became a common fixture in later years. While they added retail variety, they also contributed to a more crowded, cluttered appearance—typical of many malls adapting to changing retail economics in the 2000s and 2010s.

Main corridor of Capitola Mall, bridging the old and new wings.

A lasting coastal presence

Capitola Mall continues to serve the community today, offering a more relaxed, coastal shopping experience. Though it has faced changes common to malls across the country—anchor closures, evolving retail trends, and tenant turnover—it remains a charming reminder of California’s suburban mall heyday.

With its manageable size, scenic location, and enduring footprint in Santa Cruz County, Capitola Mall holds a special place among California’s surviving regional malls.