Once a bustling hub for shopping, dining, and social gatherings, Westridge Mall in Topeka faced its fair share of struggles over the past decade. After losing many of its major name-brand stores, it seemed the mall was heading toward a slow decline. However, with its recent purchase by Advisors Excel and a shift toward unique pop-up shops, there’s new buzz in the air. The mall is now busier than usual and has become a surprisingly festive destination.
While the loss of familiar national retailers was a blow to the mall’s identity, the rise of local vendors, seasonal events, and pop-up shops is injecting new life into the space. These small businesses have brought a sense of community back to Westridge Mall, drawing in shoppers looking for something different.
But the question remains: Can Westridge Mall truly come back as a shopping center? Or is it merely a shadow of its former self?
For those of us who grew up in the 80s and 90s, malls were more than just retail centers. They were the gathering places of our youth, where we met friends after school, lingered after church, or just passed the time. Westridge Mall, along with others, was a social space—somewhere to go when the world outside felt a bit too quiet. But today, the idea of “hanging out” at the mall seems foreign, especially to younger generations.
Now, as we walk through the festive halls of Westridge, it’s hard not to feel nostalgic for those simpler times. While the mall may never be the community gathering spot it once was, there’s something magical about seeing it bustling again. Whether it’s the temporary shops, seasonal events, or even just the increase in foot traffic, it’s clear that Westridge Mall has found new life, albeit in a different form.
As the future of the mall continues to unfold, one can only wonder: Will it thrive as a modern-day community center, or will it remain just a place to shop, eat, and visit for the occasional event? Only time will tell.
If you’re interested in checking out local events and pop-up shops, don’t forget to visit This Is Topeka Arts and Entertainment where you can find information on upcoming happenings in and around Topeka. Additionally, for all the latest updates on what’s going on at Westridge Mall and in the city, be sure to visit This Is Topeka News.
