Pennrose Mall opened on October 23, 1968. When it opened, the mall had two anchors: Rose's and Prago-Guyes. Rose's was located in the middle and Greensboro-based Prago-Guyes on the north end of the mall with Rose's remaining as the sole original anchor today. Belk arrived on August 5, 1970, and its arrival signaled a transfer of partnership. The downtown store it replaced was Belk Stevens, but the mall store opened as Belk Cline! Belk Cline was one of several Belk partnerships that were not signed, and this store was no exception. Other stores that opened with the mall included Peanut Shack, First National Bank, Golden Touch Dry Cleaners, Royce Shoes, Blue Bell Factory Outlet, Jewel Box, Bob Adams Florist, Singer, News 'n Novels, Strader's Shoe Store, Hodge Podge Hallmark Shop, City Barber Shop, Venus Coiffures Hair Stylist, and Hodge Podge China & Gifts. Winn-Dixie also opened on an outlot on the north end of the mall. Both Strader's Shoes and Bob Adams Florist appear to still be operating in the mall! Thus, at its peak the mall contained 18 stores.
Today, Belk forms the south end of the mall with little changing since it opened other than the logo. Since it is built into the mall structure, it appears that it might have been vacant space before Belk took over in 1970. Prago-Guyes went out of business in 1978 with JCPenney arriving later to take over the space in 1986. JCPenney itself left the mall in 2001 after only 15 years. Belk and Roses both continue to operate at the mall, but for how much longer is uncertain. Belk (as of 2016) sealed off their entrance to the mall.
Belk's mall entrance features the new logo at stark contrast to the aging center. The first photo shows the ramped section of the mall between Belk and Rose's suggesting the later addition of Belk to the mall. Photo by digital sky taken February 19, 2011 (above) and August 3, 2011 (first photo).
Empty kiosk in the mall of unknown use. Photo by Digital Sky taken February 19, 2011.
Hibbett Sports. One of only about three non-local shops in the mall. Photo by digital sky taken February 19, 2011.
Rose's is red; Belk is blue. This sign's a little dated; the mall is too. Photos by digital sky taken February 19, 2011.
Pennrose Mall features a strange configuration where the anchors are built into the east side of the mall while no anchors are situated along the west side of the mall: only smaller shops. It is a modular one-sided configuration where the front part of the mall could easily be torn off to revert the center into a regular strip center. Furthermore, Rose's in particular is not accessible except through the mall. This pretty much forces shoppers of Rose's to enter the mall, benefiting smaller shops in the mall but also making all of those shops very dependent on Rose's own success to draw traffic. Belk and the now-closed JCPenney, however, both have a side entrance which allows shoppers an alternate entry since there is no direct entrance from the front without entering the mall. Belk at current is now only accessible from a side entrance.
One Stop Cellular and a local florist catering to your needs. This means you can buy your phone there, get it set up and call the florist instead of ordering in person since it is such a long, harrowing walk between the two shops. Photos by digitalsky taken January 19, 2011
Rose's is on the left and Belk is down the hall. The Rose's outside entrance is to the right. Photo by digitalsky taken January 19, 2011.
Sure Save Shoe Show. Shay that ten times fasht (ahem) say that ten timsh fat...okay, forget it. Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
Concrete floors, rows of lights, dropped ceilings and ancient storefronts. Photo by digitalsky taken August 3, 2011.
What is also distinctive about Pennrose Mall is the complete lack of modernization. Other than some minor repainting, the mall is in a complete time warp with concrete floors, interior brick walls, spartan design and an over-sized front entryway. Other than the doors, there is otherwise no natural light inside the mall itself. Most malls like this were either renovated, closed or demolished by the 1990's, so finding one like it is rare if not impossible in the 2010's. What is also notable is the metallic awning that extends just below the ceiling the entire length of the mall. To say the least, it is about as inviting as a middle school built in the era. The only real draw are the steps between Belk and Rose's, which break the otherwise straight shot of the mall. Outside, the mall features metal panels over the main two mall entrances that appeared to have originally been anodized aluminum but were painted over at least twice: puddy colored before and now a marine blue.
Looking up the north end of the mall approaching JCPenney. You can see the labelscar above. From this angle, the mall looks more like an enclosed strip mall. Photo by digitalsky taken August 3, 2011.
Mostly covered glass for JCPenney. The sign in the window reads "Closed" so that you do realize that there is glass there and you can't just walk through it. Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
Reading this is like listening to a skipping record. I love it when they do this, though. Reminds me of the repeating "R" on Rich's in the 70's and 80's. Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
This is what they didn't want you to see...the decaying hulk of JCPenney sitting idle since 2001. Ten years of decay really shows...I guess the heat and humidity do their work even if the ceiling is maintained. Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011
Today, Pennrose Mall is in an awkward position. Nearly every major route has by-passed the downtown area, including the mall. While it retains its status as the main area of retail in the city, any new construction would quite possibly lure Belk and Rose's away, leaving the mall lifeless. Interestingly enough, the mall seemed to be doing decently up until the past 10 years and was likely fully leased up until JCPenney departed. Not counting the anchors, in 2011 the mall had about 7 of its 15 shops occupied. Of those stores, Shoe Show, One Stop Wireless and Hibbett Sports remained the only other reason to go there with the rest mom 'n' pop stores. The mall would be very easy to de-mall into a strip mall because of this, though hopefully it never comes to that. If it was done, it would be as simple as demolishing the mall up to the back anchors giving Roses and Belk direct access to an extended parking lot.
