Stores at Great Northern Mall Continue to Thrive Amongst Nationwide Closures

Do you remember the days when going to the local Shopping Mall was an event?  As someone who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, I sure do.  I’m even old enough to remember when Great Northern had those beautiful fountains in the middle of the main strip along with a game room in the food court.  While things will always change as more and more consumers revert to on-line shopping only, Great Northern has remained a constant in local commerce and still a craved destination for shoppers to flock too.  Case in point is the several new stores to open over the last year along with eateries right outside the mall such as Build the Pho and Texas Roadhouse, both of which are incredible.  If you haven’t tried them yet, I would suggest doing so.

The constant events coming to the mall help as well, it can be a athlete signing at Prime Time Sports, a Greenie Card show, Vendor and Job Fairs or even this weekend with Record Riots. (more on that here – https://keeonsports.com/record-riots-presents-valentines-and-vinyl-at-great-northern-mall/ )

But, here’s the thing, the mainstream media has a tendency to report only the bad news based on national news of the gloom and doom culture.  Great Northern has bucked that trend over the years and continues to do so today.

Here is proof in the pudding for you.

Macy’s – Over 150 stores closed nationwide in 2025, meanwhile the Great Northern Location is alive and well.

JCP – Over 200 locations have closed since 2020, but at Great Northern, that store is always booming!  The line is almost 4 to 5 deep and you have at least 4 people working the floor and register on the bottom level.  They are always well stocked and clean.

Red Lobster – By the end of 2024/early 2025, the total restaurant count had stabilized around 500-544, a reduction from the over 650+ that existed before the 2024 bankruptcy filings. Meanwhile, in North Olmsted at Great Northern Mall, they continue to thrive and remain a destination for many date nights.

So why do Macy’s, JCP and Red Lobster at Great Northern Mall continue to buck the odd’s and thrive, while so many other locations have closed?  I spoke with Dan Crandall, Marketing & Business Development Manager  for Great Northern Mall, ( and one heck of a nice guy ) who had this insight to lend, “Shoppers still prefer the in-person experience for the personal service, the ability to interact with products firsthand, and the social connection that comes from shopping and dining together.”

I couldn’t agree more with Dan if I tried, he is 100% right.  At 44 years old, I may be considered, “Old School”, but I don’t care.  I want that in person experience.  I want to be able to talk to a sales person and also have the option to try something on.  Head over to Dick’s Sporting Goods at Great Northern and you may be there for hours having fun, looking at everything they have to offer. When you allow yourself to communicate with others, immerse in conversation and just flat out connect, your whole outlook changes.  Stop living behind a screen and you will notice quickly the overall improvement of your daily mood as well.

The best comparison I can make for this is the West Side Market in Cleveland, look at how popular that is and how long it is has been around.  Why?  Because vendors are right there for you to communicate with and help you.  At Macy’s, Red Lobster and JCP Great Northern, you have that exact thing!

Kudo’s to Dan Crandall and everyone that continues to make Great Northern Mall and must visit venue and a safe place to shop.

(If you would like to learn more about Great Northern Mall with future content on it, please email me at Vince.McKee@keeonsports.com and let me know what you would like to read about next. )