Since the MacArthur Center is closing this month, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what this place has meant over the years. It wasn't just a mall, it was a backdrop for so many memories. I still remember when it had Rainforest Café and Johnny Rockets, those were absolute staples of any visit. There was even a Sanrio store at one point, that had planko, which felt like a little slice of joy every time I walked in. It really was the mall of my time growing up. Some of my favorite memories include visiting Santa during the holidays, catching movies with friends and family, and just spending afternoons wandering around when going to the mall was a real treat, not just an errand. Not to mention using the photobooth before "selfies" were a thing. They even had a bounce house and play area which was so much fun as a child. It's definitely bittersweet seeing it close. While it's not quite what it once was, it still holds so many good memories for so many people. A solid four stars for everything it was at its peak and for the nostalgia it leaves behind. An end of an era, but one worth remembering. read more

MacArthur Center - Last week opened - Shopping Centers Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Three days before MacArthur Center closes for good, I brought my kids to the mall to spend an afternoon making a few last memories. They were happily riding the escalator, and I was taking a simple video of them on my phone. To my surprise, a security guard stopped me and told me that videotaping was not permitted. At first I didn't even realize she was speaking to me because she was mumbling from a distance. When I continued recording my children, she approached again and more firmly told me that no videotaping was allowed. What made the experience so frustrating is that the mall is literally days away from closing. The building was largely empty, my children were simply riding the escalator, and I was recording family memories--not conducting a commercial photo shoot or disrupting anyone. Meanwhile, there have been photographers and members of the media documenting the mall's final days. The whole interaction felt unnecessary and unwelcoming. Instead of leaving with fond memories of one last visit to MacArthur Center, I left feeling scolded for recording my own children in an almost-empty mall that will no longer exist in a matter of days. Consumer habits may have changed over the years, but experiences like this certainly don't encourage people to return. It was a disappointing way to end what should have been a nostalgic final visit. read more

I had been to MacArthur Center/Mall a few times over the years. Liked some of the things there, and then they started disappearing. For a place with three floors, there wasn't as much as there should've been, I always felt. I used to like the fountain that did tricks. It eventually stopped working. Used to like the Teavana store, until Starbucks got jealous and greedy and bought them out. (Monopoly, much?) Went here 2 weeks before their closure. It was like an indoor ghost town. Really sad. There was no air conditioning during the 100-degree days that have been plaguing us for awhile now. For it to get torn down all for no good reason, to build more useless crap in its place is very disappointing to say the least. So much space and so little care. RIP MacArthur Mall. read more

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Basically a dead mall. Has an abundance of available parking so you can use it for a couple hours free if you want to walk around downtown Norfolk or if you want to dine at one of the nearby restaurants. I came here for parking to visit the scope arena, and a nearby fair. I didn't really walk around but the fact that the food court only had two operating restaurants tells me all I need to know. The theaters are closed and honestly most of the stores are closed as well. So overall, great for parking to visit nearby businesses but it is sad as I had great memories of this place from about 20 years ago. Time has not been kind to malls in VA, in general. read more

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This mall has been around for over 25 years and I remember it being built now it sits mostly vacant and they plan on tearing it down and changing it into a different setup of Shopping experiences. Right now, though I love walking through it and looking at the paintings and the graffiti type murals that's on display I also really enjoy all the different art spots everything from the youth center to the display of the governor school. There's even a little train museum here. They still have a couple of staples open such as slush and Auntie Annie's pretzels. It is sad to see the movie theater closed and it's one of the best places to park at if you have to go anywhere downtown it's pretty inexpensive. We went to a play over a Chrysler and I had to pay a dollar to park. I will forever love the mall and hopefully when they do rebuild, they keep a lot of of the old soul intact. Very, very selfie friendly bathrooms and plate area still intact read more

