Christiana Mall — Local services in Brookside

SUMMARY: GREAT MALL. 5/5 stars for this mall specifically, but I have to give one star specifically for Perfume Point. BEWARE of ANY store or booth called Perfume Point. Go to literally any other store selling fragrances instead.

After my personal experience there and doing more research on this company at large along with this infamous location- I discovered they have taken advantage of people, will lie & gaslight you about fragrances, have sold fakes, overcharge you, and will flood their reviews with fake, botted positive ones to cover up the negative ones from real customers.

The fragrance they push the most (Michael Malul) is ALSO notorious for spamming review sites with FAKE positive reviews for their fragrances.

I refuse to support a business with shady practices like this that tries to act like it's a small business. You can find better deals for fragrances online or at the other stores at the mall. This place is infamous in the area for a reason, so please be aware. The employees are EXTREMELY pushy, refuse to take no for an answer, and will pull con-man tactics just to make a sale on a subpar fragrance. THEY DON'T DO REFUNDS, exchanges only- you won't know this information at all until you get your receipt and read it.

I've gotten a lot better at saying no and standing my ground against people trying to push a sale on me- especially as someone with anxiety- but this was the worst bombardment I have ever experienced in my life. Even my boyfriend who doesn't deal with this felt overwhelmed.

We decided to check this place out over Macy's for fragrances (our first mistake) since it was close to closing time and browsing a smaller store quicker was easier.

A lady was standing outside with smell testers in her hand, practically forced us to take them even though we were already coming over and rudely told us to "come on" inside when we didn't follow her inside right away.

The music was on full blast- could barely hear her, my thoughts, or my boyfriend next to me.

She insisted that we were buying fragrances for the both of us after I told her we're just searching for my boyfriend when she asked at the door. Inside, she was speaking quickly (again, could barely hear), shoving different samples at us (not disclosing what they were or the prices), and was literally rushing us- not allowing us time to even discuss the fragrance amongst each other. She asked which one was my favorite, I answered, and she proceeded to grabbed a box and rushed over to place it at the register.

Nothing I said or did implied that I wanted to purchase that. Forcing a sale tactic.

Before I had the chance to tell her I didn't want to buy that, she walked away, started shoving different perfume samples at my boyfriend and another employee appeared. He gave her suggestions on what to give him, then eagerly went to the register to ring up that perfume I didn't want.

I asked him how much that would cost- he said $145. I said I don't think I can do that, then he claimed he took money off just for me because he felt like it. The price was now $129. The pressuring still continued despite my obvious reluctance. I didn't want that Michael Michael Malul perfume, it wasn't even that good to me- but I was getting more anxious during the interaction. That plus the music and pressure got to me so I gave in and immediately regretted it, but put on a brave face.

My boyfriend was also heavily pressured into a purchase. He turned the man down almost 10 times, explained that he's experiencing financial trouble & couldn't do it. Man still continued pressing him and giving "discounts" Man told him that if he ended up not liking the fragrance as much, he could make the money back easy by reselling it on Ebay. (It is worth MUCH less on Ebay) My boyfriend said he'll think on it and come back next week, the man told him the sale ended THAT so he wouldn't be able to get this deal. We were at the mall the following week and saw that mega sale sign was STILL up.

Tried to stay within character limit with this review....

