A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Rise and Fall of Thomas Mall

By Nick Law

If you grew up in Phoenix before the 1990s, chances are you have fond memories of Thomas Mall. Nestled at the corner of 44th Street and Thomas Road, this shopping haven wasn’t just a place to buy the latest fashions or grab a bite to eat - it was a social hub, a weekend outing spot, and, for many, a cherished part of their childhood. But like so many malls of its era, Thomas Mall eventually faded into history, making way for a new wave of retail. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit the life and times of this once-beloved shopping destination.

The Birth of a Shopping Icon

Back in 1963, Phoenix was growing rapidly, and shopping malls were the next big thing. Enclosed, air-conditioned, and brimming with modern conveniences, malls were replacing the traditional downtown shopping scene. Thomas Mall was one of the pioneers, opening its doors as one of the city’s premier retail centers.

Anchored by Montgomery Ward and Diamond’s (a local department store chain), Thomas Mall quickly became a go-to shopping destination. Built on a sprawling 55.7-acre site, it wasn’t the biggest mall in town, but it had a charm that kept people coming back. Whether you were looking for new clothes, grabbing a milkshake at the food court, or just escaping the Arizona heat, Thomas Mall had something for everyone.

The Glory Days

The late ‘60s brought an exciting addition—the Century’s Thomas Mall Theatre. With its twin screens, it turned the shopping center into more than just a retail spot; it became a weekend hotspot for families and teenagers alike. Shopping, dinner, and a movie? It was the perfect trifecta.

During the 1970s and early ‘80s, Thomas Mall thrived. Its enclosed design made it a year-round escape from Phoenix’s sweltering summers, and its collection of boutiques, electronics stores, and specialty shops gave locals plenty of reasons to visit. It wasn’t just about shopping - it was about community. Kids roamed the mall with friends, families made it part of their weekend plans, and for many, it was simply a familiar, comforting place to be.

The Beginning of the End

But as the ‘80s wore on, the retail landscape began to change. Bigger, flashier malls like Metrocenter and Paradise Valley Mall stole the spotlight, offering more stores, larger food courts, and newer attractions. Meanwhile, the rise of strip malls and big-box retailers meant people were looking for more convenient, quick-stop shopping options.

The turning point came in 1986 when Diamond’s was rebranded as Dillard’s. But just two years later, in 1988, Dillard’s closed its doors, leaving Montgomery Ward as the only major anchor left. With fewer big-name stores to draw in shoppers, foot traffic dwindled, and soon, more and more stores began to close. The once-bustling hallways became eerily quiet, a shadow of their former selves.

The Final Chapter

By the early ‘90s, it was clear that Thomas Mall’s days were numbered. Montgomery Ward held on until January 31, 1994, but with its closure, the mall had little reason to stay open. In 1993, new owners had already begun making plans for redevelopment, and by the spring of 1994, demolition crews arrived to erase what was left of Thomas Mall.

In its place, Arcadia Crossing was born - a sprawling power center with big-box stores like Target, Costco, and Home Depot. It was a new era of shopping, one that prioritized convenience over nostalgia. And just like that, Thomas Mall was gone.

Gone, But Not Forgotten

Though the building itself is no more, Thomas Mall still lives on in the memories of those who walked its halls. It was more than just a shopping center - it was a piece of Phoenix history, a relic of a time when malls were the heart of social life.

For those who remember the excitement of shopping for back-to-school clothes, catching a movie at Century’s, or simply hanging out with friends, Thomas Mall will always hold a special place in their hearts. While Arcadia Crossing carries on the legacy of commerce at the same location, it will never quite capture the magic of what once was.

Do you have memories of Thomas Mall? If so, you’re not alone. It was a place that, for many, felt like home.