Dude, I've been binge watching for 2 days. Supremely good narrating on these. You're facts on the closed malls near me were spot on. It was cool reminiscing about the "mall days."
This..... THIS is why you are known as the Werner Herzog of Dead Mall Vlogumentary Expeditions! You are Dali meets Scorsese, combining art with info into a finely crafted finished product! Like a Gourmet Burger Platter with all the fixins, it leaves your viewers satisfied, yet hungry for more.... MOARRR!
Between Security and Owings Mills.... those are the malls of my middle school years. When babysitting my cousins I used to drag them on the bus to the mall and to the movie theater there for like a field trip
I love the 'existential angst' in your vlog titles - my new favourite deadmalls channel. I particularly like the fact that you also cover the nearby town, which really puts the state of the malls into context.
My home mall - thanks for this. Relived many childhood memories at certain places. Specifically the Sears wing. That corner where Payless was stood a beauty salon, Suncoast, and Dollar Tree. It is sad what has came of this mall though...As you can see, the tenants are very second hand/mom and pop that usually do not hold leases long. It is unsustainable. Macy's upstairs is depressing too. There was buzz around Woodlawn that it was closing soon. I believe it based off the ran down condition the store is in. I never noticed the mold smell. Maybe I am just used to it at this point (sadness)? The upstairs has since been blocked off a lot. As you can see, those were children's sections in that backroom. With Sears in limbo as a company, and Macy's in that state, when they both leave (I hope not, but know they will), it will be the end of the mall... As much as I love this mall, something has to be done about it. I hope it isn't removed, but that is pretty much the trend of the area. Thanks for serving your mission of documenting these malls before they are gone. This one specifically means a lot.
supremeNundftd it was my home mall too. Such a shame that it's like a fallout shelter in there. It had some good stores there and a beautiful water fountain there too. Now I just want it to begone.
There is nothing better than looking at an ariel view of a dead mall (like Century III) and hearing Moonlight Sonata and an orchestra accompanying it in the background. This is one of the factors that differ Sal from all of these other urbex UA-camrs.
For the record, that store used to be a KB Toys. I used to go with my Grandma for a lot of Hot Wheels, and Max Steels. GTAIII was brought from there. RIP Grandma.
supremeNundftd I remember doing stuff like that with my grandma.. you don't realize how great things like that were at the time.... Growing up Fuckin Sucks!
Really Enjoyed some of the A E S T H E T I C S in Security Square. Also great to see the connection to Seoul Plaza as well. Sal, this was a great Expedition. A great experience throughout! Thanks Man!
Once again, another great video! For those of us out west, we know DeBartolo for the SF 49ers. The money made from this mall and others gave us some of the best years of 49ers football. I don't think too many people in the east that visit the malls mention the link to sports out west.
I really enjoyed the sky light pictures, I love the geometry, fountains, and neon pictures in the exlog, thanks Sal. Makes me want to get back into photography again.
David Bates great northern mall and most especially shoppingtown mall. Shoppingtown mall is by far the most dead mall ive ever been to that isnt actually boarded up
Wow.Another one bites the dust,lol.When I was in middle and high school( '72-'76) this place was a "go-to" destination.Harmony Hut,Hot Sam,Caramel Korn,Merry-Go-Round (where we would check out the chicks),as well as Sears and Penney's. Hell, even the rich kids from Pikesville and Milford Mill would go here (I'm a native Woodlawnite).What killed this mall was (let me put this gently)demographics.Who wants to shop at a place where you take your life in your hands and have to watch your every move?I haven't been there since 1990 .Great memories but it's gone to the dogs now.Kudos to you for making these videos!
I went to Security Mall (we never called it Security Square) many times back in its heyday, late 70s-early 80s. There were popular restaurants on the parking lot, Bennigan’s and IHOP. I think the mall got its name from the fact that it was located on Security Blvd, which was so named because of the Social Security Administration HQ further down the street. I went to the food court in the 2000s, when I worked at SSA, and the only stores I would even go in were Macy’s, Bath and Body Works, and Old Navy. Even the Sears was sketchy. The daily SSA lunch crowd must have kept that food court open. The rest of the mall had a terrible selection of stores. I’m sorry to see it in such sad shape, because it really was THE mall back in the day.
Keep up the good work love this video! You deserve SO many more subscribers. I love how you do the history of the mall.That wig shop knows how to run off customers. My husband is a bald guy too I’d ask him to try on wigs just for the fun of it too! If your ever in Akron Ohio check out Chapel Hill Mall. I left Akron 8 years ago but I’ve kept up on the updates from my friends. It’s becoming a dead mall I worked at 2 places there Steve and Barry’s in 2007 and Old Navy in 2008. The death knell was in 2008 when they wouldn’t allow anyone under 18 on the weekends enter without an adult.
I loved the old KFC commercial. First time I’ve seen it. I was wondering if it may have been a regional commercial? Very good. I also want to say, I’ve been enjoying all of your mall Log series. I grew up in the retail business, and not wanting to follow in my dad’s footsteps, I retired from rExxon Co. USA. I saw what could happen when the people who built a large regional chain of grocery stores sell to a corporate group only interested in a quick buck, lose everything my parents built. 128 stores and shopping centers bankrupt in a matter of a few years. At least my family was paid in full before the demise. It’s still a shame large corporations sometimes get too big for their on good.