I seldom visit this mall anymore; I used to be a regular visitor. My daughter and I were at Cinemark, so decided to stop to do some shopping. I usually visit the mall once a year, if that, and we reside in Newark; visits will probably be less now. We parked in front in a handicapped spot. When exiting the mall, I remained in the car for a few moments to check messages. As we were preparing to pull off, the couple parked next to us walked to their car and observed damage on the left side of their vehicle. We were parked on the right side. I understand that they were upset but the foul language from both was despicable. The racist comments and whole show kept us parked just to listen. The male walked inside to complain about the damage. He left his wife alone to continue cussing at anybody and everybody, and of course to herself. My daughter and I were sitting in the car observing this activity, but pretending to be checking messages. Since we had prepared to drive away before this performance started, I removed the handicapped tag from the windshield. The female proceeded to start talking about someone not having a tag. My daughter said she’s talking about you. I opened my car door and walked toward her asking if she was talking to me. She completely lost her mind. Needless to say, I retaliated with words of my own. I should have walked away instead, because I could see that she had psychological issues. My daughter also had words to say because of what the woman was saying to me. The husband walked over to me and was very close to my face as if he was contemplating hitting me. I certainly didn’t back down. I’m a native Baltimorean, so that’s impossible. 🤣 I could see that I wasn’t helping the situation by the back and forth of words. It was obvious that both were mentally disturbed. I got into my car after saying what I needed to say. A security guard was at the scene observing most, but not intervening. I guess he was entertained by the show as well. He observed the majority of the encounter, and told me the police were coming to talk with the couple. There was no reason for us us to stay, because there was no physical violence, and only a verbal altercation. My daughter and I left. All that I can say is I have been around a lot of people in my life, but these 2 were bottom of the barrel white trash. I was truly offended, as many other customers coming and going from the mall were. This mall is certainly not what it once was. I have been visiting for 26 years. Again, I understand these 2 misfits being upset when arriving back at their vehicle to observe damage, but there was certainly no reason for their actions. Especially not for a man to get in a woman’s face like he did and speak to me the way he did. He only did this, because he felt he had a little power, which of course he did not, because I would not back down. I only wish my husband would have been present; there is no way this so called man would have been in my personal space. Sadly, this mall is no longer a safe place to shop. Police inside watching and waiting. I’m safer visiting a mall in the inner city of any major city. My daughter and I are both white, so this wasn’t a racial attack. I knew they were both racist by the comments made before the altercation. How despicable that people like this walk the earth among us. People like them should stay home and order online. They are not fit to mix within society. Be safe...

Audited Verified Review (AVR)

Business Overview Business Name: Christiana Mall Address: 132 Christiana Mall, Newark, DE 19702 Phone: (302) 731-9815 Website: christianamall.com Type: Super-Regional Enclosed Shopping Mall Owner/Manager: Brookfield Properties NAICS Code: 531120 – Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Miniwarehouses)     

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Brief History

Christiana Mall opened on October 12, 1978, developed by The Rubin Company and New Castle Associates. Strategically located near the intersection of I-95 and DE Route 1, the mall has evolved into Delaware’s largest shopping center, boasting over 1.26 million square feet of gross leasable area. Its tax-free shopping advantage attracts visitors from neighboring states, enhancing its regional appeal. 

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Services and Amenities Retail Stores: Approximately 179, including anchor tenants like Nordstrom, Macy’s, JCPenney, and Target. Dining Options: A diverse food court and various restaurants. Entertainment: A 17-screen Cinemark theater. Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, ample parking with 6,300 spaces, wheelchair accessibility, and public transit access via DART First State buses.  

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Economic Impact

Christiana Mall significantly contributes to the local economy by providing employment opportunities and attracting out-of-state shoppers due to Delaware’s tax-free shopping. The addition of stores like Cabela’s has introduced hundreds of jobs, further boosting the area’s economic development.  

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Compliance Status BBB Accreditation: Not currently accredited by the Better Business Bureau. Operational Policies: Enforces a code of conduct and parking regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable shopping environment. Health and Safety: Adheres to state and local health guidelines, including COVID-19 protocols during the pandemic.   

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Estimated Number of Employees

The mall itself employs approximately 18 individuals for management and operations. However, considering the numerous retail stores and services within the mall, the total number of employees is substantially higher, contributing significantly to local employment. 

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Audit Considerations Financial Performance: Estimated annual revenue of $5.1 million, reflecting the mall’s substantial commercial activity. Operational Efficiency: Managed by Brookfield Properties, ensuring standardized procedures and maintenance across the facility. Risk Management: Implements security measures and collaborates with local law enforcement to address incidents, maintaining a secure environment for patrons and staff.  

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Additional Notes

Christiana Mall’s strategic location, combined with Delaware’s tax-free shopping, positions it as a premier retail destination in the region. Its continuous development and adaptation to consumer needs underscore its role as a vital component of Newark’s economic and social...