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Eastpoint Mall: Baltimore County’s Early Shopping Pioneer

Early Development and Open-Air Beginnings

Eastpoint Mall traces its origins to 1956, when it opened as one of the earliest major shopping destinations in the Baltimore area. Originally known as Eastpoint Center, the complex was designed as an open-air plaza with walkways linking several prominent department stores. Among its earliest anchors were Hutzler’s and Hochschild Kohn’s, which helped establish the center as a key retail draw for Baltimore County during the postwar suburban expansion.

Transition to an Enclosed Mall

By the 1970s, changing consumer preferences led to a significant reconfiguration of the site. The formerly outdoor complex was fully enclosed, transforming it into the enclosed Eastpoint Mall familiar to visitors today. JCPenney joined the tenant lineup in 1974, reinforcing the property’s position as a regional shopping hub. Additional retailers arrived throughout the decade, and by the early 1980s the mall continued expanding with new specialty shops such as Record Bar.

Anchor Changes and Interior Adaptations

The mid-1980s brought major changes as Hutzler’s shuttered in 1984. Its former space was converted into a food court by 1991, while Sears was introduced as another main anchor. Over time, Eastpoint Mall saw additional shifts in its anchor tenants: the former Hochschild Kohn’s building was later divided between Value City and Value City Furniture, and Ames joined the lineup before its spot was re-tenanted by Steve & Barry’s. After Steve & Barry’s closure in 2008, the space transitioned again, becoming home to DSW and Shoppers World in 2010.

Recent Declines and Store Closures

The early 21st century presented challenges similar to those faced by many regional malls. DSW closed in 2016, and Sears—long a staple of the property—announced its departure in 2017 as part of a national downsizing plan, closing in early 2018. Despite these shifts, Eastpoint Mall continues to operate with anchors such as JCPenney, Burlington, Gabe’s, and Value City Furniture, along with more than 120 smaller shops and services.

Thoughts From My Visit

There’s no way around it, Eastpoint Mall has seen better days. While there are quite a few vacant storefronts and nowhere near as much foot traffic as you’d expect on a Saturday afternoon, don’t let that distract you from some of the positive features.

The biggest perk the Eastpoint Mall has to offer is a variety of local businesses mixed in with the chain retailers, including clothing stores and boutiques. Eastpoint Mall also has a nifty design – from the unique cup-like entrances to the incredibly 90s food court, Eastpoint has retained some of that pre-2000s mall charm that tends to get ripped out in renovations, which gives the mall a distinct character that I really enjoyed. The large EPM lettering in the food court is a particularly nice touch!

Older malls aren’t for everyone, I get that, but if you do enjoy the feeling of stepping back in time, you could do a lot worse than Eastpoint – especially if you’re looking for clothing stores you can’t find anywhere else!

Matthew Christopher MD Baltimore Dec 03, 2025 Retail Stores Retro/Nostalgia

Location: Baltimore MD

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