Colonie Center — Attraction in Town of Colonie

This shopping mall is similar to Crossgates Mall, except a bit smaller because of its stores on two levels. A few years back when it was renovated a food court, and a movie Cineplex was added, which is just located above the food court, this is where Macy's used to be when Colonie Center opened back in 1966. This mall has survived compared to other malls like ViaPort (formally Rotterdam Square) in Rotterdam, with half of its stores vacant, Latham Circle, Northway, Saratoga, and Mohawk Malls that became indoor ghost towns, that later were demolished, except there is just only one vacant store where Sears was once located where Whole Foods supermarket is now located at. When this mall was opened back in 1966, 52 years ago this year in 2018, it did not include a movie cineplex, or a food court where Macy's once used to be at the time when that mall opened. Here are the enclosed malls that have been vacant, and are now demolished that were: Saratoga Mall (Pyramid Mall in 1970s) in Wilton, and Northway Mall in Latham in 1999; Mohawk Mall Niskayuna in 2000; and Latham Circle Mall in Latham in 2013, where Walmart is now located today. It is the first enclosed indoor shopping mall in the Capital Region. Today, this particular mall both inside and outside has the state-of-the-art look (or image) to it. Compared to other shopping malls that closed down, and didn't survive (or declined), such as Mohawk, Northway, Latham Circle and Saratoga Malls (now demolished), and today, ViaPort Rotterdam (formally Rotterdam Square Mall), this mall (Colonie Center) itself has 120 stores. This mall even has two anchor stores that have three levels, that are Boscov's and Macy's, and Sears, the other anchor store at Colonie Center which is now closed down, only had two levels. When it was built and opened in 1966, and around that time, its facade was made of brick, like other shopping malls such as Mohawk Mall, and Northway Mall at the time. Today, its facade is state-of-the-art and refurbished to concrete and steel. In 1991, it expanded to 60 more stores and Macy's moved to a bigger location at the end of the mall, where the food court - lower level, and the cineplex movie theaters - upper level, which uses that space today. On August 3, 2019 at Colonie Center, it was a first time that I was in a dance contest that took place at that mall. The music that the DJ was playing there that day got me moving, and made me feel excited. Four of my friends went with me that day. My friend (Nelson) took two videos of me dancing, and I took photos of my friends that are standing on the balcony when I was in that dance contest that took place at that mall when they were watching me dancing during that contest, which was in the section that says Rivers Casino, just like these videos shown taken by Nelson Vasquez. From left to right: Laurie Maggs, Nelson Vasquez, and...

Colonie Center is a 1.3‑million‑square‑foot, enclosed shopping center in the Albany area that has undergone a multi‑million‑dollar renovation in recent years. It’s anchored by well‑known retailers like Macy’s and Boscov’s and features over 100 specialty stores alongside unique offerings such as New York State’s first L.L. Bean and the region’s only P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. Whole Foods and Tesla super chargers available in this location.

The center offers modern amenities including updated family lounges, free WiFi, stroller rentals, massage facilities, and a dog‑friendly policy, all designed to create a welcoming, community‑focused shopping experience.

What we are saying as Shoppers

Positives: • Appreciate the spacious, well‑designed layout, comfortable seating areas, clean restrooms, and an inviting food court that cater well to families and casual shoppers. • The center’s convenient location—just minutes from Albany International Airport and accessible via major highways—adds to its appeal. • Its updated amenities and community‑oriented events have earned it accolades, including recognition as one of the Capital Region’s “Best Of” shopping centers for over a decade.

Areas for Improvement: • Some visits we have noted that parts of the mall can feel less vibrant, with reports of empty storefronts and reduced foot traffic compared to busier competitors like Crossgates Mall.

• It’s worth to mention that few visits we had challenges such as parking issues and occasional concerns over security or maintenance in certain areas, which suggest that while many aspects of the mall have been modernized, there is still room for further updates.

Overall Impression

Colonie Center provides a reliable, community‑centric shopping destination for Albany residents and visitors alike. It combines a mix of well‑known retailers with unique local offerings and family‑friendly amenities. However, its overall experience can vary depending on one’s expectations—shoppers looking for a high‑energy, ultra‑modern retail environment might favor other centers, while those who value convenience, updated facilities, and a comfortable atmosphere may find Colonie Center perfectly suited to their needs.

In summary, if you’re in the Albany area and appreciate a shopping center that balances modern upgrades with a community feel, Colonie Center remains a solid choice despite some of the...

It's a good mall. I mainly want to write a review for a specific store, but I guess that store doesn't have a google page or something.

Mecha Fantasy: I'm a huge mecha fan. Seeing the name I had to check it out. It's a variety hobby shop with Gunpla, warhammer, cards, etc. I was there for the Gunpla (Gundam plastic model kits). They had a really odd selection to say the least. It's not uncommon to see kits from a variety of dates, new and really old, but they had more "option parts" kits (kits that are supplimental to actual kits, usually containing spare weapons, hands, etc) than the main kits.

Really the biggest issue I have with them, and why I am writing this at all, is their pricings.

DO NOT BUY GUNPLA FROM HERE. Their prices are beyond gouged. They had a Master Grade Ez8, a 20 year old kit, in really bad condition (extremely beat up packaging, with tape to fix tears) selling for 90 dollars. NINETY. That kit is selling for $35 on amazon and amazon is already over charging. That's a 30 buck kit, they want TRIPLE that. They are upping the cost of these kits by AT LEAST 1.5x to 3x the price of other stores online. Kotobukiya sells their kits with the amount the tariffs are affecting them spelt out for you so you know why it's more costly than it used to be.

It's a shame because I want more stores like this, but I'm not going to condone a store charging more for a kit than some shady websites I've...