The Gardens Mall Crowned Best Shopping Destination in Palm Beach County!

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA - The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach County has once again made a splash by being voted the best mall in the county, surpassing competitors like Town Center at Boca Raton. According to The Palm Beach Post, this outcome follows a poll conducted after Aventura Mall was named the best mall in the U.S. by USA Today. The recognition highlights the mall’s enduring appeal since it opened its doors in 1988 as the largest mall in Florida, featuring 140 stores at the time.

While The Gardens Mall has retained its status as a premier shopping destination, its landscape has adapted over the years. One notable change is the closure of the long-standing Sears store in February 2024, which has left a vacant two-story space yet to be renovated by its owner, the Forbes Company of Michigan. The mall currently boasts anchor stores like Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, along with luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tory Burch. This makes it one of the few malls in Florida to have such a high concentration of luxury offerings.

Exciting Retail Experiences

Luxury shopping is evolving, moving beyond mere transactions to focus on experiences, as emphasized by Driss Iziki, MEA Director for Cegid, in a recent article from Images Retail. With brands investing in immersive and multi-sensory experiences, the future of luxury retail looks promising. In fact, only 13.9% of luxury sales come from online platforms, while a hefty 68% of luxury shoppers prefer in-store interactions.

That’s where The Gardens Mall shines. The mall features a range of dining options like Brio Tuscan Grille, California Pizza Kitchen, and Shake Shack, creating an enjoyable shopping atmosphere. Retailers here are adapting to the experiential luxury trend, enhancing the overall shopping journey for their customers.

Legacy of an Iconic Destination

The Gardens Mall was originally called The Gardens of The Palm Beaches and opened with three anchor stores: Burdines, Sears, and Macy’s—where it was the second location of Macy’s in Florida. Over the years, retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue have made their mark in the mall. In 2003, Burdines closed, and by 2006, Nordstrom opened in its place, adding further prestige to the shopping center’s offerings.

Despite its rich history, The Gardens Mall has navigated challenges gracefully, such as adapting to the retail landscape after the departure of prominent stores. For instance, the closure of its Sears store marked a significant turning point, as Sears was one of the mall’s founding anchors. Currently, discussions around what to do with the now-vacant space remain to be seen, leaving some anticipation in the air among local shoppers.

As brands forge ahead, integrating digital conveniences within physical spaces, The Gardens Mall stands as a test case of how upscale shopping centers evolve. Its distinct approach to luxury and commitment to creating an immersive shopping experience ensure its place as a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike.

With the mall extending over 1.4 million square feet and lying just a mile east of Interstate 95 on PGA Boulevard, it continues to be a key highlight of Palm Beach County’s landscape, offering more than just shopping—it’s about community engagement and memorable experiences.