The Oaks Mall (Gainesville, Florida), Dead Malls of America & A Brief History of Mall Walking
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- Опубликовано: 26 авг 2024
- Why is mall walking a thing?
Well, the history of mall walking is a little fuzzy; it’s not like there was anyone on the scene to take notes the first time a senior citizen started walking malls in their New Balances. In this video I talk through what we DO know about mall walking, as well as why it’s so popular.
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In addition to talking about mall walking hours, we take a stroll through The Oaks Mall in Gainesville, Florida. This is a spot that’s close to my heart, for reasons I go into in the video, and it’s fascinating to see it almost totally abandoned prior to the mall’s official opening.
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People-watch the whole video and listen before you comment. He never said it was dead. He said it’s changed and not as fully occupied. He shot this video when they open the main mall doors and before the stores were opened. He discusses in detail about mall-walkers who walk the mall before the actual opened for business.
Thanks for this, Jenny! Absolutely right - I never called The Oaks dead (I specifically say in the video that it's NOT dead), and was only able to capture it in this fascinating state because I was there before normal opening hours. I mention dead malls specifically because mall walking is vital to some places that are truly struggling because it helps them look more lively.
I have fond memories of mall walking the mall before stores opened in the morning with my dear Daddy years ago. We even had name tags designating us as mall walkers from the Oaks mall.❤️
Some fun factoids: Right about where Chick-fil-a is located in this video was an amazing arcade called Aladdin's Castle. Across from it where Hot Topic now stands was a nice sized AMC theater with multiple screens. This place was the hang-out spot in the 90s. I greatly miss it.
Wow! The AMC must have really gone into the bowels of the mall, because I just can't imagine a theater in that space. Seen a lot of folks remembering Aladdin's Castle in the comments though :)
@@DeadMallWalking Yep I can't imagine there's any trace of it left. Somewhere online, someone posted some old photos of it as well as the Plaza. I'll see if I can dig up the link.
Went to that arcade and theater many times after I came to Gainesville as a student in 1983. The mall was incredibly active during those years, as I remember it. Really packed, especially on the weekends.
Don't forget "Tilt". That was a fun little arcade, too back in the day at the Oaks Mall.
AMC6 was in the mall, and AMC4 was in the Plaza. Aladdin's Castle was an awesome arcade near AMC6, and it was always hopping in the 90s.
Yup, I remember those days! I was born and raised in Gainesville from 1988 to 2010. My Mom actually worked at JCPenny selling fine jewelry for years, and we had our own store in the Oaks Mall Plaza from 2003-2010.
I still remember the older dark theme they used to have before switching to the modern white marble look sometime in the later 90s. There was a big auditorium that was filled in, and all kind of other major changes over the years.
I’ve lived in Gainesville Florida my entire life and was surprised to see this video in my recommended feed. Watching this was very nostalgic for some reason even though I’m planning on going tomorrow to shop. You did a fantastic job with the history of this mall and I can’t think of anything you missed.
Same here
Same here.
Thanks Brad, I really appreciate that! I'm sure there are some little things, like an interesting comment about the possibility of a secret basement by Mike Johns, but I did my best. I recommend checking it out during mall walking hours for a different experience :)
Not all my life but close. I can remember when the food court was an Aladdin's Castle next to Chelsea Street pub that was across from the Oaks 6 movie theater. Now that the ownership class has successfully hoarded so much currency channels like Dead Mall Walking become a thing. Brookfield Properties can suck it say the rest of the ownership class. 😛
Same, but we live in high springs
I honestly hope malls do be come small, walkable communities that include residential space, since they're seemingly the only spaces in the United States _capable_ of it right now.
That would be great to have residential space in those areas. Maybe an assisted living center for retired people who can get the healthcare they need while also providing for walking, especially in northern areas of the US where walking during winter can be quite difficult.
Interestingly, The Oaks recently received planning permission to add residential space around the mall! AFAIK they haven't done anything with it since, but one to keep an eye on.
Nope, they'll tear them down and build condos.
@@Evaelyn Gainesville desperately needs adult (non-student) high end condos! It would be an excellent addition to the community.
That would be a fabulous use of space. Some grocery, pharmacy, banking and other shops within walking distance (out of the sweltering heat)! Exciting prospect.
hey, that's my mall; he two asian food places were always be as busy as the chick-fil-a when I was growing up. I can still smell the weird rubber/plastic of the kids playpark. Biggest loss for the mall was the little Cinnabon stand that closed last year, always had the same lady working it.
