Exploring an Abandoned 1970’s Era Mall – Westland Mall (Columbus, OH)

Westland Mall opened in February 1969 as an open-air shopping center anchored by Lazarus, Sears, JC Penney, and Woolworth. The Lazarus store, the chain’s first suburban operation, had opened as a free-standing location in 1962. Sears and JCPenney were built, along with the mall, in 1967–69. In 1982, Westland was enclosed. The upper floor of Sears was closed to customers and converted into office space for their in-house credit card, Discover, in the late 1980s. Woolworth closed in January 1994. The Lazarus store was converted to Lazarus-Macy’s in 2003, and subsequently to Macy’s in 2005 before closing in 2007. By 2010, Westland Mall contained fewer than 15 active businesses. The only remaining national retailers were Sears, Finish Line, Champs Sports, GNC, and Staples. The remainder of operating storefronts were small, bazaar-style shops, eateries, and a local branch of the Franklin County Sheriff’s office.

Sears closed its entrance to the mall in September 2011.

On June 6, 2017, Sears announced that its Westland store would close by early September,[6] leaving the mall entirely empty of tenants.

Today, we explore the mall before demolition and before the Westland Mall is gone forever. We go inside to explore, document and appreciate a former time. Old malls across the United States are falling and becoming extinct. A once powerhouse for not only culture, but economy. If you enjoy the wood paneled ceilings, retro neon signs and neon colors, consider leaving a thumbs up! and subscribing for more exploring and abandoned content. Let me know your favorite part and comment below ! and make sure to hit the bell to know when i post another explore !

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