The Commons At Federal Way — Attraction in Federal Way

I'd like to give it a better review, being that I have many, MANY fond memories of this mall, but with both Macy's and Sears gone, and with so many other businesses gone, including in the food court that has maybe three businesses at it, and the seating area for it is now a little toddler playground, it's hard to really give it a great rating.

And honestly, I miss the way it looked when it was still the SeaTac Mall. Yeah, I know it's been a long time since then, and it may have had some cheesy elements, but it was unique, original, a place I really remembered--there was nothing like it, it was truly a northwest original.

There was dark wood lining everything, above every store and on the surrounding areas of the floor. The sections that are skylights now used to be wood with a lighting art piece (or chandelier) in the center.

Sure, it was 70s and dated, but I could never understand why people have a hard time with things that look dated. People love classic cars and other old things because they're dated, and the datedness is what makes them unique compared to what you see now.

The SeaTac Mall was original and unique even during the time it was created. They could have refreshed the color scheme and put in new lighting art pieces and it would have been gorgeous for today's palette. But nope, wood is bad, darker colors are bad, it has to be beige, light gray, and white for everything at every mall now.

The new look is as bland as just about every other mall. Sure, it looks "nice", but there's nothing to remember. And then the new in-mall hallway section for Kohls uses completely different architecture in the ceiling.

Malls were already struggling before the pandemic. Malls like this one, because it's so generic and has lost so many businesses, will unfortunately be one of the first in the area to go down.

The other one that doesn't look like it's doing well is South Hill Mall.

Both malls might end up becoming like what happened to the Lakewood Mall--it became the Lakewood Towne Center. Instead of being a mall, where it's businesses being connected via indoor hallways, it was more similar to a strip mall, with some businesses being right next to each other, and some have their own separate areas, but none are connected indoors. I could see the same treatment happening to both of these malls in the future.

I don't want to see it happen, but it's my prediction. Honestly, I think being visually original and unique could help save a lot of these malls, but everyone's too afraid of...

I visited the Commons Mall several times. Appears the mall has become more of a social space than a shopping destination. That’s a common trend—many malls struggle to retain retail businesses while still attracting foot traffic for non-shopping activities.

If it’s mostly students and seniors, the mall could capitalize on that by adapting its offerings:

For Students: Create study-friendly areas, affordable eateries, or entertainment zones like e-sports lounges or creative workshops.

For Seniors: Introduce more wellness-oriented businesses, such as health clinics, fitness centers, or comfortable community gathering spaces.

If the mall doesn’t evolve, it risks further decline. Do you think management is aware of these changes, or are they just letting things play out?

The malls that adapt to changing demographics and shopping habits tend to survive and even flourish.

A few strategies that could help:

Mixed-Use Development – Incorporating office spaces, co-working areas.

Experience-Based Attractions – Adding entertainment options like arcades, escape rooms, or live performance spaces could draw in diverse age groups.

Diverse Business Portfolio – Encouraging local and unique businesses rather than just large retail chains can make the mall a destination rather than just a shopping spot.

Flexible Leasing & Pop-Ups – Shorter lease terms and pop-up shops could make it easier for new businesses to test the waters.

Cultural & Community Events – Hosting night markets, food festivals, and cultural events (especially catering to the growing Asian community) could generate foot traffic.

Malls that pivot in these ways often outcompete nearby strip malls, which struggle to offer the same level of engagement...

Mall security is so dedicated to their job that to fill up their company vehicle around 12-1pm they drove from 320th and pacific highway, through a housing neighborhood called Campus woods near 1st avenue, down 10th avenue, all the way to Fred Meyers in Twin Lakes to get gas. I should know as i watched this male security guard follow me the entire way. Any future stalking or violations of RCW74.34 (abuse of a vulnerable adult) by any Commons Mall associate or employee on or off property as well as on or off duty will be considered a life threatening situation and will be handled as such. DO NOT EVER FOLLOW A CUSTOMER HOME AGAIN. if i see this man near me again i will consider it a threat to my safety.

this happened on dec 21, 2023 the security employee in question was of average build, dark hair, light skin (as seen through the windows). he followed me down 320th, through 6th ave sw, down 10th ave, and got extremely nervous when i kept looking at him and down at my phone while i was shakily trying and failing to unlock my phone camera to record more details. i was terrified.

i will post any documentation or retaliation related to this or any future endangerment. as for why he would do this i do know why and it was related to my ex girlfriend's mentally unstable mother who commonly has her adult daughter stalked and assaulted. my ex even had bruises on her arm that day and knew the security guard was watching us for her mother. This is not the first time Sara Montgomery has had me followed home. additionally, i met my ex there by random chance.

This incident is entirely the fault of the Commons mall and its failure to protect its customers from the inappropriate behavior...