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I don't know what to say about MacArthur Center. It's only been open since March 12th, 1999, and during its early years it was a fantastic place to shop. Everything looked new, felt modern and they wouldn't have been out of place in a big city suburb. Although I wasn't a big shopper, I enjoyed visiting whenever I did 'need' to buy something. Also, the mall, for my generation, was an instrument to build relationships. If nothing else, I enjoyed taking in a movie at the Regal MacArthur 18, and the food court wasn't half bad. Fast forward to 2025 - there have been many changes to consumerism that have negatively impacted shopping malls. MacArthur fell victim to that as brand name companies (between 2018-2019 alone - J Crew, Fossil, Yankee Candle, Banana Republic, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Eddie Bauer, Charlotte Russe, Forever 21, Brighton Collectables, Chicos, and Zales) closed up shop, with no replacements in sight. The biggest blow was when Nordstrom finally backed out (on April 5, 1999) - a flagship store that MacArthur leaned on to bring in shoppers. After that, this once proud mall was officially struggling. Oh yeah, Dillard's, the lone remaining anchor store at MacArthur, closed on 9/4/23. I recently saw a movie at the Regal MacArthur, but I got there early to grab a quick bite at their food court. I think there are 4-5 choices (China Wok, Charleys, Sakura Elite, Simple Coffee, Smoothie Mania) in the food court, but it's mostly empty. You can still see the empty (and permanently closed) Chili's (although I know Brothers moved into the first floor, replacing Texas de Brazil, from Plume St in April 2023) nearby and, if you take a closer look, the third floor is bereft of any merchants. Last year, when I was on jury duty, I saw that the first & second floors weren't much better. A lot of the occupants are of the independently owned variety, meaning none of the big chains are here. On the first floor, near the former Nordstrom entrance, is a convenience store. So, if I randomly wanted to buy a 20 oz. soda, somehow it's 'convenient' to drive to MacArthur, park (and pay to park, mind you), walk to this convenience store, buy said soda, walk back to car, pay and drive away. That's bonkers, and what's worse, there aren't any shops enticing enough to make me want to stay, even if I actually decided to stop by MacArthur and that convenience store for a soda. MacArthur Center has seen better days. Being a Norfolk resident, I hope that the City of Norfolk can figure upon a successful alternative. JV read more

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What a waste of a beautiful building created approximately 25 years ago. I bet in its prime it was the place to be but now it's mostly abandoned, empty and scheduled for demolition in June-July of 2026. I feel bad for the younger generations who missed grand movie theaters and gatherings with friends. read more

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The mall is dying. Sad but true. The only things they have in there look like they know it's hanging on by a thread. They got H&M, Pandora, and a T-Mobile in there... a REAL dope DJ in there, but still it's lit in there. It's not all bad tho y'all cuz THE FOOD COURT IS not jumping like that either. Three places to eat, all of em good frfr, but still. They gotta regal movies inside so it's a popping ass place when you need a quick movie. Other than that. It's a mall that's used probably more for exercise than actual shopping. Nostalgia gave it a 3 but if you were coming here to actually shop it needs a 2. read more

I can't find china wok on here set for this location, but the food was phenomenal, and the staff was great. 10/10 would try again. read more

MacArthur Center - Black pepper chicken and fried rice. - Shopping Centers Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Unfortunately, mall was overrun with the wrong kind of people. Sad and crime followed these groups of people. The mall itself was well made and should have been a success. read more

Went here for the first time on accident and genuinely felt like I was going to get mugged. A bunch of homeless people were sleeping in the food court, 3/4 of the stores were covered in tarps, gated off, or blacked out. Stores that were open had no employees in the front of store or anywhere visible from the hallways. The most lively area seems to be the theater with 2 people walking into it, but even that looked mad sketchy. There's security but only by the main entrance? There's literally entrances at multiple other parts of the mall.... I watched a woman get harassed on the escalator by a stranger on my way out, couldn't make it out quick enough!! read more

At one point, I would consider this one of the best shopping malls around; however, it appears that the COVID pandemic took its toll on the location. I would still visit, but I do not have high expectations of the location. I've researched the location and it does have space for 2 anchor tenants, whereas none are currently operating. It also appears that Norfolk has purchased the mall to have it be demolished or repurposed by 2030. read more

