Southland Mall

Southland Mall is a long-standing shopping center located in Hayward, California, serving the East Bay community since its opening in 1964. Originally developed by Taubman Centers, it was their first enclosed mall project and quickly became a regional destination. The mall featured notable architectural elements such as open-air storefronts, aviaries, and mid-century design elements that made it a distinct shopping experience during its early years.

Over the decades, Southland Mall evolved to meet changing retail trends. It added popular department store anchors including Sears, J.C. Penney, and later Macy’s and Mervyn’s. In the 1970s and 80s, renovations brought in features like an ice rink, food court, and modernized interiors. The original Liberty House store transitioned to Macy’s, while other anchors changed hands multiple times-Kohl’s was later replaced by Dick’s Sporting Goods, which has since given way to Hobby Lobby.

Today, the mall spans nearly 786,000 square feet and houses roughly 100 stores. Major tenants include Macy’s, J.C. Penney, Ross, Hobby Lobby, H&M, and Forever 21. A Cinemark movie theater with recliner seating and modern concessions adds to the mall’s entertainment options. Despite some vacancies and the closure of the Sears store, Southland Mall still draws a steady flow of visitors, especially on weekends.

The mall continues to be a fixture in Hayward’s retail landscape, balancing its historic roots with efforts to stay relevant in today’s competitive shopping environment. While some reviews note areas that could use improvement, such as food court offerings and facility upkeep, others appreciate its convenience, accessibility off I-880, and nostalgic appeal.