Shopping in Gastonia (RT 29/74) questions

[DaysofThundr46]

Anyone know what the old mall was named? I'd like to see if I can pull up any historical videos or photos.

[southbound_295]

Originally Posted by DaysofThundr46

Anyone know what the old mall was named? I'd like to see if I can pull up any historical videos or photos.

The Gaston Mall.

Gastonia, North Carolina - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Chromekitty]

The top floor of the mall at one time was the food court. Tney relocated that after stores started to move out.

The wm has always been a wm, it has seen many renovations. And the sams club has always been the sam club.


Eta:
the cloth store, Mary Jo's is owned by the Cloninger family who owned much of the property where the Gaston Mall once stood.
What once was known as the Gaston Mall was never the "big mall" in the area, however it was filled with small, local/regional stores. Also, Jackson's cafeteria was in there for many years.

[DaysofThundr46]

Got some more info: The Target was NOT built originally as a Target store, it was a Richway. This link: Richway Department Stores - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia tells me that the Gastonia location was originally a Richway, and then target bought it out. THATS why it was so small!

Now I just need to find more info on the old Gaston Mall and the plaza that Target sits in now.

[Chromekitty]

Originally Posted by DaysofThundr46

Got some more info: Tar Target was NOT built originally as a Target store, it was a Richway. This link: Richway Department Stores - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia tells me that the Gastonia location was originally a Richway, and then target bought it out. THATS why it was so small!

Now I just need to find more info on the old Gaston Mall and the plaza that Target sits in now.

yes, I remember the Richway.......I didn't mention because it's not that important. Where Target is now will soon be empty. Target is building a new store behind Dicks sporting goods.

[hairbegone]

Gaston Mall was originally Gaston Mall. They changed it to Oak Tree Plaza for a short time, and then went back to Gaston Mal.

Richway (my 1st job) became Gold Circle, then became Target. All the old Richway stores (NC, SC, GA) eventually became Targets. The larger Targets were built as Targets. The Gastonia Target property was Akers Trucking, back in the 60's and early 70's (I can't go back farther than that).

Toy's R Us is multiple old stores. The shopping center is older than I am, but my earlies memories are Roses and Ivey's (now known as Dillards). Roses was gutted by fire in the 70's, and closed for a long time. Richway opened across the parking lot. Roses rebuilt, but couldn't compete with Richway. Ivey's moved to Eastridge Mall 1975-76ish and Wray's Dept. Store moved in. I think it was A. V. Wray, actually, and originated in Shelby, NC. When the family retired, they just went out of business. Next, Rhodes Furniture moved in, and I don't remember if they were in the Roses old store or Wray's. I'm thinking Wray's. Toys R Us eventually took both Roses and Ivey's original stores. Before the handicap accessibility laws, there were steps on the sidewalk. Probably why the ramp now.

Next to Ollie's (former Winn Dixie) was Paul Roses Dept. Store which became Service Merchandise. John's Toy and Hobby and Pat-A-Cake Bakery were next to Paul Roses. And there used to be a few small shops in the breeze way. I have no idea what is back in there now. Akers Center has seen a lot of changes.

The Walmart at Franklin Sq. has had 2 major and a couple minor remodels. Twice the building has been added on to. Once on each end, I believe. But it was always Walmart. Bed Bath and Beyond and Ross were originally Lowes. Lowes rebuilt at Phase whatever when Sam's and Kmart were built. Dollar Tree was originally a nice clothing store. Started with a "W" but I can't think of it off hand. It didn't last long. Belk got rid of their "bargain basement" section at the mall and moved in as Belk Outlet. Loved that store. Again, didn't last long. I think Dollar Tree is the 3rd tenant.

Where Dicks is now at Gaston Mall was originally Woolco's (Woolworth family). After Woolco, it became a Brendle's then Media Play. Where Mary Jo's is was Mack's Dept. Store. Across from Macks, was Bessie's Bloomers and China House Restaurant. There was also a movie theater, several dress shops, I think Poffie Girls may have been there, Jackson's Cafeteria, which was originally up front at Akers Center where Los Arcos is currently.

[Chromekitty]

^
This post brings back SO many memories

[DaysofThundr46]

Originally Posted by hairbegone

Gaston Mall was originally Gaston Mall. They changed it to Oak Tree Plaza for a short time, and then went back to Gaston Mal.

Richway (my 1st job) became Gold Circle, then became Target. All the old Richway stores (NC, SC, GA) eventually became Targets. The larger Targets were built as Targets. The Gastonia Target property was Akers Trucking, back in the 60's and early 70's (I can't go back farther than that).

Toy's R Us is multiple old stores. The shopping center is older than I am, but my earlies memories are Roses and Ivey's (now known as Dillards). Roses was gutted by fire in the 70's, and closed for a long time. Richway opened across the parking lot. Roses rebuilt, but couldn't compete with Richway. Ivey's moved to Eastridge Mall 1975-76ish and Wray's Dept. Store moved in. I think it was A. V. Wray, actually, and originated in Shelby, NC. When the family retired, they just went out of business. Next, Rhodes Furniture moved in, and I don't remember if they were in the Roses old store or Wray's. I'm thinking Wray's. Toys R Us eventually took both Roses and Ivey's original stores. Before the handicap accessibility laws, there were steps on the sidewalk. Probably why the ramp now.

Next to Ollie's (former Winn Dixie) was Paul Roses Dept. Store which became Service Merchandise. John's Toy and Hobby and Pat-A-Cake Bakery were next to Paul Roses. And there used to be a few small shops in the breeze way. I have no idea what is back in there now. Akers Center has seen a lot of changes.

The Walmart at Franklin Sq. has had 2 major and a couple minor remodels. Twice the building has been added on to. Once on each end, I believe. But it was always Walmart. Bed Bath and Beyond and Ross were originally Lowes. Lowes rebuilt at Phase whatever when Sam's and Kmart were built. Dollar Tree was originally a nice clothing store. Started with a "W" but I can't think of it off hand. It didn't last long. Belk got rid of their "bargain basement" section at the mall and moved in as Belk Outlet. Loved that store. Again, didn't last long. I think Dollar Tree is the 3rd tenant.

Where Dicks is now at Gaston Mall was originally Woolco's (Woolworth family). After Woolco, it became a Brendle's then Media Play. Where Mary Jo's is was Mack's Dept. Store. Across from Macks, was Bessie's Bloomers and China House Restaurant. There was also a movie theater, several dress shops, I think Poffie Girls may have been there, Jackson's Cafeteria, which was originally up front at Akers Center where Los Arcos is currently.

You just answered every question possible about this plaza. Thanks!

[southbound_295]

I've picked up a little information about the Gaston Mall revival. I was told by a Target employee that they will move to the new building next fall. Yesterday I was in one of the Ultas in Charlotte & was told that they will open at the Gaston Mall in August.