On the north end of the mall is this creepy labelscar for JCPenney left behind on the outside. They must have run out of blue paint before they reached this end of the mall. Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
Side entrance to JCPenney. Now HOW did Winn-Dixie manage to be in a store like this? I still cannot believe it was really here, but Globman's I could definitely see in this space. Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011
Rose's inside looks pretty well unchanged from the day it opened. I'm sure it smells that way, too. Photo by digitalsky taken January 19, 2011.
No luck finding those vintage blouses with shoulder pads on e-bay? Just look here, you're bound to find it! This Belk store looks about as dated as the one I saw at Tri-City Mall. Did it open as Belk Beck? Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
The doors, lobby and breezeway are just huge! Were they expecting the place to be swamped? Was it ever? Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
Pennrose Mall is also in a unique position to expand with vacant land behind it and a vacant Winn-Dixie, which closed in 2005, on the outparcel. The only current obstacle is the Social Security building. Imagine just cutting a new mall wing between the Belk and Rose's into a backwards L-shaped mall wing. While hardly a SouthPark, the mall could probably support smaller box tenants such as TJ Maxx, Books-A-Million, a Peeble's or a gym. Belk could also expand into that space as well. Belk could also expand into the empty adjacent shops (gaining a new mall entrance), and the grocery store on the back side could be connected into the mall making it more attractive to potential tenants. In all, this is fantasy but some of these ideas could be tried in the existing space as well. However, the greatest likelihood is that Rose's and Belk are going to bail. Belk is probably looking at just skipping town while Roses probably is looking to occupy either the former Winn-Dixie or the nearby dead Kmart. If they don't, then redevelopment into a regular strip center will likely be a requirement for them to stay. As a regular strip center, they would be more likely to attract tenants into the old JCPenney while Belk and Roses would both be able to expand.
Belk's updated logo on the mall entrance looks very much like an afterthought compared to the more appropriate older logo. Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
Rose's, however, looks completely approrpriate on its entrance. In fact, this may be the best that sign has looked on any building. Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
A whited out Cato sign flanks the outside of the mall showing that national chains do have a history there. Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
Belk's side entrance looks more like an emergency exit. The concrete basement-like wall isn't too beautiful either. Couldn't Belk at least spruce this up? Photo by digitalsky taken August 3, 2011.
Winn-Dixie's later store behind the mall. Photo by digitalsky taken August 3, 2011.
In all reality, Pennrose Mall still exists because the town currently does not present an attractive enough opportunity to redevelop the center. It's small enough to maintain as is, too expensive to redevelop and the anchors are staying put for now with limited retail development around the city. All the mall really needs is a good way to fill the empty space, a more attractive look inside (such as a couple skylights) and a larger draw. While outmoded, it is still small enough and interesting enough to find some creative ways to make it work although small, rural malls are very much out of fashion. Its last owners let the mall go in 2005 with the current owners Malachite Group, not really investing in it. Whatever happens, it is absolutely remarkable that with so many malls that have failed or been redeveloped that a relic like this still has a functional department store and remains open to the public.
This map shows the anchor history of the mall, including the now abandoned Winn-Dixie on the outlot.
Mall entrance near JCPenney with Cato labelscar on left. Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
Old Belk labelscar in mall. Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
More empty storefronts in the mall. Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
The condition of this sign suggests it's been there quite awhile. Is this sign original? Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
I definitely cannot deny the sign looks cool, but it's also a little strange. Photo by digitalsky taken February 19, 2011.
GREAT writeup and awesome photos. This is something I must check out for myself.
ReplyDeleteSo I assume JCP just left town (I'm assuming if they moved Belk would have followed)? I've noticed in towns about this size the only truly healthy shopping center tends to be the one anchored by Wal-Mart. It's a shame when the mall can't support the types of chains that are usually the last stores standing (GNC/Radio Shack/Bath & Body Works)...I have a feeling once Belk eventually leaves the mall will prolly die :-/
ReplyDeleteYep I looked it up and the closest JCPenney is now in Danville VA, twenty miles away. What a sad reality. The JCP labelscar and the JCP logo in the windows is a glimpse to a mall that saw better days.
ReplyDeleteThat said, this mall is in horrible condition as is the Belk store. The Roses inside entrance looks hideous. Is that Shoe Show part of the Shoe Show chain or is it something local/generic? Either way, what an ancient outdated logo! Along with that putrid road sign this mall is just begging for wrecking balls to come.
