Broadway Square Mall Stores Tyler Shoppers Want Back

(Tyler, Texas) Broadway Square Mall in Tyler, Texas, has been a shopping destination for more than 50 years, but many longtime East Texans still miss the stores and features that once filled its halls. After asking readers which stores they'd like to see return, we received plenty of nostalgic responses, along with calls to bring back the food court and Center Court fountain.

Broadway Square Mall Has More Than 50 Years of Tyler History

Broadway Square Mall in Tyler has seen many changes throughout its 50-year history. The mall first opened its doors to the public on April 1, 1975, with Dillard's, Sears, and JCPenney serving as anchors. Those anchors drew in shoppers from Tyler, Smith County, and all of East Texas. Some of them remain today, along with new anchors that continue to draw in customers every day. As the years have passed, so have some of our favorite stores.

Walk through Broadway Square Mall today and stop in front of any store. If you're old enough to remember the stores, close your eyes and you can see what store used to be in that certain location and what it looked like. We asked the question on our social media page, "What store would you like to see come back to Broadway Square Mall in Tyler?" The responses were overwhelming.

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Besides the stores, there are two other things that people would like to see return to the mall. The food court and the fountain at Center Court.

Shoppers Also Miss the Mall's Food Court and Fountain

When I first moved to Tyler in the late 1990s, I believe the fountain was still in Center Court right there in front of Dillard's. It has since been replaced and serves as an area for Santa's workshop and photo ops at Christmas, and The Great American Cookie Company has a shop set up there along with a seating area.

I can remember fountains being prominent in the malls I grew up shopping at in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the 1980s and 1990s. There was a distinct sound from the fountain spray and dancing waters. We'd take a penny, nickel, dime, or quarter and toss it in the water and make a wish.

Remember the Food Court at Broadway Square Mall?

As far as the food court goes at Broadway Square Mall, yes, I miss the multitude of choices that the food court offered, along with so many others. Corn dogs, hamburgers, pizza, tacos, pasta, and more; the food court had it all.

Which Stores Do East Texans Want Back at Broadway Square Mall?

12 Stores East Texas Shoppers Want Back In Broadway Square Mall In Tyler

Shoppers miss the chance to casually stroll through and browse clothing and merchandise at these former Broadway Square Mall stores in Tyler. They also miss grabbing a snack at these food locations that used to be in the mall.

Gallery Credit: Lucky Larry, Mix 93-1

Broadway Square Mall Has Changed, but the Memories Remain

The mall has gone through a transformation since the pandemic of 2020. Online shopping has changed the way many people shop today. However, there are many of us who still enjoy going to the mall and walking around to shop and try on clothes. While walking from store to store with a salted pretzel in one hand and a Coke in the other, juggling that little cup of cheese sauce for dipping. You can't do that while shopping online!

If there is a store that you miss from Broadway Square Mall that was not suggested or mentioned, please drop me an email to let me know, and I'll add it to a future story.