Westwood Jackson Mall — Local services in Blackman Charter Township

Disappointment washed over me as I strolled through the deserted corridors of Westwood Mall in Jackson, Michigan. The once-vibrant atmosphere, teeming with life and bustling with shoppers, has given way to an unsettling quietude. Vacated storefronts line the walkways, casting a gloomy shadow over the remaining businesses. Even the occupied stores seem to struggle, their listless employees a silent testament to the dwindling customer traffic.

The factors contributing to Westwood Mall's decline are likely complex and interwoven. The undeniable rise of online shopping has undoubtedly played a significant role in siphoning away customers. While the presence of a major retailer like Walmart next door might seem like a potential draw, it fails to breathe life into the overall atmosphere. The sheer number of empty stores fosters a sense of desolation that discourages visitors from lingering, effectively negating any potential benefit Walmart might bring.

My visit to the mall was fueled by nostalgia, a yearning to revisit my favorite store, FYE, and recapture a piece of the past. However, the overwhelming sense of dejection overshadowed any positive memories. The mall's current state paints a bleak picture, making its long-term survival seem improbable. While a revival would be a welcome development, it appears increasingly unlikely. Perhaps Westwood Mall could find a new niche, but for now, it stands as a poignant symbol of a bygone era in retail.

Property Includes 🚹🚺♿ Restrooms 🚯🚭🚳 Not Allowed 👮...

2025 UPDATE:

since 2020, the mall has been in a downward spiral mainly due to the loss of Younkers and the bankruptcies of many chains before and during the pandemic. Since then, the situation has gotten worse every year. 2022 saw the loss of AT&T and Foot Locker (probably more but I don't remember), 2023 saw Kay Jewelers, Bath & Body, Shoe Encore and a couple others leave, 2024 saw FYE, American Eagle, Wingity Ann's and Cricket close, and 2025 is starting off with the loss of Game Stop, which I believe is one of the last stores that does well. I predict that 2025 will see most of, if not all of the remaining big name stores leave, and I predict the entire mall will close around 2027. It sucks to see this happen because I grew up with this mall and the Crossing in the 2010s, but the reality of the situation is that we will most likely not enter the 2030's with the Westwood Mall. I still enjoy walking around the mall to see what changes take place every week, and I like the Applebee's, although the quality has been hit or miss in recent years. Overall, it's a good mall, but if no action is taken soon, it's days...

Talk about it Jackson landmark the Westwood Mall. This place was built in the early 70s. If I'm not mistaken my father was one of the first security guards I remember it well. I remember my mother working at the Orange Bowl. If you're my age who doesn't remember, Aladdin's Castle? When I was in grade school. I remember singing Christmas carols. The water fountain with all the coins in the center of the mall I remember Birds up in the ceiling. Not real birds, metal sculptures I think and they were white. I remember when you could smoke in there. I'll leave it at that. If you haven't tried them stop on by. Walmart Applebee's JC Penney's. Just many more stores to choose from. Well worth the stop, and Christmas time is a big hit all...