Genesee Valley Center
Flint, Michigan’s Genesee Valley Center is a vast shopping mall. Since its opening in 1971, it has been a shopping attraction for generations of Michiganders as one of the largest malls in the state.
The mall is situated on Miller Road in Flint, immediately off I-75. It is home to more than one hundred retailers, including Macy’s, JCPenney, H&M, and Sephora. In addition, it has a food court with numerous dining options, a movie theater, and other entertainment opportunities.
Flint’s mall has a long and illustrious history. The Taubman Corporation, which also constructed the Beverly Center in Los Angeles and the Mall at Short Hills in New Jersey, was responsible for its construction. It was the largest mall in Michigan at the time of its completion, and it rapidly became a popular shopping destination.
The mall has undergone various restorations and extensions throughout the years. In 1991, a two-story wing was erected, which boosted the mall’s size to almost one million square feet and included more retailers. In 2007, a new outdoor lifestyle center with eateries and additional storage space was added to the mall.
Genesee Valley Center is distinguished by its devotion to the local community. Over the years, the mall has hosted several projects, including blood drives, food drives, and charity events. In addition, the mall features a program called “Shop, Dine, and Give” that allows customers to assist local non-profit organizations just by shopping at selected businesses.
Also, the mall has participated in attempts to revitalize the local town. The mall collaborated with the City of Flint and other groups to create the “Choose Flint” campaign in 2017, which intended to encourage economic growth and recruit new businesses to the area. The mall’s administration has also been public about their commitment to diversity and inclusion, and they have staged celebrations of various cultures and communities.
In recent years, the mall has encountered several obstacles. It has had to adjust to changing consumer preferences and growing competition from internet stores, as have many malls around the country. In 2018, one of the mall’s main retailers, Sears, ceased operations. However, the mall has made significant efforts to attract new tenants and refresh its offers. The mall revealed plans to add a trampoline park and an escape room in 2019.
Notwithstanding these obstacles, Genesee Valley Center remains a popular shopping destination in Flint and beyond. Its dedication to the community, various programs, and extensive history make it an asset to the region. Moreover, the mall continues to evolve and adapt to new trends and demands, ensuring it remains a vital and important component of the local scene.
In conclusion, the Genesee Valley Center in Flint, Michigan is a valued institution. It has been an integral component of the local community for over 50 years, serving as a focal point for shopping, dining, and recreation. Although if it has had difficulties in recent years, its devotion to the region, dedication to diversity and inclusion, and determination to adapt and innovate assure that it will be a popular destination for many years to come.