“We wanted our customers to know that the mall is in good shape, that stores are not vacating and going away, but moving in and getting larger.” – John Brautigam. Is this delusional quotation from an arrogant, clueless, scowling c u c k true? You be the judge! The following businesses’ departures concur that the manager of Failed Clearview Mall is, indeed, a liar: Gadzooks, Aladdin’s Castle, Cheering Section, Foot Locker, Napoli Pizza, D’Vanzo’s Pizza, Sbarro Pizza, Things Remembered, King’s Jewelry, Sprint, Cheapskates Dollar Store, Dean Jewelers, JB Robinson Jewelers, BonWorth, Hershey’s Ice Cream, Fashion Bug, ABC Photo Video, rue21, New York and Company, Borders, Pac Sun, Truly Yours, Aeropostale, Subway, American Commodore Tuxedo, The Bon-Ton, SEARS, Rite Aid, Oak N’ Country, Dick’s Sporting Goods, C.J. Banks, Finish Line (used for Christmas storage), d.e.b. (half of this store STILL behind drywall), F.Y.E., AT&T. How does a mall manager manage to drive out all these businesses? And what do Johnny and snotnose Charla do nowadays, considering there are no stores to manage? Well, a few years back, for example, Johnathan took on the role of “mall cop” during an event (remember there are no surveillance cameras in this mall, only moldy ceiling tiles).
On a cheerful December day, family and friends of 200 seated sweepstakes contestants watched with joy to see whether their loved ones would take away a $500 mall gift card at the mall’s Bon-Ton court (today, this court is missing all four tenants including Zales and American Commodore). Unfortunately for the spectators, the Grey-Haired Grinch was looking to crash any holiday cheer. Brazenly blocking the entrance to American Commodore Tuxedo (hypocrisy is a trait of arrogant people), Brautigam insisted that onlookers move on and not block storefronts and aisles. His sneering demands toward mall shoppers were bizarre and unnecessary. It was as if he attempted to wield whatever imaginary power he thought he possessed. Spectators minded their own business and never once made the aisles impassable. The only person who got in the way was the haughty old fart Brautigam himself. He even enlisted the help of his fake mall security guards, who are rarely seen monitoring the apocalyptic 1981 fortress. A handicapped man with a cane, a mother with stroller, and countless elderly couples standing along American Commodore and The Bon-Ton all got the boot for doing no wrong and leaving more than enough room for passerby. Although Brautigam may have assisted in driving a shopping mall into oblivion and destroying Main Street businesses in Butler, he shouldn’t add “crowd control expert” to his resumé: the only crowds he manages today are those that exist as apparitions of 80s shopping gone bust. Perhaps snotty f u c k head Brautigam should shift his focus more toward filling the 35 vacancies that plague the 37-year-old flopped mall. If you see Johnny plaguing the dark, empty corridors of the drywall junkyard called Clearview Mall, be sure to scoff at his useless face if you haven't...
Read moreClearview Mall is a place that once felt like the heart of Butler—lively, full of energy, and a reliable spot for shopping, grabbing a bite, or just passing time with friends and family. These days, though, walking through it feels more like stepping into a memory. It’s quiet. Too quiet. Many of the stores that once anchored it are long gone, and what remains is a sparse mix of shops and empty storefronts that echo the mall’s much busier past.
There’s still a handful of businesses trying to keep things going—Bon-Ton’s long gone, and Sears is a memory, but Boscov’s hangs on, along with a few smaller stores and kiosks. It’s hard not to feel a little sad walking past corridors that used to be crowded and bright, now mostly dim and quiet.
That said, there’s still something comforting about Clearview, even in its current state. For locals, it holds a lot of nostalgia. People remember coming here in the '90s or early 2000s when the food court was busy, the arcade was buzzing, and you could spend an entire afternoon just window shopping or running into someone you knew. That sense of community hasn’t totally disappeared—it’s just faded into the background.
The staff at the stores that remain are usually friendly, and there’s still value in having a place where you can walk indoors, especially during the cold months. But it’s clear that without serious investment or revitalization, the mall is more of a shell now—a reminder of better days rather than a destination.
If you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit just to see what’s still hanging on and maybe support a local business or two. But if you’re coming in expecting a vibrant shopping experience, you’ll probably walk away a little disappointed. Still, there’s a kind of quiet dignity in the way Clearview Mall persists—less a shopping center these days, and more a place filled...
Read moreMakers Market & Events Center LLC Clearview Mall: A Perfect Home for Makers Market & Events Center LLC
We at Makers Market & Events Center LLC are thrilled to call Clearview Mall our home! This bustling hub of activity in Butler, PA, offers the perfect setting for creativity, community, and connection. As one of the mall’s vibrant businesses, we love being part of a space where shoppers come to explore, enjoy, and engage.
Clearview Mall provides an ideal location for us to showcase the incredible talents of local artisans, crafters, and makers. With a wide range of events and unique items available in our consignment shop, there’s always something for everyone to discover. Whether you’re looking for one-of-a-kind gifts, attending our monthly craft shows, or signing up for a fun workshop like basket weaving or paper quilling, Clearview Mall is the place to be.
The mall’s welcoming atmosphere and diverse array of shops create an enjoyable experience for visitors, and our central location ensures easy access for our customers. We’re proud to contribute to the mall’s charm and bring something special to its lineup of stores and events.
If you haven’t visited us yet, we invite you to come and see all that Makers Market & Events Center and Clearview Mall have to offer. From handcrafted treasures to engaging classes and lively events, there’s always something creative happening here. We love being part of the Clearview Mall family and look forward to...
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