Bal Harbour Shops — Attraction in Bal Harbour Village

Bal Harbour Shops is located between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay in the upscale village of Bal Harbour. Its history goes all the way back to WWII when the land the mall now sits on used to be military barracks and a prisoner of war camp. In 1965 developer Stanley Whitman built Florida's first high end fashion center. After studying other malls around the country for 8 years, Whitman rejected the enclosed malls taking advantage of the new invention of air conditioning in favor of an open air mall that showcased the lush tropical South Florida environment. Instead of creating a mixed use mall with businesses that provided useful services as was typical of the time, he instead sought to entice high end fashion retailers to South Florida of the type that could have only been previously found in New York and Paris. He hired Herb johnson from a Miami based firm to design the mall. Whitman was also influential in the Bal Harbour community. He helped to acquire a new zip code, improve traffic plans, landscaping and beach restoration, improve the water main, create a resort tax and more. Bal Harbour Shops really took off when Whitman convinced Neiman Marcus to open their first specialty boutique outside of Texas in Bal Harbour. The stores success spurned other luxury retailers to follow suit. A second floor was added to the mall in 1982 and a third floor was completed in 1983.

Today Bal Harbour Shops is 58 years old and one of the highest grossing shopping centers in the world. In addition to Neiman Marcus and anchor Saks Fifth Avenue which opened in 1976, you can shop across three floors such luxe brands as Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Prada, Chanel, Rolex, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, and Balenciaga to name just a few. Dinning options include Aba, Carpaccio, Hillstone, Le Zoo, Makoto, Bianco Gelato, and Café en 3. You won't find a pedestrian food court in this high end mall. Bal Harbour Shops has a special complimentary mall membership program that provides a suite lounge area where you can sit and relax, a complimentary parking reward, coffee, and other programs and member benefits throughout the year. My favorite part of the mall is the landscaped courtyard garden. There are trees festooned with colorful orchids, fountains, and koi and turtle ponds.

I came to the mall to see the temporary exhibit Fleurs de Villes Voyage. This was my first time here and I had a few insights from the experience. While I loved the exhibit, traffic is nightmare surrounding the mall because of Haulover Park on the other side of the bridge from the mall. The large and very popular park puts a lot of traffic into the small artery of road leaving the mall. I experienced traffic delays going to and leaving the mall. Once you finally reach the mall you have to pay for parking. It was a nominal $3 an hour. It wasn't anything expensive but you do need to remember to pay your ticket before getting back into your car to leave. Lastly the mall is under a major 500 million dollar construction project. The mall is trying to add another 340,000 square feet to the 511,000-square-foot shopping center. The back of the mall and the parking garage look terrible. Bal Harbour Shops was sued for a million dollars by a construction firm for not paying their bill and if that wasn't bad enough, they are in litigation with one of their two anchors, Saks Fifth Avenue. They also lost the chance to secure Barney's of New York in the mall. How the mall will resolve the construction issue that has been going on for years now still...

I AM A WOMAN OF COLOR.BLACK AMERICAN.I WENT TO FENDI'S,THE LOOKS,THE STARES.I WENT TO GUCCI,THE SAME THING.MINE YOU NOW I AM CARRYING ONE OF THEIR BAGS.WENT TO SEVERAL OTHER HIGH END STORES/BOUTIQUE.I KNOW THAT THERE THARE STILL IGNORANT WHITE PEOPLE AND BLACK THAT THINK WE DONT BELONG IN SUCH SHOPS/MALLS.I WAS GETTING VERY UPSET SO I WENT BACK TO ONE OF THE STORES.WHEN I ASKED TO SEE A HANDBAG,THE PALE,OVERMADE,DYED HAIR FOOL STOPPED,THEN ONE OF THE MALE GENTLEMEN WITH ME ASKED HER IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM.FINALLY THE DUFUS WHITE MGR.CAME OVER,ASKING IF HE COULD BE OF HELP.I SAID I WANT TO SEE THIS BAG,HE TOOK IT DOWN.NOW BY THIS TIME ALL THESE OVER TAN,WRINKLED WHITE FOLK LOOKING.NEVER LET THE BAG GO OKAY.I SAID,YOU DO TAKE AMERICAN EXPRESS I HOPE.WHEN I GAVE HIM THE CARD,JUST TO MAKE HIS WHITE FACE HAVE SOME COLOR,I GAVE HIM MY ID.BUT I SAID YOU DO THIS TRANSACTION RIGHT HERE,IN MY FACE.GO NOWHERE WITH MY CARD/ID.WENT THRU LIKE WATER. THE SHOCK.PLUS THE BAG HAD JUST WENT ON SALE.HE WRAPPED IT SO NICE,KISS ASS SMILING NOW.I SAID IF THIS CAME IN ANOTHER COLOR,I BOUGHT NAVY,RED.HE WAS KISSING ASS FO SHO.MY TWO MALE FRIENDS BOUGHT TWO BAGS EACH.WHEN THE ID WAS GIVEN,HE NEARLY PASSED MY COMPLEXION.TWO SECRET SERVICE MEN,ONE RETIRED FEMALE FROM CIA.WE DO HAVE CLASS/EDUCATION ETC.THE PEOPLE BEGAN TO EASE UP.I TOLD THE OLD WHITE CRINLKE FACE SHE COULD LET GO OF HER BAG,I DONT LIKE WHITE ANYRHING.SOME PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS BE IGNORANT BLACJ/WHITE.THIS IS WHY RACE ISSUES STILL ARISE.NOBODY IS BETTER OR LESS THAN ANOTHER.EVEN A CRACK HEAD OR DRUNK.ITS A CHOICE YOU MAKE TO KEEP THE THING GOING.BUT I GOT THE LAST LAUGH.YOU...

Bal Harbour Shops is an absolute gem of luxury shopping and dining nestled in the heart of Bal Harbour, Florida. From the moment you step foot into this upscale shopping haven, you are transported into a world of elegance and sophistication.

The selection of designer boutiques is unparalleled, featuring renowned fashion houses and luxury brands from around the globe. Whether you're in search of the latest runway styles, timeless classics, or exclusive pieces, Bal Harbour Shops offers an unparalleled shopping experience for every taste and preference.

Beyond the exquisite array of fashion offerings, Bal Harbour Shops boasts a variety of upscale dining options that are sure to delight even the most discerning palate. From chic cafes to gourmet restaurants, each establishment delivers an impeccable culinary experience in a stylish and inviting atmosphere.

What truly sets Bal Harbour Shops apart is its unparalleled commitment to customer service. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that every visitor has a memorable and enjoyable shopping experience.

Whether you're a seasoned fashionista or simply seeking a taste of luxury, Bal Harbour Shops is the ultimate destination for indulgence and refinement. With its world-class selection of shops, dining options, and unparalleled ambiance, it's no wonder that Bal Harbour Shops remains a premier destination for luxury shopping and dining...