BIGMallrat | Retail history of Northern California

Published August 8, 2025 Before Solano Mall was known as Solano Town Center, it was the heart of retail in Fairfield—a destination for weekend outings, back-to-school shopping, and food court hangouts. And if you grew up in Solano County during the 1980s, chances are you knew this place like the back of your hand. That’s why this 1986 mall directory isn’t just a map—it’s a time capsule. Front cover Front cover of the 1986 Solano Mall directory showing 1980s shoppers with teased hair, colorful clothing, bright shopping bags, and mall food court meals. Mall map & directory Scanned 1986 mall directory of Solano Mall in Fairfield, CA, showing original anchor stores and retail layout. Solano Mall in 1986: a snapshot in time When this directory was printed in 1986, Solano Mall was just five years old, having opened on March 19, 1981. With its fresh modern design and full roster of retailers, it had already established itself as Solano County’s primary shopping hub. At the time, t...

Published July 31, 2025 Coddingtown is the oldest major shopping center in Santa Rosa and one of the earliest suburban retail developments in Sonoma County. Since opening in 1962, it has evolved from an open-air commercial center into a fully enclosed mall and, more recently, a mixed-format retail property anchored by national chains and daily-needs retail. Its history reflects broader shifts in Northern California retail—from mid-century suburban expansion to the rise of enclosed malls, and later to hybrid centers shaped by changing consumer patterns and anchor tenant turnover. The landmark rotating sign outside Coddingtown is one of Santa Rosa’s most iconic sights. Origins and early development Coddingtown celebrated its grand opening on November 29, 1962, It was a bold new shopping destination developed by Hugh Codding, whose name the mall still bears. It began as an open-air shopping center with just thirteen businesses — among them, Lucky supermarket, Thrifty Drugstore, and a ...

Outlet malls have always occupied a different corner of the retail world. They aren't destinations for wandering aimlessly beneath skylights or spending an afternoon in a food court. They're built around a mission: finding a deal. In 2011, Napa Premium Outlets was one of Northern California's most popular outlet centers. Located just off Highway 29, the open-air complex offered a mix of designer labels, factory stores, and everyday brands—all surrounded by Napa Valley's vineyards, restaurants, and tourist attractions. This post features a scan of the official 2011 Napa Premium Outlets directory, a snapshot of an era when outlet shopping was still one of the fastest-growing segments of retail. You'll find the complete 2011 directory scan below. Front of the 2011 directory for Napa Premium Outlets, highlighting store locations, restrooms, and amenities. Back of the 2011 directory, listing the complete store directory and contact information for shoppers. Outlet sho...

Northgate Mall began as an open-air shopping center during Marin County's postwar growth boom. Developed by the Draper Companies and anchored by The Emporium, the center quickly became one of the county's leading retail destinations. Over the following decades, Northgate evolved from a traditional shopping center into Marin County's only enclosed mall, adapting to new competition, changing shopping habits, and shifting retail trends. Its history reflects both the rise of suburban shopping centers and the ongoing challenge of keeping them relevant in a changing marketplace. Building Marin's regional shopping center Northgate Mall, originally known as Northgate Shopping Center, began development in 1961 with the first outer parcel stores opening in San Rafael, California. The Emporium followed in 1964, anchoring a formally opened center that debuted on March 10, 1965 with roughly 28 tenants. What began as an open-air neighborhood development quickly expanded into one o...

Published January 10, 2008 · Updated September 21, 2026 1981: Solano Mall opens in Fairfield Before it became Solano Town Center, it was simply Solano Mall. The mall opened its doors on March 19, 1981, bringing a new wave of suburban retail to Fairfield, California. JCPenney and Mervyn's were among its original anchors, while Sears joined the center as it expanded. Emporium-Capwell followed in March 1983, and Macy's arrived in August 1985. Solano Mall's original interior had a distinctive architectural character. Triangular ceiling panels in warm orange and burnt sienna tones created a geometric pattern overhead, while real skylights brought natural light into the enclosed shopping center. The triangular panels themselves weren't skylights; they were artificial lighting designed to create a similar visual effect. A postcard issued around the mall's opening captures that design particularly well. The card also stated that Solano Mall was designed to serve an ...

Town Center Corte Madera, originally known as Corte Madera Center, officially opened its doors on July 17, 1958, bringing the suburban shopping boom to Marin County. Just a few months later, JCPenney joined the growing lineup, followed by Montgomery Ward, which opened on March 16, 1960. Like many mid-century shopping centers across the Bay Area, Corte Madera Center arrived with ambition and architectural flair. Designed for easy access just off U.S. Route 101, it featured large department stores alongside specialty retailers, a format that would become a standard in American retail. Today, Town Center Corte Madera stands as a revitalized open-air shopping hub, blending its historic roots with modern lifestyle and community-focused retail. A postcard glimpse of Town Center Corte Madera One of the best glimpses we have of the center’s early years is a 1960s postcard, most likely taken not long after Montgomery Ward arrived. The scene is carefully staged—photographer Mike Roberts, kno...