Remembering the Swansea Mall through its ups and downs

The Swansea Mall leaves fond memories for many in the Fall River area through its rise and decline.

The mall was developed by Arlen Realty and Development Corporation, which sought to expand its regional mall presence in Southeastern Massachusetts after the success of the North Dartmouth Mall in 1971 which continues to this day.

The mall opened in 1975 with Sears and Edgar Department Stores as its original anchor tenants, along with a 4-screen movie theater. The location was ideal as it was near Fall River and Providence and right off both Route 6 and I-195.

The mall thrived from the 1970s through the 1980s.

In the early 1980s, the mall continued to grow adding Caldor, a national discount chain, and Apex, a Rhode Island-based department store.

A major interior renovation in 1989 updated lighting, flooring, and the mall’s logo.

A period of change began as the movie theater closed and Edgar’s had gone out of business and was replaced by Jordan Marsh. A food court was added in 1995, and Jordan Marsh transitioned to Macy’s in 1996. Caldor closed in 1999 after bankruptcy, leaving its space vacant until Walmart took it over in 2001. Apex also shuttered in 2001, and its space was sealed off from the mall.

Competition from other local malls such as Emerald Square (opened 1989) and Providence Place (opened 1999), coupled with the economic recession of the late 2000s and the rise of online shopping, began the mall’s decline.

Walmart moved to a standalone Supercenter in 2013, and Sears closed in March 2017, followed by Macy’s in 2019. With no anchors left, Carlyle Partners announced the mall’s permanent closure, ending its 44-year run.

In May 2019, Anagnost Companies purchased the property at auction for $6.65 million, aiming to transform the property into a mixed-use “lifestyle center” with retail, office space, and apartments. The project faced delays due to disputes with Walmart over restrictions, but an agreement was reached in 2022.

The site, which is now named Swansea Center, has been converted into an outward-facing strip mall but has struggled to add tenants with just Prime Storage, Crunch Fitness, His Providence Church, and Unified2 Global Packaging Group occupying space on the property.

What are your favorite memories of Swansea Mall?