For the past decade, we have been living in the time of the retail apocalypse, or the closure of many brick-and-mortar stores. You likely notice this almost everywhere you go, but shopping malls have been hit particularly hard. The Mall at Fairfield Commons, for example, scarcely resembles the prime destination I remember it as from my youth. Walden Books, The Limited Too, and Imaginarium are all long gone. Stores come and go both quickly and frequently, attempting to survive the battle.
No victim of the retail apocalypse has had quite the effect on me as the dwindling Miami Valley Centre Mall (aka the Piqua Mall). For those of us who lived north of I-70, the Miami Valley Centre Mall was our go-to shopping spot. In the mid- to late-90s, it was certainly the place to be.
Personally, it felt like my own little haven, a magical place where I could have a sliver of the independence I so desperately desired as a pre-teen. The fact that my best friend and I were able to stroll around the mall without adult supervision made us feel incredibly sophisticated. (Of course, it has to be said that this was a different time, well over 20 years ago. Things were undoubtedly simpler and the pace of life was slower.)
Since reading that one of the last anchor stores, J.C. Penney, will be closing, I have been mourning what I believe will be the inevitable, ultimate demise of the mall. This has steered me towards a pretty epic trip down memory lane, reminiscing on the mall’s heyday. If I close my eyes tightly enough, it’s like I am almost there again…
I’m perusing the walls of Afterthought’s, debating between a beaded hemp choker and a crocheted scrunchie. (You know, the first time scrunchies were cool) I choose both because accessories are life.
I’m spritzing myself with the sample Country Apple body spray from Bath and Body Works but ultimately go with the Cucumber Melon, which seems much more mature.
My best friend and I are ogling the sparkly spaghetti-strapped prom dresses at DEB, knowing it will be years before we have our turn.
I’m picking out the perfect pom-pom pen at Maurice’s, imagining I’ll look just like Cher from Clueless as I spend hours writing notes to my friends.
We’re combing through CD singles (remember those?) at FYE, finally settling on a Mariah Carey because I just HAVE to listen to “Honey” on my Discman at full blast.
We’re laughing over double-doozies from the Great American Cookie Company because we blissfully do not care about calories at this point.
I’m purchasing cheap makeover supplies from Hill’s, including lots of shimmery eye shadow and frosty lip gloss that I never really learn how to appropriately apply.
We’re following a guy into Finish Line because we think he slightly resembles Nick Carter, and we are beyond obsessed with the Backstreet Boys.
My best friend and I are crowding into the photo booth, taking pictures in ridiculous, yet carefully planned, poses and promptly tearing the printout in half.
I’m standing in line outside the old Cinemark Movie Theater, anxiously awaiting the 7:00 PM showing of She’s All That.
These days I would love to be enchanted by something so small. In truth, the Piqua Mall was likely not the magical beacon I am recalling. I know I am romanticizing the past, seeing it through the rose-colored lenses of nostalgia. But that is how I will choose to remember the Miami Valley Centre Mall in all of its glory. Times change, as do places, but our memories forever remain.
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