Ohh, I hate when malls lose people who it feels like have been there forever :(
As someone who currently works at said mall, I don’t feel that it’s a dead mall whatsoever. I am not sure what date this video was taken but it is a bit misleading. We have many new shops and restaurants being added in all the time. That being said, I LOVED hearing all this stuff about mall walkers. Come by again when it’s crazy busy!
Oh, you better believe I've been there when this place is hopping! Definitely not trying to mislead with this video: I was very careful to acknowledge that this was filmed before the mall opened proper. I should come and say hi next time I'm in there, haha
Holy crap, haven't seen a forum with so many locals speaking about the Oaks. I loved the place as a kid, and it blew my mind when we'd finally gotten a Toys R Us in the plaza next door. I remember the red cobblestone flooring and fountains, as well as the little audience alcove where they'd hold events. Truly miss the character it had, then, before it got all polished and overly lit.
The amphitheater was so cool, I miss it
I remember when it was being built. My father was the first jewelry manager at J.C. Penny. It was so busy in the 70s and 80s
Nice! Yeah, most of these malls had their heyday back then, for sure. But this one at least still has plenty of life left.
This used to be such a great place. Aladdin’s Castle was right across from a movie theater, and it was always busy. Kids and gamers alike used to hang out and spend hours on end just in this area, and everybody knew everyone. Now it’s just a dark dismal shadow of what it once was…..
To quote nothing nowhere, "I can't even drive past all the spots that I love, 'cause they're nothing even close to anything like it was" :')
@@DeadMallWalking Exactly! The older Oaks Mall had so many memories. The Italian restaurant that used to be there, my old high school friend’s mom was one of the managers there, so we’d eat there for next to nothing. Once Aladdin’s Castle closed down and the movie theater followed shortly afterwards, I knew that mall was doomed. Look at it now. It is.
I grew up in Gainesville and wow... you should have seen it in the 80's! AMC Movie Theater, Video Game Arcades, Toy Stores (Circus World, KB Toys), The Record Bar music record shop, two bookstores, a pet shop, Every Middle and High School kid in town was there on a Friday Night. I went there a few months ago... it's just boring now.
Wow, you know I’d love to have seen it in the ‘80s! Wish I had a time machine…
I grew up in Gainesville and I'm still here. I still go to the buffalo wild wings in the mall for UFC fights. I was there 2 weeks ago infact. It's being bought out and slowly converted into an extension of Shands hospital.
Yup, full on Shands eye surgical clinic right inside the mall. Very odd.
Shands Dillards Mall 😂😀.
@@josianlugo6111 yeah. They took over the area that Sears used to occupy. My bet is they will buy out they rest off the mall before it's all over
I had a decent lunch in that BWW after my visit! Although they didn't have a limited edition Mtn Dew that I had specifically visited for. Interesting to see UF Health take over mall space the way they have, and could be a template for other malls like this one...
Worked there in the early 2000's it's changed alot
Interesting! Would you say for the better or for worse?
Worse. it used to be bright and active now it looks dark and creepy
Having lived in Gainesville my whole life pretty much this place is definitely dying. As kid a I used to love going to Aladdin’s castle playing arcade games , eating at Taco Bell. Also going to the movie theater they had. The 90s/early 00s were a different time
As teenagers we used to get out of school ride the city bus out to the oaks Mall and chill out there all evening hit up the arcade of course the food court crazy to see it now totally different from what it was when I was a kid
Right there with ya, Mark - I used to be a real mallrat too...which is probably no surprise, haha.
Many memories made at that mall. I grew up there. An urban myth at one time was shared that there are secret passages to a large underground basement described as a garage where many valuable cars were stored by a co-founder at one time. I have spoken to more than one persons who have seen them. The claim seems credible because they did not know each other and described the exact same settings.
That's fascinating! I'd love to know whether or not it's true but, like with most urban myths, I suspect we never will...
I’ve lived in the Gainesville area most of my adult life. The Oaks Mall is iconic for us. As long as Loft is there , I’ll be a customer.
Gainesville resident here: back in the early 80s the oaks Mall had a theatre that showed.porno flicks after midnight
Malls and porno flicks...a match made in Heaven, right? haha
gainesville native. Haven't been to Oaks in over a decade. I mainly stay on the east side. here just listening while I restring my guitar. I only got 2 strings in before the video was over but hey.. Great listen.
