BIGMallrat | lost malls, department stores, and Bay Area retail history

Long before every new shopping center promised to be a “lifestyle destination,” Santana Row in San Jose, California was already showing how it could be done right. Opened in 2002 and still relatively new in 2011, Santana Row stood out as one of the most successful examples of the lifestyle center concept—a blend of open-air shopping, dining, residential living, and walkable streets. Origins of Santana Row Developed by Federal Realty Investment Trust, Santana Row replaced a former Town and Country shopping center and reimagined the suburban mall for the 21st century. Designed with European-inspired architecture, tree-lined sidewalks, and cobblestone streets, it wasn’t just a mall—it was an urban village. In fact, with a street running through it, cars cruising slowly, and sidewalk cafés filled with shoppers and residents, Santana Row felt more like Disneyland’s Main Street than a typical shopping plaza. View of Santana Row in 2011, showing open-air pedestrian street with boutique sto...

I'll admit it—I have a soft spot for outlet malls. While my heart belongs to the golden-age enclosed malls of the Bay Area, there's something thrilling about scoring a deal. Factory outlets are where practicality meets impulse, and in the right setting—like Napa—they can feel like a mini-vacation with a shopping bag. A more strategic shopper When the center opened in 1994, I’d fill my trunk with anything that looked like a bargain, only to realize later why those pants were marked down to $9.99. Eventually, I learned the golden rule of outlet shopping: try everything on, and then try another size. This especially applies to shoes and anything labeled “irregular.” Retailers like The Gap and Banana Republic even manufacture lines specifically for outlet stores—no factory defects, just lower-cost fabrics and simplified cuts. Despite this, you still walk away feeling like a savvy shopper. Judging by the crowds during my 2011 visit, I wasn’t the only one on a mission. A 2011 vis...