Midland Mall — Local services in Midland

The reality of Malls in todays world has hit this one big time. Not even sure it should be called a “Mall” with the lack of shopping options it has. It’s a beautiful place still, not at all run down or trashy to walk into, but the options to shop here, as with most malls these days, they have all been closed down. There isn’t one “food chain” place to eat in the food court, only a few random options. There is a Target which is the most weakest Target I’ve been to, but still a Target and I feel that is what pulls in the traffic. Barnes and Noble is my only other place to visit thanks to its outside entrance so it’s not closed when the “Mall” closes like most stores would have had to. One perk is being able to remain inside from Target shopping. Meaning instead of having to drive to each of your random stores (ie. Target/Barnes & Noble) and have to park and walk in the snowy cold weather, now you get to park in one spot and remain inside the “Mall” and remain warm while hitting your other store option. Still only those two good ones to do this but hey, it’s the one perk I could keep this to end positively about the Midland Michigan Mall. Please Come Back Mall Stores,...

Not the mall it once was, but that seems to be the trend in general as far as malls go.

Unfortunately, Midland is one of the last stops that has any kind of retail stores before getting to Gaylord or Traverse City. Given the Dow culture, would think this mall would try to bring in more stores like those downstate. Not to mention the previous reason of being kind of a last stop before heading north. But anyone from Midland who shops in person just goes to Metro Detroit.

At least there are a few major stores remaining: Barnes and Noble, Target, and Dunham's, Bath and Body Works. While not the mall, there are other retailers nearby: Marshalls, Kohl, Ulta, Michaels and Old Navy.

The food court is lacking, but Alex's Railside Restaurant is great!

It'd be nice if this mall went the route the Great Lakes Crossings did. Or even Partridge Creek. Here's hoping for...

Don't get me wrong, the mall is a comforting place for me (immediate retail therapy), and the Midland Mall is a lovely building. The only issue is that malls, in general, are turning into ghostly shells of what used to be the cool spot to shop and hang out, and Midland's is no exception. Stores have been closing left and right, whether it be due to rising rental costs for the space (because Midland can be stupid expensive), or a lack of traffic because everything can be found where people also shop for groceries, or online, or both. Seriously... unless people are in there shopping for holidays, getting nails done, or hitting up one of the only Targets left, it's dead. RIP awesome stores.

*Edit 5/30/18: Younkers is now closing down. Take advantage of those...