- Shopping malls were some of the most popular hangout spots in the late 20th century.
- Some are still open to shoppers, while others have been demolished or redeveloped.
- From tiny arcades to massive malls, here is the oldest mall in every state.
If you grew up in the US during the last several decades, there’s a good chance your local mall was the place to be after school or on weekends.
After World War II, developers started building massive shopping complexes, usually in the suburbs or on the outskirts of cities. Anchored by department stores like Macy’s, Sears, and Nordstrom, the centers contained dozens or hundreds of shops, as well as spaces for musical performances, food courts, water fountains, and other attractions.
While many of these early monuments to consumerism are still standing, others have been torn down to make way for apartments, big-box stores, or other developments.
Business Insider found the oldest mall in each of the 50 states. Here’s the full list.