Oh nice, and thank you! FYI - restringing the guitar is one of my least favourite jobs 😂
Who remembers Aladdin's castle, AMC theater right across from Aladdin's, the taco bell next to AMC? Ahh ...the 90's what a great time
Lmao as a local this so funny for someone to document this mall!! lol
Hope you enjoyed the outsider perspective, haha
It's crazy everytime Im with my wife and daughters in Forever 21 I cry a little because I remember it used to be TILT Arcade where I had my 12th birthday party. I still remember the movie theater, Rhino Games , Software ETC , KB Toys , Rigatellis Pizza, FYE and Taco Bell all used to be inside the Oaks Mall. It's not dead but it's definitely a shell of what it was in the 90's and early 2000's
Nothing like going through a mall, or a city for that matter, and seeing all the places from your youth replaced by new and unfamiliar stuff :'( We're just getting old, Alex, what can I say! haha
@Dead Mall Walking - Dying Retail & Malls I still remember that one rolled ice cream store and me and my older brother got some.... UNTILL THE STAND WENT BANKRUPT
I worked part time at Sears in the Oaks Mall back in the mid 90's while I was a student at the University of Florida. Back then it was a really popular place- safe and well kept. I guess everything changes eventually.
To be fair, I think this place is still popular, safe and well-kept! Just the mall walking hours making it look very different to how it usually is :)
The mall is still a safe and well-kept location, but not as successful as it used to be. I cant remember if it’s the old Sears or JcPenny, but that location was converted to a satellite location for Shands hospital system which I think accounts for the majority of the traffic now.
Glad to see it's not completely dead, haven't been there since graduating in 2010.
There used to be a movie theater in that mall. I would go to the midnight movie and see all the Gator football players including Emmiit Smith. 🧡💙🧡💙🧡💙🐊🐊🐊🐊
Wild seeing this pop up on my dash! It's my home town mall. :D Very relaxing vid, I had a good time
Glad you enjoyed! Maybe Google is trying to get smart with its recommendations to you, haha.
I grew up here and I still see the stores as they used to be in my mind. You were walking toward JCPenney and in my mind to the right was an arcade - not the good one, mind you, but the cheaper one that my family preferred, named Tilt. On the left was a game store that I just can't remember off hand its name. Walking toward Belk [Lindsey] I saw Chick-fil-A on the far right corner. The food court wasn't what it looks like now, and Taco Bell was on the right hand side, across from the CFA. The movie theater was next to Taco Bell - a spot where I watched the 1989 release of Batman. Aladdin's Castle (the up-scale arcade) was somewhere around here, but my memory is fuzzy there. Thanks for the memories!
You’re welcome! Yup, always strange to see how things have changed when you look at a place you used to frequent 🙃
I think the game store you're remembering near JC Penney and Tilt was Rhino Games. I remember trading in my N64 for an X-Box (1st gen) there. I came to regret that decisions later lol.
Part of the UF Health is affectionately called the Sears Nose & Throat.
Love that! Such a fun nickname 🙂
Something a bit hidden about the UFhealth area is that its not just a few small clinics. They actually have several fully equipped operating rooms, an outpatient area, and a second floor with multiple large teaching rooms.
Glad you enjoyed your trip to Gainesville. We sure appreciate the tourism.
Thanks Thom! Yes, always enjoy spending time in Gainesville 😀
Great video! I visited The Oaks twice in the early 90s.
It was great. There was a Burdine's, an art shop, also
an Aladdin's Castle Arcade, kiosks of jewelry & gifts,
and I think there was a Structure (defunct men's store).
I always left with a heavy load of items I bought!
Thanks, appreciate it! I visit whenever I fly into the area, and I always enjoy my time there. Granted, possibly due to a hefty dose of notalgisa/rose-tinted vacation goggles…
I was born in Gainesville, lived there till I was 14, even back then (2006) it was a very boring mall, most locals I knew would go there sometimes but if they really wanted to shop they’d go to one of Jacksonvilles malls
Honestly, it’s a very low key mall 😅 I think I like it so much because of the associations I have with it.
@@DeadMallWalking truthfully I hope it stays open though,I haven’t gotten to visit Gainesville in years but call me sentimental I guess 😆
When did you take this video?? I have been in Gainesville for 10 years and this mall is far from dead. Parking is a nightmare some days.
