While indoor malls across the country struggle with falling occupancy rates, Parkway Place Mall in Huntsville continues to thrive.
Occupancy surpasses national average
Nationally, mall store occupancy hovers around 90%. Parkway Place, however, has surged ahead, reaching 96%. The mall has just a few storefronts left to lease, and management says they are actively working to fill them.
This strong performance comes as a surprise to many, especially with online shopping continuing to rise. Yet, Parkway Place credits its resilience to a healthy blend of national, regional, and local retailers that consistently draw foot traffic.
Events and experience drive traffic
Seasonal events like back-to-school shopping and the winter holidays have boosted sales and brought large crowds. In fact, mall officials say they’ve experienced steady growth in recent years, even rebounding stronger after the pandemic slowdown.
Amanda Homelvig, Parkway Place Mall’s marketing director, explained the post-COVID shift. “After COVID, there’s just less retail space in general,” she said. “That’s allowed us to get really good rents on the space we do have. I think our success comes from staying open to new ideas and always looking for ways to innovate.”
Food court adds to appeal
Parkway Place isn’t just about retail. The food court remains a major draw for visitors. To keep the momentum going, the mall will soon open Parkway Hibachi, an all-you-can-eat buffet that shoppers have eagerly anticipated for months.
With a high occupancy rate, strong brand mix, and ongoing additions like new dining options, Parkway Place continues to buck national trends and cement its place as a vibrant shopping destination in North Alabama.
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