What a bizarre little mall. Was this originally an open-air mall that they enclosed at some point? Minor renovation would really liven the place up. Skylights would be good, too!
ReplyDeleteScott
The Shoe Show here is part of the Concord, NC-based chain. The signage has not been updated. Their signs used to read "sure save Shoe Show" at one point in the late '70s and early '80s.
ReplyDeleteThey just replaced the old sign that is shown above. JC Penney closed in 2001, so Belk's is the only department store in Reidsville now, so they continue to do steady business. A couple other stores are locally owned and have been there as long as I remember. They have very loyal clients, And Hibbett does well since it's the only sports store in the area. And senior citizens use "The Hall" (our affectionate nickname for the place) for daily walking.
ReplyDeleteI would have thought with the uber-original condition of the Pennrose store (not to mention the mall itself) Belk would not have bothered to put the new logo on this location...
ReplyDeleteRe: the Pennrose Mall sign
ReplyDeleteI don't know if it's original, but it's been there awhile. I remember going to the mall as early as 1976 (age 5) and seeing the sign. Other than the flaking paint shown on one side, the sign looks pretty much the same as it did when I was a kid. IIRC, the rose in the middle of the "P" used to be red.
In the 1970s: The kiosk on the north end next to J.C. Penney's was called The Peanut Shack. In the retail space directly across from it was a Singer sewing machine store with a lot of machines on display. There were red feet painted on the concrete floor outside the store showing you the way in. On the same side as Roses was a Hallmark retail store called Hodge Podge. Strader's Shoes was at the south end of the mall opposite Belk's. Let's see ... what else ... oh, there was an Eckerd Drugs near the Roses. It had a lunch counter in it up until probably the mid-80s. As far as I know, the Belk was always just Belk, never Belk-Beck.
The steps outside Belk were awesome, just the right size for a little kid like me to walk up. :D
I was really young when we shopped there, but the mall always seemed pretty busy. There were rose bushes around the main entryway and nice benches. I still go into Reidsville a few times a year, but haven't driven by Pennrose Mall in probably 8 or 9 years. It's kind of sad to see it so run down.
Great blog, I look forward to reading the other entreis. :)
I've never seen a Rose's before but they look really trashy! Are they strictly a discount store or are they a chain that has fallen in value throughout the years? Probably one of the saddest looking malls I've seen.
ReplyDeleteRose's in the 70's and 80's was a nice store. Just like K-Mart at that time. Similar to a Target today with guns.
DeleteMy hometown! I remember when they had an arcade and a bookstore- I would buy comic books (Punisher!) and then go play Gauntlet. Absolutely nothing wrong with that. Now the mall leaks, and they have big buckets out when it rains.
ReplyDeleteThe mall was bought several years ago by an outfit up north somewhere while I was working at One-Stop Cellular. They raised the rent and but have done absolutely nothing to repair the building. As long as that outfit holds on to the deed the mall is doomed. Also, your photo of One-Stop Cellular shows an empty space for rent. It would be hard to get a phone there as your caption suggests.
ReplyDeleteTjmaxx is moving into the old winn dixie
ReplyDeleteOh yes, and Winn Dixie was there years ago where JCPennney was because I remember my mom telling me my dad worked there as a bus boy when he was young. I used to laugh as a child thinking how can a grocery store be here.
ReplyDeleteWe loved JCPenney, and that side entrance was catalog where people went to make a quick payment or place a catalog order. It shocked the town when they left. Good times. Lol.
The only stores now are Roses, Belks and Straders shoe store.
ReplyDeleteI moved to Reidsville in 1971
ReplyDeleteas a kid and remember the mall well.
In addition to other stores mentioned there was Cato, Prago Guyes, Setliffs as well.
I live just outside Reidsville and I never got to see the mall when is was booming because I'm only 21 years old. Sadly this mall is like a lot of other malls and is going down hill. I hope someone restores it.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say, if anyone still reads these, I paid the mall a visit a few weeks ago. Its in even worse shape. They roped off the JCPenney wing to keep people from going over there, and for good reason too. Ceiling tiles are covered in water damage, and some of them were covered in mold. Roses is still hanging around, along with Belk, Straders Shoes, and the florist shop.
ReplyDeleteSee my video and you'll see just what I'm talking about when I say the ceiling tiles are damaged & moldy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4kvjTCGuqo&t=232s
I have gone to this mall many times when I was younger. I remember when it was Christmas time they had a Santa Claus come and take pictures with all the kids with cute displays around, i haven't gone back now that I'm older during that time of the year. I wonder if they still do it. Shoe Show has now moved locations and expanded even to what used to be a Rue 21 right beside Walmart. I always loved going to the mall when I was younger since I always felt like I was in the past. The place is really empty inside despite the few remaining stores.
ReplyDelete