If you did this video during the summer, you didn't get to see the students swarm this place like it's still 2005. I still go for a few stores and it's usually busy.
Also, if you go game days, no one is here because.. it's game day.
This video is super misleading. It's not dead. It goes dormant during the summer just like Gainesville. Gainesville is literally a city that is based on a university - over 85% of the population are students and there could be over 125k people here during school season. There's literally no one here during the summers.
Now I feel as if I have to make a video proving this is a very alive mall. I feel personally attacked, rofl. It's literally why you don't see anyone else making videos on this mall as a dead mall.
I grew up here and I can definitely say the mall is a shell of it's former self and is very much dieing. But he also showed it in the morning before everything is even open. He is there during mall walking hours, hence no on being there.
Try watching the video next time, Alice...
I just love the summertime when the population drops, and the traffic is reasonable.. that being said, no students = no job for me, so bring on the students!
I live in Jacksonville, I’ve been to this mall a few times, and I never understood why it’s so dark
I was born in 2004, and Lived in Gainesville my whole life. Though I saw the mall a bit past its prime, I still have fond memories of it. Even in the 2000s and early 2010s, It stood strong. I remember a wendy’s, an auntie anne’s, and even a possible arcade that was In the mall after the aladdin arcade closed. I even remember the build a bear being it’s own store instead of a booth. I believe there was a sketchers by Lids. They used to have a huge gumball machine that was completely free, so when My mom took my brother and I to go shopping I would sneak in and shove as many gumballs As i could into my pockets. I went a few days ago, And every single place in the food court was closed, except for the chick fil a and a charleys cheesesteaks. There was also the Pretzel Twister and Some other place, but yeah. I counted at least 34 shuttered stores
Hitting up Lisa Pizza and Aladins Castle. Going to see Bill and Ted.
Lisa Pizza was the best!
Sounds like a dream! Or, as we'd say back then, "da bomb"!
I used to hang out with friends in this mall in the late 80s😢
wow that dead zone was creepy
Yup, aside from a mother and her two kids down there playing on the rides, it was completely empty down there!
What did you buy the place out? I was just there last week and it was packed. I've never gone in there and it wasn't packed
He most likely went during the time in the morning before all the shops actually open. The Oaks Mall is definitely still super lively during normal business hours lol
Buying a mall out...damn dude, don't tempt me. But Joseph, below, is absolutely right - filmed this during mall walking hours before it opened fully.
@@DeadMallWalking the buying it out was a joke. Relax Jeff Bezos
The Shands medical center took the old sears location and converted it into doctors offices and treatment space. It’s actually quite modern in there and they followed the cdc guidelines for illness prevention. The sears was bad but the construction company did a great job repairing and reinforcing the building for Shands to go in.
Yup, I couldn’t get in that (former) wing but it looked very modern and clean. More like a hospital or a hotel than an old mall!
@@DeadMallWalking go around the side as that’s the entrance as you will see the Shands sign on an awning. I wouldn’t though as security and secretary has to check you in. It’s not worth it. I had to do that double security measure myself a few times. That and they need to know the reason you are there as they really don’t want to take chances.
I enjoy walking around this mall. My husband hates it 🤣 Now crystal river mall is dead, think they finally closed down not too long ago
Yup, permanently closed about a month or so ago by the look of it. As for your husband, how could anyone hate The Oaks?!
@@DeadMallWalking That's what I said 🤣 So we go without him!
@@DeadMallWalking Also heard crystal river mall was being turned into apartments. The Rural King is still open there though
I was there in like July, it was plenty packed.
Yup, it absolutely is still busy during opening hours! Thought folks might appreciate this unique view of it.
I’ve lived here since the early 70’s and the Oaks mall opened when I was senior in high school. Many hours spent there and loved it. It has definitely gotten more quiet and less occupied. Has a very different feel now. We all know the reasons. Changes in shopping areas to open concepts and especially on-line shopping options have reduced shopping in malls.
Oh, that's awesome! A different feel for sure, but I maintain that this place is doing a LOT better than many comparable malls. I still always enjoy my visits there :)
@@DeadMallWalkingVery true. So many have completely closed down and are ghost malls.
