CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — In the age of online shopping, one Cumberland County mall has stood the test of time and is celebrating a milestone birthday.
The Capital City Mall is celebrating its 50th year.
“The mall’s been here since 1974,” said Vince Vizza, Vice President of Marketing for PREIT, the mall's parent company.
The celebration will honor the past, present and future of the shopping center and its vendors, like David Sklar.
“Total, 34 years is the length we’ve been in the mall,” Sklar said. He’s the co-owner of Bleacher Bums, a sportswear store that has had three different locations in Capital City Mall throughout its stay.
As the number of shopping malls across the country declines, he says it’s important to cater to customers.
“So they’re looking at what they have in the mall and seeing how can we make it new and exciting so that people want to come here and that’s what kept this mall going I think,” Sklar said.
Between 2017 and 2022, the number of shopping malls in the U.S. declined by 16.7 percent every year. According to Capital One Shopping Research, that’s an average of 1,170 mall closures per year, which Sklar attributes to the growth of online shopping.
“In today’s marketplace, you have to have that image online, you have to show the products but we need people to come into the store,” he explained.
This is why the mall constantly evolves and adds fun new features, to keep people coming back.
“We started out mostly as apparel and shoes and department stores but as shopping patterns have changed we’ve added more experiences so there’s something here for everybody,” Vizza said.
With additions like Dave & Busters and more separate entrance restaurants for those who want to avoid the mall, the shopping center highlights national chains and local businesses with its shops.
Another key component in maintaining business over the years is connecting with the community.
For Dave & Busters general manager JT Brooks, shopping malls offer community members a feeling you don’t get by ordering online.
“It’s that personal touch, you know, it's being able to talk to another human being. I just think we’re getting so far removed from that,” he explained.
And with more community outreach events, mall officials hope to continue being a part of the fabric of the community.
“Generations have come to see Santa Claus, for the Easter Bunny and our newest celebration is our 50th year here, so that’s another thing the community will celebrate with us,” Vizza said.
The official birthday celebration will be held on Oct. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. Along with a DJ and some snacks, the first 50 visitors will receive a gift bag with gift cards and other goodies from some of the vendors.
The mall will also be creating a time capsule with contributions from vendors, honoring both the history and the future of Capital City Mall.