The Maine Mall: Maine’s Largest Shopping Destination
The Maine Mall is an enclosed shopping center located in South Portland, Maine, and stands as the largest mall in the state. Owned and operated by Brookfield Properties, it also ranks as the second-largest mall in northern New England. Over the decades, it has served as a major retail hub for southern Maine, drawing shoppers from across the region. Today, its anchor lineup includes Macy’s, JCPenney, Best Buy, Jordan’s Furniture, and Round One Entertainment, along with several former anchor spaces that are in transition.
Early Development and Expansion
The mall’s origins date back to 1969, when Jordan Marsh opened a standalone department store on the site. The enclosed mall officially debuted in 1971 with the addition of Sears and a wide mix of national and regional retailers. A major expansion in 1983 dramatically increased the mall’s footprint, introducing JCPenney, Filene’s, and the locally based Porteous department store. This growth cemented the Maine Mall’s role as the state’s premier shopping destination.
Renovations and Retail Evolution
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the Maine Mall experienced significant reinvestment. A mid-1990s renovation added a food court and new entertainment options, while national chains such as the Disney Store, Express, and Bath & Body Works joined the tenant mix. Ownership changes and retail consolidation brought frequent store openings, relocations, and closures, reflecting broader shifts in American shopping habits. Notably, Maine’s only Apple Store opened at the mall in 2008, later moving to a more central location.
Recent Changes and Community Role
In recent years, the mall has adapted by welcoming experiential tenants like Round One Entertainment and Jordan’s Furniture, while also navigating anchor closures such as Sears and Forever 21. Looking ahead, redevelopment plans emphasize transit-oriented growth, housing, and public spaces. Rather than replacing the mall, these proposals aim to integrate it into a more walkable, community-focused district, ensuring the Maine Mall remains relevant in a changing retail landscape.
My Visit to the Maine Mall
The Maine Mall was packed with holiday shoppers when I was there, and the businesses appeared to be doing quite well. For example, the wait for food at Panda Express was half an hour, and this didn’t appear to be due to a lack of hustling on the part of their staff. There were just a ton of people in the food court! There were few, if any, noticeable vacancies, a nice variety to the shops, and plenty to do and see – don’t miss the wild ropes course outside Jordan’s Furniture!
While many stores have come and gone over the years since the mall opened, it seems like the owners are doing a pretty solid job at attracting new tenants to replace old ones that go defunct, which is certainly something that can’t be said for all malls. The atmosphere is clean, bright, and inviting. Considering the effort on display from both the mall management and the stores inside, I am hopeful that the Maine Mall will continue to be a fixture in its community for years to come. In an era where many indoor malls are struggling, it’s always refreshing to see a mall that has kept their spirit and liveliness, providing a fun and varied experience for visitors.
Matthew Christopher ME South Portland Jan 12, 2026 Malls Places to Visit Retail Stores
Jan 12, 2026
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