"fly into orlando" "swing by the Oaks"? thats like two hours apart lol
Drove 1500 miles around the Deep South on my last trip and passed it on my route ✌🏻
@@DeadMallWalking if you really want to see a dead mall, come to ours here in Lake City, FL next time you're around lol (ok i'll admit its gotten a lot better in the last couple of years but its still very small)
Not what it was before, even pre-COVID. Empty and stores are slowly closing. My eye care place had no doctor and they did not know when they would get one. I usually go to Millenia Mall in Orlando to get my mall fix.
It's definitely declined a little, but I think this place is still great! Mall at Millennia is real nice, but feels a little more sprawling than somewhere compact like The Oaks.
I buy most of my clothes on Amazon or eBay, when I was young and hip, I used to buy my clothes at pacsun or Tilly's, but now their clothes is so unappealing to me. If I really want a pair of really nice clothes there are website that will custom cut and cloth clothes
It would’ve been awesome being there in the 90s
I feel like it would be better being in pretty much any mall in the 90s (or 80s) 😅
@@DeadMallWalking it’s more crowded in the Oaks Mall now
I hung out at the oaks mall back in the 80’s before oaks plaza was there. It’s still a pretty nice mall but the rent is way to much
I wonder if they're lowering rents? I saw a lot of smaller retailers, mom and pop type stores, moving in so maybe they're trying to address that.
The first Dillards store that I been in is at this mall. My grandma lives in Florida not far from Gainesville. Me and her came to this mall and went into Dillard's. Seeing this video is the first time I've seen the Gainesville mall since the day I went with my grandma. It will be a shame for it to go. At least for now it's still hanging in there.
I think it could hang in there for a while yet, Pamela 🙂 So you still have time to check it out again if you wanted!
I remember going to justice all the time here.... it moved to Walmart
I also remember having some rolled up ice cream. With my brother.... it went bankrupt
I even remember getting ice cream there... idk what happened, but it disappeared
Jeez oaks mall really do be dying
Damn, that’s sad news! I love this place, and I’ll be bummed if it’s fallen by the wayside when I next visit 🙁
Can't lie, complete facts on how dead this mall is, lol!! But hilarious when I wear my GA Bulldogs jerseys on game weekends here and enjoy all the death stairs from the very very few patrons here, Go Dawgs!!!
It’s really not so dead when you go during normal hours! But I can imagine the Georgia gear might get you some dirty looks 😂
@@DeadMallWalking I moved here from Atlanta, Mall of GA, and Lenox were the go to malls,.....compared to those ,this place is dead even when "busy". That's why I say that
Malls r the best. In much younger days , great place for a walk. Festival decorations holiday, cool music piled,played everywhere , sometimes live bands,not all the same Christmas music ; even in the parking lots. ♡♡♡♡ one of the 5 places I could be found.... oh the mall. Now I reside 2 or 3 bus transfers, almost 2hours ride. Bummer. Plus exercise is a great safe place....the mall
I was here like 2 weeks ago it's not that dead
I recomend you visit the Everett Mall in Everett, WA, i visted back in april and was like the mall featured in the video
If I'm ever in the area, I'll make sure to check it out!
Have you visited Indian River Mall
No, I haven't - I've actually never been south of Tampa when I've been to Florida. Looks like an interesting one to check out though so, if I'm ever in the neighbourhood, ya never know!
I am one of those walkers!
Oh, awesome! Do a couple of laps for me next time you're there :)
Carolyn, what are the hours? For walkers and where is the access door? Thank
I’m opening a Custom Airbrush Location at Oaks Mall, mention this video and I’ll give you a free shirt 🔥🔥🔥 love y’all
You heard ‘em, y’all! Support the mall fam 🥰
I never go in this mall and I’m 5 minutes away.
SUN CREAM
Parts of this mall have been bought and repurposed into clinics by a local hospital
Lol I’m from Gainesville and this mall had always been garbage literally!!!
this is my current mall more or less. i currently temporarily live in Anchorage Alaska. spealing of Anchorage, Anchorage has 2 malls, the 5th avenue mall, the mid town mall, and the Diamond Mall. the Mid Town mall is pretty much dead with the only reason to go is the Burgerfi situated within it. the other two malls are doing pretty well. but considering how few things that there are to do in Alaska as a normal family outing, the 5th Avenue Mall and the Diamond Mall are pretty much the only thing to do. the Diamond Mall has the benefit of having an newly updated though small bowling ally, a ice skating rink, a fairly large movie theater, and a Dave and Busters. oh, and there is a hotel that overlooks the skating rink.