Three-story mall that is only maybe a third full and I am guessing mainly still open due to the theater that is on the third floor. Look up the list of stores and dining before you go to make sure they have what you want as it is that limited. It is clean and in fairly good condition. Limited amount of bathrooms. I'm not sure if they have closed them down do to the lack of stores, but I think there's only one open on the first level and the third level. read more

Not as many shops as I thought. There's a movie theatre, a few eateries, and a handful of sports clothing shops along with men and women's clothing. A quiet mall to visit. read more

Absolute horrendous mall and is sad to see what it has become from its day as the shining star of Norfolk. 95% of the stores are shuttered. The ones that are left behind are sad. Food court is abandoned with only a couple of places. Parking garage is filthy. Total failure. Take McArthur's name off the building. He deserves better. read more

The mall has changed so much. It' is like a ghost town in here. Some stores remain but for the most part it is empty in here. They do have an art reuse center for art supplies and I've seen two mini art galleries read more

MacArthur Center - Art - Shopping Centers Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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So I have not been here in years...and I remember why! This place is now littered with security and all I have to ask is, where were they when the mall actually had stores and customers to protect? It looks like all the nice stores have closed. Gee, I wonder why?! All the filthy trash "customers" who can't afford to shop here have driven all the paying customers away! I'm only here to pick up an online order but of course no curbside service is offered here. The parking lot is thankfully almost empty so I quickly hobbled as fast as my Cam boot will allow...only to find the one store I ordered from is having "technical difficulties" and won't be open any time soon. So apparently I can either wait or venture out but there isn't much open here anymore. All of the nice stores are gone, so it's a sad selection. To have to pay for parking and there's nothing to buy is just not worth the trip. Sadly, this is starting to resemble Military Circle. Sad waste of space. read more

MacArthur Center - The employee won't even bother to open the door to answer a question. - Shopping Centers Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

On the one hand, it's still a beautiful mall and it's in a central location with plenty of parking that's extremely inexpensive. On the other hand, it's slowly dying as a result of our shopping habits to be more online and as a result of the increased crime. Even in our 45 minute visit while we were there, two women were being searched for as a result of a large theft that occurred at at least 1 retailer. I wish this space the best of luck and hope Norfolk finds a good use for it. read more

I don't know how my Pandora Review became the review for MacArthur Center... weird.... so, time for an update! I used to love MacArthur Center Mall. It was a special weekend trip to the huge three-store Dillards and three-store Nordstrom anchor stores, a lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, and tons of shopping in White House Black Market, Express, Bebe, H&M, Pottery Barn, Coach, you name it. You could eat at Johnny Rockets if you wanted a great burger and watch new movies on the third floor in the massive theaters. Honestly, you could come and stay for an entire full day here... But, Coach has left, Pottery Barn has left, Nordstrom has left....you get the point. It's all closing. After Nordstrom chose to flee, it's just gone downhill and everything is leaving this spot in favor of outdoor malls. Word on the street is this location will be closing soon and be turned into an outdoor area with shops and some offices. Sad end to a huge super mall that I found very impressive when I first moved here in 2007 but times are changing for malls. If you do visit - there are still plenty of stores here still hanging on (probably Bc their leases aren't up yet) so there is plenty to do and parking is easy as pie in the attached huge garage with multiple entrances and exits. But bring a few dollars because it's not free. read more

I haven't been to the mall since the Pandemic started but found myself needing to return merchandise I purchased online. It turns out the two stores I purchased from Express & Victoria Secret were both closed in this shopping center until further notice. Luckily H&M, Claires, Sephora and the apple store are still in business. I found great deals for children items and was able to make a purchase I needed at the apple store. I like that this mall is on the smaller side and isn't packed with people like the larger ones. As far as social distancing, I didn't really see that happening even though there are signs to remind people. Most food places are still open here and I have yet to try out the glow in the dark Glow Golf that is on the second story next to Sephora. Cant wait to return to go play golf! read more

