Story & Photo Credit: Mardi Peaster, Senior Manager Marketing/Specialty Leasing, Killeen Mall
We only have to look back at the last few years to see the strength of the Killeen Mall. Many regional and national retailers have researched the area, and the center in particular, and decided to open new locations at the Killeen Mall. The continued pattern of growth indicates that the position of Killeen Mall remains strong and its impact will bode well into the future.
In 2014, three of the Mall’s major retailers upgraded and expand their existing locations. Kay Jewelers expanded its footprint and increased its product lines. Victoria’s Secret expanded its location adding the Pink brand to its merchandise mix. Shoe Department/Encore relocated and doubled its store size. We also saw several national retailers add new stores, including Charlotte Russe, Shoe Envy, Champs, as well as Pandora (the only location in Central Texas!).
Keeping the momentum going in 2015, national retailer A’GACI opened and regional merchants Tao Spa and Paramount Jewelers helped complete the year.
In 2016, Killeen Mall saw the opening of Premium Accessories in April and Francesca’s in September. International retailer H&M is currently under construction and plans to open its new 20,500 square foot store prior to the holiday season. Great American Cookie opted to remodel its entire premises this summer and Bath & Body Works is currently under construction as it expands to add its White Barn Candle concept in late October.
The tenants at the mall are not the only driving factor to Killeen Mall’s success. Recognizing the wants and needs of our community and responding when possible is contributing to the Mall’s positive impact. The soft play area for the young children is often busy with happy kids and parents. The Mall Walker program provides a nice environment for members of the community to walk, with air conditioning or heat, and no rain! Several hundred people take advantage of this benefit on a weekly basis.
The annual Night of Giving charity event is another way that we support the community. Hundreds of non-profit, charity, churches, schools and community groups have raised tens of thousands of dollars over the years participating in this event. For many years, this event was the only approved non-post fund raiser for Family Readiness Groups. Let us not forget Santa! This holiday activity is a traditional event for many families. Killeen Mall’s Santa set has been the site for engagements, pregnancy announcements and surprise reunions with soldiers returning home.
Killeen Mall is not just a place to shop, it is a gathering place where the community comes to experience shopping, visiting with friends and family time. It is the place to make memories and continue traditions. As a transient community, families can come and find the stores that they had “back home” and start to feel at home in Killeen. Killeen Mall, Let’s Go Shopping!