Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Green Hills - The Mall


When we first moved to Nashville 12 years ago, one of the first malls we visited was the Mall at Green Hills. Located in an area of Nashville called, "Green Hills," the upscale mall has undergone a couple of renovations since we moved here, most recently adding a new wing that houses boutique-type stores like Coldwater Creek, Brighton, Cole Haan, and more. A number of other high-end chains (Apple, J.Jill, Z Gallerie, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Papyrus among them) as well as the usual Dilliard's Macy's, Victoria's Secret, etc. occupy other store fronts. This is one of the few restaurants that doesn't have a good court, although if you're hungry, you can stop by Panera, Starbucks, Cheesecake Factory, or a few other little places for sustenance.

When we moved from Las Vegas to Nashville, the one thing that struck me when we walked into almost any mall was the fact that during the week, the malls do not have a lot of traffic. There are times (holidays) that this is not so, but I notice that Monday through Thursday, shopping at most malls is relatively easy.

In the Nashville area, as well as in other areas of the country, "life-style centers" are replacing malls. The LSCs are basically the old-style plazas or streets lined with shops, all open-air. While I understand the esthetic appeal of having the sentimental, Main-Street-America look to these centers, the appeal vanishes when I have to walk in the rain or snow or cold weather. . . although the likelihood of my subjecting myself to those elements just to shop is pretty low. ;-)

What is your favorite mall store?
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9 comments:

Jilly said...

this looks a beautiful fresh, light, clean mall. We have something similar in Nice called Cap 3000, out beyond the airport. You can buy most things there, loads of restaurants and also a big and upmarket supermarket. It's quite a way for me so I only go if I need to buy something specific.

Jim Klenke said...

My favorite mall story is anything sports related. Not shoe stores, the kind with jerseys, hats and posters. I really like browsing the stores that have autographed pictures and equipment. I will never be able afford anything, but thats my window shopping. Everything else is just get in and get out AFAP.

rc said...

Just now had a chance to pay you a visit.

Amazing things the do with the coffee art, wonder how long it took to make each cup

Halcyon said...

That looks like a really nice mall. There are only two malls here in Jackson and only one of them is really a mall anymore. The other has government offices and things like that in it. Like you mentioned, they are moving towards those plaza-type shopping centers now. There is one already called Dogwood Festival and another one is opening soon in the north. Where I grew up, there were at least four big malls so only having one is sort of a change for me.

I actually don't go to the mall very often (since ours is so small and doesn't have many shops I like). Although these may not be my favorite shops, I usually stop by when I am at the mall: Williams Sonoma and The Gap.

George Townboy said...

This looks a lot like the Millenium Mall in Orlando, which is only a few years old. Love the photo!

Southern Heart said...

We've been there quite a few times. My sons like to drool and make their wish-list at Cole-Haan, and I think our favorite store there would be Davis-Kidd.

Janet said...

Very modern looking and nice. I much prefer mall shopping to that of the outdoor centers, and I prefer camera and electronics-related stores. It's nice to wish!

brian stout said...

my favorite is spencer's gifts... with all the gag gifts and the psychedelic neon posters and lava lamps...

Ming the Merciless said...

We don't have many malls here because of limited space in NYC but I do love shopping at the mall when it is not too crowded.

I'm not a big shopper but I do enjoy going to bookstores and browsing the shelves while drinking a cup of coffee. Great way to spend a lazy afternoon.