The interior design of this mall is spectacular! I've never been to a mall with so much design. Worth going even just to see the architecture of this mall. The stores are varied, cheaper stores and pricier ones. This mall has cheap parking as well. read more

MacArthur Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Before I begin this review let me start off by saying that this review is based solely on my opinion and my opinion alone so with that being said let's go!!.. My wife and I decided to stop by because she wanted to make some purchases so we drove here looking to get what she wanted. We walked inside and being that it was on a Monday morning (about 10 or so ) it was quite empty in here which worked out wonderful because my wife got her items without any long lines or large crowds to slow us down in her search. The visit went smoothly and we were in and out in no time! I will make another visit here because I enjoyed the quiet shopping experience. read more

the workers where so helpful and kind this experience was the best experience I have ever had in my whole entire life the movie was amazing and not only did they help us go to the movie they also helped us park and go into the mall whitout them we would have probably missed half of the movie experience amazing would go again read more

I was there earlier today The mall used to have restaurant options for people who don't want to eat at the food court. The Johnny Rockets that was there closed. The restaurants that were at the mall Chili's, Johnny Rockets, California Pizza Kitchen, Texas de Brazil have all left. read more

Haven't been to this mall in many years. Stopped in to go to PAC Sun because their website said it was open...it's actually gone, along with most of the other stores. Make sure you call if you are trying to go to a store that used to be there. read more

Despite being Norfolk's more attractive, well-kept boutique shopping mall, this place is dying! I may be 41 and a parent but this is evidenced by a noticeable lack of shoppers that have caused closures of major chains: Williams & Sonoma, Pottery Barn; soon to be Brookstone (Ch11 bankruptcy) and likely, dare I say, Nordstrom's? The Apple Store once drew people as a one of a kind area find but Lynnhaven spoiled that ~2 years ago. IMHO, malls allure should be one stop shopping, meaning there are numerous stores you're interested in checking our for various reasons. Not the case here. If it wasn't for the movies and the food court, you may see tumbleweeds instead of the scarce people barely visible as it is. It's painfully obvious that shoppers can find better prices and more store selections at the outlet mall on the other side of town or on Amazon (aka the mall and local shop killer). Worse? You don't pay to park at either of those like you do here. read more

MacArthur Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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MacArthur use to be a bustling mall. Now 1/2 the stores are gone. The good part was parking was only a dollar. The major stores are all gone. It's really sad this mall is a beautiful mall and it is a shame that it is not busy. read more

I don't feel safe, although you have H&M and plush not worth the drive......................its sad it's a wasted space

This place use to be a great mall, I'm not sure what happened in the 3 years I was in WA but it is now a shell of what it use to be. There's no where to go because all the shops are closed. Barnes and Noble, gone. Chili's, gone. Dillards, gone. Etc..The movie theater is the only reason we went there. It looks like the mall is holding on by a thread. read more

Great mall with a Dillard's anchor store that is one of the largest in the state. Plenty of parking. Largest Regal movie theater in the area that provides a discounted parking validation for their patrons. I can't believe this mall is already 21 years old but still as relevant as the day they opened. read more

MacArthur Center - South deck parking on City Hall - Shopping Centers Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I love MacArthur Center!! The Mall really brought life to the downtown Norfolk area when it opened. The Apple Store is my favorite place. Dillard's always has a large selection of clothing and shoes. I would love to see Macy's as an additional anchor. The parking deck makes for an easy entrance regardless of where I'm shopping. And there are numerous ways in and out. Should one not want to drive, there is a Light Rail stop right at the Mall. Forget about traffic and let the Tide carry you on your shopping experience. I love the ambiance, especially during the holiday season. And even better, it's close for those of us who live in the Bayside or Kempsville areas. Thank you City of Norfolk for your vision in making downtown a vibrant place to live and work. read more

[Coronavirus review] The Center is in a downtown area with some surrounding streets blocked off when I visited, and very limited parking. The garage required a dollar in payment even for a quick stay; no freebies here. It is an open and airy building, and some people were unmasked inside. Many stores were not open, and the future of malls like this remains an open question. However, it met my need. read more

