Get ready to refresh your shopping routine because Eastview Mall is buzzing with exciting changes! Three major updates are transforming this beloved Victor destination, blending nostalgia with modern trends. But here’s where it gets interesting: while some stores are making a comeback, others are sparking conversations about what shoppers really want today.
First up, Rowan, a unique ear-piercing studio, has debuted in upstate New York, marking its first location outside Albany. Nestled in a 645-square-foot space in the Von Maur wing—between Vera Bradley and Free People—Rowan sets itself apart by offering piercings performed by licensed nurses using hypoallergenic jewelry. It’s a fresh take on a classic service, but is it enough to draw in the crowds? Only time will tell.
Next, Raymour & Flanigan has expanded its presence with a sprawling 13,520-square-foot outlet store, conveniently located next to its existing Furniture & Sleep Center. Positioned across the parking lot from Macy’s, this addition caters to bargain hunters and home decorators alike. But with so many furniture options available online, will this brick-and-mortar outlet stand the test of time?
And this is the part most people miss: Express has returned after a 13-month hiatus, reopening its 7,500-square-foot space in the Macy’s wing. Known for its everyday fashion staples, workwear, and on-trend styles for men and women, Express is betting on a comeback. But in an era of fast fashion and online shopping, can this retailer reclaim its former glory? It’s a bold move that’s sure to spark debate.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane: Eastview Mall broke ground in 1969—the same year as the moon landing and Woodstock—and opened its doors in 1971, making it as timeless as Walt Disney World. Its original anchor stores, Sears and Sibley’s, were joined by quirky specialty shops like Airport, a women’s clothing store with squishy rubber floors and flashing lights, and The Shed House, a jeans store with the catchy tagline, “Everybody’s puttin’ us on.” Who could forget Steak Stockade, where peanut shells littered the floor, or Tale O’ the Whale, with its giant suspended whale? These nostalgic spots remind us of a simpler time in retail.
Fast forward to today, and Eastview Mall has evolved into a premier shopping destination after a $64 million expansion in the 1990s and a $25 million wing addition in 2003. Now home to over 150 tenants, including anchor stores like Von Maur, Macy’s, JCPenney, and Dick’s House of Sport, it’s also the only local mall to feature luxury brands like Anthropologie, Brooks Brothers, and L’Occitane. Plus, it’s the go-to spot for the Rochester area’s only Apple Store.
But here’s the controversial question: As malls across the country struggle to stay relevant, is Eastview’s blend of nostalgia and modern retail enough to keep shoppers coming back? Or is it just a temporary fix in a rapidly changing industry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on the future of shopping!
