The question on the minds of many residents in Boardman, Ohio is simple yet troubling — is Southern Park Mall closing? Once the heartbeat of Mahoning County’s retail scene, this iconic shopping destination has faced a whirlwind of challenges in recent years. From store closures to unpaid taxes and shifting consumer habits, the future of Southern Park Mall appears uncertain. Yet, despite rumors and financial troubles, the mall’s doors remain open — at least for now.
This article takes an in-depth look at where things really stand for Southern Park Mall in 2025, what’s driving the speculation, and what the community can expect in the months ahead.
THE LEGACY OF SOUTHERN PARK MALL
Since its opening in 1970, Southern Park Mall has been a cornerstone of shopping and social life in northeastern Ohio. For over five decades, it’s hosted generations of families, from holiday shoppers to weekend moviegoers. Anchored by major stores like JCPenney, Macy’s, and formerly Sears, the mall once stood as a symbol of American retail success.
Through the years, Southern Park Mall weathered the same economic and cultural shifts that have impacted malls across the United States. The rise of online shopping, declining department store chains, and newer lifestyle centers gradually cut into foot traffic. Still, the mall managed to hang on — thanks in part to its loyal local base and periodic upgrades.
That endurance, however, has been tested like never before in the past year.
WHY PEOPLE ARE ASKING: IS SOUTHERN PARK MALL CLOSING?
The speculation began to intensify in late 2024 when the property changed ownership. Longtime owner Washington Prime Group sold Southern Park Mall to Kohan Retail Investment Group, a New York-based company that specializes in purchasing struggling malls.
While the purchase initially gave hope for revitalization, the transition has been rocky. Under Kohan’s ownership, the mall has seen:
- A rise in vacant storefronts, especially in its inner concourses.
- Delayed communication between management and local officials.
- Tax payment issues that drew public attention and concern.
These combined factors have led to widespread rumors that the mall is on the brink of shutting down.
FINANCIAL TROUBLES AND TAX ISSUES
One of the clearest warning signs for the mall’s future has been its financial condition. County records show that the owners fell behind on property tax payments, accumulating nearly half a million dollars in unpaid taxes on multiple parcels.
Local officials have publicly confirmed that these taxes are still outstanding. If the delinquency continues into 2026, the mall could face legal consequences, including foreclosure proceedings.
While the owner has made partial payments to reduce the balance, the ongoing financial instability has left local leaders questioning the property’s future.
STORES THAT HAVE CLOSED OR LEFT THE MALL
Another major red flag for shoppers asking “is Southern Park Mall closing” is the growing list of departing retailers. Once filled with over 100 stores, the mall now has several darkened storefronts, particularly near the west wing and food court.
In 2025 alone, several longtime businesses exited, including:
- Touchdown Gifts, a beloved sports memorabilia shop that had operated for more than two decades.
- Sarku Japan, a popular food-court restaurant that closed earlier this year.
- Various local boutiques, kiosks, and national chains that decided not to renew their leases.
The loss of smaller tenants has reduced foot traffic, which in turn makes it harder to attract new businesses. It’s a difficult cycle many American malls are currently facing.
ANCHOR STORES AND OPEN RETAILERS
Despite the challenges, Southern Park Mall is not completely abandoned. Several major stores continue to operate, providing hope that the property might stabilize rather than close entirely.
- Macy’s remains open and continues to anchor one side of the mall.
- JCPenney is still operating and draws steady traffic from loyal shoppers.
- The DeBartolo Commons outdoor section — featuring green space, dining options, and event areas — continues to attract families and community gatherings.
These surviving anchors are key to the mall’s survival. As long as at least one or two major stores remain in operation, a complete closure is less likely in the immediate future.
THE OWNER’S STANCE ON THE MALL’S FUTURE
Representatives for Kohan Retail Investment Group have publicly stated that they have no plans to close Southern Park Mall. According to their statements earlier this year, they aim to “reinvigorate the property” by bringing in new tenants and hosting more community events.
However, the group has yet to announce any major redevelopment projects or long-term tenant additions. Their past reputation with other struggling malls across the country has been mixed — some properties managed to survive under their management, while others eventually shuttered.
The lack of transparency and clear investment strategy from the new owners remains one of the biggest sources of doubt for both merchants and residents.
THE LOCAL COMMUNITY’S REACTION
The Boardman community has responded with a mix of nostalgia, frustration, and cautious hope. Residents have taken to local forums and social media to share memories of the mall’s golden years — while also expressing concern about its empty corridors and uncertain outlook.
Local officials, including members of the Boardman Township administration, have stated that they are monitoring the situation closely. They acknowledge the mall’s critical role as a tax contributor and employment hub. A closure would have ripple effects across the township’s economy, potentially impacting local schools, infrastructure funding, and nearby businesses.
Many in the community believe that Southern Park Mall could still have a second life if redeveloped with a modern strategy. Ideas floated include converting part of the mall into mixed-use space with apartments, restaurants, and entertainment venues — a trend gaining popularity across the U.S.
CURRENT STATUS: STILL OPEN, BUT STRUGGLING
So, to answer the question — is Southern Park Mall closing right now?
The answer is no, it’s not officially closing. As of November 2025, the mall remains open to the public, with several retailers and anchor stores continuing to operate.
However, the mall is clearly facing financial stress and operational uncertainty. If tax debts remain unpaid and new tenants are not secured soon, the risk of closure could grow significantly in the coming year.
FACTORS THAT COULD DECIDE THE MALL’S FUTURE
Here’s a quick look at what might determine whether Southern Park Mall survives or shuts down in the future:
| Factor | Current Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Kohan Retail Investment Group | Could invest in revitalization or divest property |
| Tax Payments | Behind on payments | Increases risk of foreclosure |
| Tenant Vacancies | Estimated 40-50% | Reduces mall traffic and revenue |
| Community Support | High | Local loyalty still strong |
| Redevelopment Potential | Moderate | Outdoor area and land offer options for reuse |
If Kohan can stabilize the finances and re-energize leasing efforts, Southern Park Mall could evolve into a hybrid retail and entertainment destination. Without action, however, decline appears inevitable.
WHAT THE MALL COULD BECOME
Some experts and residents believe the future of Southern Park Mall may not lie in traditional retail. The trend across the U.S. has seen struggling malls reimagined as:
- Mixed-use developments combining residential apartments, offices, and shops.
- Entertainment complexes featuring theaters, bowling alleys, or fitness centers.
- Community spaces with indoor parks, local markets, and public events.
Southern Park already has the DeBartolo Commons outdoor complex, which could be the foundation for such a transformation. If the owners choose to expand in that direction, the mall might remain a community hub — just in a new form.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While the rumors continue to swirl, the truth is that Southern Park Mall is not officially closing at this time. It’s still operational, though facing serious financial and structural challenges that threaten its future stability.
The mall’s fate depends largely on how its owners handle the tax issues, attract new tenants, and adapt to changing retail trends. Without decisive investment and community engagement, its decline could accelerate.
For now, the best way to support Southern Park Mall is to shop locally, attend community events, and keep the conversation going about its future.
Have you visited Southern Park Mall recently? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below — your insight helps keep this local story alive.