University Mall — Local services in South Burlington

Audited Verified Review (AVR)

University Mall Overview

Location

Address: 155 Dorset Street, South Burlington, VT 05403, USA Neighborhood: Situated in South Burlington, near the University of Vermont (UVM) and adjacent to Burlington’s metropolitan area, with proximity to I-89 and Williston Road. Proximity: Approximately 5 minutes from downtown Burlington, 10 minutes from Burlington International Airport, and less than a mile from UVM’s main campus.

Size and Structure

Total Retail Floor Area: Approximately 610,693 square feet (56,735 m²), making it the largest shopping mall in Vermont. Levels: Single-level enclosed structure with anchor stores and inline shops spread across a linear layout. Design: Fully enclosed, climate-controlled design typical of northeastern U.S. malls, with a central corridor and food court; functional rather than architecturally distinctive.

History and Ownership

Opening Date: March 14, 1979, developed by Finard & Co. Current Owner: J.L. Davis Realty, which purchased the mall in July 2023 from a joint venture including Finard Properties and KeyPoint Partners, LLC; KeyPoint Partners continues as the management company. Historical Note: Vermont’s first and only remaining enclosed mall after the closure of CityPlace Burlington in 2022. Original anchors were Almy’s and Zayre; it has evolved with changing retail trends, losing Sears in 2019.

Stores and Anchors

Total Stores: 77 shops, restaurants, and services. Anchor Stores: JCPenney, Kohl’s, and Target (a small-format store opened in 2018, Vermont’s first). Specialty Retail: Includes national chains like H&M, Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, and American Eagle Outfitters, plus local retailers like Claire’s and specialty shops such as Vermont Gift Barn & Gallery. Dining Options: Two sit-down restaurants—Applebee’s and the now-closed IHOP (shuttered September 29, 2024)—plus a food court with options like Auntie Anne’s, Thai Phat, and Subway.

Amenities and Features

Parking: Approximately 3,000 free spaces surrounding the mall; no structured garage, all surface lots. Electric Vehicle Charging: Available near Kohl’s and Target entrances, though specifics on quantity are limited. Guest Services: Customer Service Center near the food court offers gift cards, directory assistance, and lost and found; wheelchair availability unconfirmed but typical for malls of this size. Pet Policy: Service animals permitted; individual store policies apply for other pets. Family Amenities: No dedicated nursing lounge or play area advertised, though family restrooms are likely present. Entertainment: No regular performances; occasional community events or holiday displays occur. Sustainability: Limited public data, though recent ownership may prioritize energy upgrades given Vermont’s environmental focus.

Transportation

Public Transit: Green Mountain Transit (GMT) serves the mall via Route 6 (Shelburne Road) and Route 5 (Williston), with stops at the Dorset Street entrance. Trolley/Shuttle: No dedicated mall shuttle; UVM’s campus shuttles are nearby but not directly linked. Rideshare: Pickup/drop-off at main entrances near JCPenney, Kohl’s, or Target. HandiVan: GMT’s paratransit service provides accessible transport with advance booking.

Operating Hours

Standard Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (as of March 30, 2025). Exceptions: Anchor stores (e.g., Target, Kohl’s) and Applebee’s may operate extended hours; holiday schedules vary. Mall Walking: Informal access for walkers before official hours, though no structured program exists.

Visitor Information

Contact: Phone: 802-863-1066; Security: 802-863-1326. Website: www.umallvt.com (for store directory, events, and updates). Events: Seasonal sales, occasional art exhibits (e.g., via Vermont Gift Barn & Gallery), and holiday decorations; no daily cultural performances. Tips: Ideal for winter shopping due to enclosed design; parking can be congested during peak seasons; proximity...

It's a mall, it has stores, few of which I would shop in, but to each their own. It's got good selection and is a way to kill some time. Only store I'd personally shop in is the Land's End in Sears, but I'm not young or tasteless. The young and those lacking taste will find lots of value in this collection of stores. It has the usual mall stuff like a food court, lots of womens shops full of glittering animal print tackiness, a Pennys for the aunt Katherines of the world (you know the great aunt that puts blue xmas lights up because of the way they reflect in her white bouffant hairdo, who smells like she fell into a vat of parfum, and whose whole xmas tree is so covered in metallic tinsel that you have to be careful where you place the 9 volt batteries else it ignite), plus the requsite Spencers and other dark and loud stores where the kiddies can go to rebel against convention and buy clothes that are all alike and other things that will anger their parents. In other words:...

If you happen to walk by a kiosk where they holler at you super loud and ask to sit on a chair for a hair démo : RUN !!!!

I purchased their "Straight Ahead" flat iron following a démo at that kiosk. During the demo, my hair looked beyond stunning. with the promotions being offered, it was impossible to say NO and make the purchas. They keep talking and talking and asking questions for you not to get a minute to THINK !!!

When I got home and unboxed the flat iron, it felt like a TOY! I heated it and tried it on my hair, the results were nothing like the demo. It made my hair rough and burned! This is not the product I was shown during the démo. And it cost me +200$.

After looking up reviews online, I discovered I’m not the only one who’s been deceived by this tactic. I feel SCAMMED. This is completely unethical doing this to ppl. I'm not from USA so now that im home I cant do...