Golden East Crossing — Local services in Rocky Mount

I’ve lived in Rocky Mount, NC for over 10 years and have watched this mall steadily decline. It’s honestly sad to see. Over time, many well-known stores have shut down. At one point, the mall had a decent variety—stores like Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, and others—but now even those are gone. The only consistently decent ones left are Belk, Bath & Body Works, and Books-A-Million, although Bath & Body Works seems to struggle with high turnover and poorly trained staff. I wouldn’t be surprised if it closes too.

The overall atmosphere of the mall feels unsafe and off. Many employees seem uninterested or disengaged, and the place lacks basic upkeep. The food court is a joke—completely uninviting—and there are numerous low-quality jewelry stores that feel sketchy, almost like they’re fronts for something else.

I know the mall was bought by the same owner of Crabtree Valley Mall in Raleigh, which is well-maintained and thriving. But unfortunately, this place seems more like one of his neglected properties, possibly just being used as a tax write-off. That would explain a lot.

On my most recent visit, the air conditioning was barely working throughout the mall. It was hot, stuffy, and uncomfortable, and the few places that did have A/C were barely functioning. I felt uneasy bringing my 2-year-old inside, especially past Books-A-Million. The security guard I saw on duty was sitting in the food court, visibly out of shape and doing nothing to make the place feel secure. This is consistent with every time I go into the mall, which isn’t often.

Honestly, the only part of the mall that still has any integrity is Books-A-Million—which, from what I’ve heard, that section isn’t even owned by the “mall” itself. This place has become an embarrassment, but sadly, it’s just another reflection of how things tend to go in Rocky Mount.

I look forward to the day we move to a better,...

Golden East is OKAY. For the record I only visit 2-4 a year. It is definietly not what it use to be. Perhaps the mall should extent its food options (for some ideas checkout Morgan Street Food Hall in Raleigh) Perhaps another Chick-fil-A (there was one waayyy back in the day) perhaps that will take away some of the traffic at Walmart/Cobb Corners. Perhaps a Dave & Busters or other dine-in Resturant INSIDE the mall may generate more visitors. Also another bakery shop other than the cookie place that sells ONE cookie for almost the price of a gallon of gas 🤨. There are alot of events that take place in our area (softball/baseball/volleyball games/tournaments, gun shows, music/theater shows) and depending on the season alot of traveling on 64 and 95. So the Mall needs to step up its game and the City of Rocky Mount should help with some incentives (taxes, loans, grants, etc without prejudice, red tape, red lining, etc) something needs to happen to jump start some LIFE into Golden East. Its been said that Rocky Mount is The City on the Rise. Well the rise should include Golden East Crossing not its demise. Remember when one rises,...

Last time I visited this mall was in the Early 2000's shortly before my family and I moved away. I finally came back this year (March 2022) to reminisce of good old days. It's sad to see how this place has fallen since then. Like most malls around the country, internet shopping has killed most other malls and has strangled many others. I remember this place having a full food court and always about 90% or more of the store fronts filled. Now many of them lay bare and empty. The only place that hasn't changed is Ruffino’s Pizza & Subs. It's been at this mall since nearly day 1 when it was built and it's still here dishing out some great pizza. The Books-A-Million is also one of it's best stores. I purchased a few volumes of Manga during my visit. I miss coming here every Friday in my teen years to hang out and I will never forget those days. Sad to say this place has seen it's glory days behind it now and it feels like its living on borrowed time. I do hope it stays open and that somehow it survives and flourishes...