I go to this mall probably at least once a week if not once every other week. My work is about a 5 min walk away here (it's a good and bad thing). If it's cold outside and I want to get away from my desk, I come here during my lunch to walk around and window shop. MacArthur mall is probably the more "upscale" mall compared to some other malls in the Area. This mall has three different levels; the first and second levels are have mainly retail shops with some small food storefronts but the third level is where most of their dining options are along with a movie theater. This mall is very well maintained and I almost always see security patrolling the mall which is reassuring. There can be a lot of teens that travel here in groups which can make it a bit annoying and every now and then a stray person gets in the mall that shouldn't be there. I typically go to all my staple stores: Express, H&M, Starbucks, Footlocker, Champs and Nordstroms. You do have to pay for parking here. I think if your time here is less than 30 minutes it is free though. read more

Fancy mall and surprisingly busy with very few boarded up stalls, despite the fact that this is very much an "urban" shopping mall. Most of the urban malls are decidedly empty and this one is not. The mall is on THREE levels which is unusual, though the top level is mostly food court and movie theater. The food court has 8 or 9 different vendors including the usual Americanized ethnic choices, plus a Chili's and a Johnny Rockets. Almost all of the flooring is tile, which might make it easy for the wheeled patrons but if it's at all wet outside, expect it to be slippery floors throughout. Brightly lit with many spots to sit and rest up from your retail therapy. And I was pleased to see at least two security guards patrolling the shopping center. read more

MacArthur Center - Light and airy inside MacArthur Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I only come here for the movies and with all the recent talk of departing stores you would never know there was an issue here as the 3rd floor is always packed with people. The reason for the 3 stars is paid parking. Dude, this should be free. Even if it's only a buck. And the handicap ramp is open to the elements from the 3rd floor garage. That should be covered. I do hope they are able to get more stores here. I stopped shopping here once Coach left and I switched from an Apple phone to a Samsung. Other than that, I never had an issue here. read more

Love the covered parking garage and multiple entrances directly into fave stores from the garage. Everything was clean, not too crowded. I love the selection of the stores, many of which I can only find here. I'm not in MacArthur very often but every trip is a pleasure and I haven't had any issues. I'm defintly looking forward to my next visit very soon. read more

MacArthur Center - Play area near food court - Shopping Centers Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Driving around Trying to find something to do and we decided we wanted to go to a mall so my friend Recommended this mall. First I love the art galleries, I think it's amazing that they have art galleries around so people can see other artist art. Also you can appreciate how much hard work and dedication goes into creating the art and also showcasing your talent. I loved at the mall had everything inside they had a movie theater different shopping stores restaurants dine in carry out. So many different options and things for you to see different stores some that you've heard of an others that you have not and the ones that you haven't heard of hat pretty good prices in them as well. I noticed the security officers which I find very nice because you know that if you need anything they are around to help you with any issues that you may be having. read more

MacArthur Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

I definitely like to frequent here during the weekdays and weeknights. For some reason the teens like to "hangout" in the mall...they aren't necessarily buying anything, they just like to be "in the way"...in my way. You can definitely find them here on the weekends, like as soon as the mall opens. Therefore, it is up to you when to visit, but you'll find me here during the week. I love the variety of stores here. My only frown is the food court...very blah. The restaurants work for me...Chili's, Johnny Rocket (a fav) and Max and Erma's are great!! The movie theather is also nice...they play the latest features and offer discounts to Regal members. Overall, this is an upscale mall in a just ok area. Hopefully Norfolk will continue to spruce up the area...then I'm sure business will be booming as it did when they first opened. read more

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Mall was "okay" but not much to offer, they had a few good stores but more of useless space. They also had a nice pop up museum that me and another enjoyed but that's about it. read more

MacArthur Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

It's a nice mall somewhat on the higher end...Abercrombie and Fitch is there and whoa watch when you pass by omg the perfume/cologne smell will nearly take you out! Very strong so if you have allergies just don't go that way..blah! It's clean and there is plenty to pick from a little for everyone. read more

MacArthur Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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