Man! Somewhere I've actually been....... ok nearly 30 years ago when I used to work over there.........think I've still got a pair of shoes I bought there....🤣 It was either there or Tysons Mall.....
My husband and I used to hang out at SSM when we were dating (25 years ago). It's sad to remember the mall the way it was then, and see the way it is now. Grab something to eat at the Burger King, hit the Suncoast Video store, then the arcade. Good times.
I am finally catching up on your channel. The videos just keep getting better, keep up the awesome content! The open room in Macy's is just like what you see at department store closing sales.
This made me sad. I remember going here in the 80s as a kid. This was THE mall to go to. It had a great arcade, ALL the stores were bustling. I met Davy Jones of The Monkees there at a book signing. It was magic to a little kid to go there. They had a huge movie theater where the food court now is. At Christmas it was decked out to the max. We used to spend a Saturday going to Security Mall and it was a treat. This really depressed me. Seeing your childhood wonderland in ruins.
Perhaps one of the saddest things I’ve seen is the huge visual merchandising storage in Macy’s. As usual great narrative, superb research. Fritz is really lucky he couldn’t try the wigs on, think he dodged a hairy bullet there.
Dude, EXCELLENT work!!!!!! I enjoy your documentaries more than the big budget films. You do MORE with less. That's talent. Keep up the great work, you have a fan here.
I worked at that mall twice in my lifetime. It was a great place to work at the second time around, as there were always customers coming in during lunch thanks to the Social Security Admin in the area. Seoul Plaza also opened up there around my second stint. The problem though with the mall compared to others in the area was that it only had ONE main entrance into the building. You could enter the mall via the anchors as well, and the occasional back hall that was unlocked. However the one entrance was a bit different compared to other malls in the area. It's been a while since I have been there, but if I recall properly where the Teppanyaki Grill is, it was a Cactus Willie's AYCE buffet before they in turn closed. Lastly, if I recall with Seoul Plaza and it's opening, JCP left the mall as they were looking for a better price point on rent and bigger space for their shopfront. That was settled when they left to take over the space in Owings Mills Town Center when the old Saks Fits Avenue closed due to a rent dispute if I recall. But that is a story for another time....
That wig store was very sketchy. If businesses like that are in the mall, and with the rather “cheap” array of stores and the partially-dilapidated state of the mall itself, then yes, DeBartolo would NOT be pleased. EDIT: BTW, keeping an eye on what’s going on with the former Gallery of Market East (Philadelphia)?
Sal, I love your videos, hell, they damn near make ME want to own a mall, lol. But, it also makes me think--If I were to own a multi-level abandoned mall---wow...Well, I'd turn is into a miniature village. What I mean is, I'd turn the the upper floor spaces into apartments and offices, while leaving the lower floor(s)s for traditional retail. I'd like for the anchor spaces to be traditional grocery chain stores (I'd figure it'd work due to the sheer retail space)--Lower level would maybe be retail shops, pharmacy, maybe even a bar/club?, barbers, beauty salons, nail shops, movie theatres, and, of COURSE the obligatory food court) , 24-hour security in both the mall proper and in the parking lot, (with police assistance), and the mall tenants pretty much would never have to leave the building. How cool would THAT be? Imagine--never having to leave the building because you LIVE there and you can get VIRTUALLY everything you need there. YES, it would be expensive, but it doesn't hurt to dream.
@@sal I didn't think you'd respond, but I'm glad you did. The reason I suggested that is that there's a mall in my city (Harrisburg, PA) that is doing something pretty similar to that. And it's in the downtown area and it's pretty hawt at this time, lol. It's called "Strawberry Square". It was a dying mall, but over the past couple years it's been MOSTLY turned around (they're still waiting on a major restaurant to take over the space of the previous one). It's perfect---it's vintage 70's--back then, it was considered "state-of-the art--you can tell by the architecture and if you go to their website, you'll see what I mean. If you get the chance, I think you'll be moved by seeing this rather cool property. I personally think it's cool how they still keep it relevant DESPITE the late-70's vibe it has.
Love your series! Keep doing them. Maybe come to PA one day. So many malls that have been shuttered or in such disrepair. I miss going to the malls....😢
Love the channel and these malls are becoming a reality for me . Our local mall Valley View lost the Macys , Herbergers and now Sears as of today all this year . The only Anchor store we have left is JCP so it's not looking promising .
I worked on top of this mall back in 1985 for months. My employer had a contract to disconnect and reinstall all the hvac systems on the roof as Harford Roofers out of NE removed the old roof, placed foam insulation and re-roofed the mall. Each unit had to be fitted with new duct extensions, electric wiring extensions and gas line extensions. I'd go into the stores turn the electric off go up and disconnect everything for a crane to pick the unit up and set on the parking lot. One day a store clerk decided the temperature in the store where she worked was not suitable and tried turning the breaker back on while I was working on that particular unit, sending me flying across the roof while being zapped by 440 volt 3 phase electric. I bought lock-out breakers after that for all the other stores.
@@jazz_enthusiast Yes I cannot comprehend what I means when a bath and body works closes. Beyond dead mall? Zombie mall that will eat my brains? Just a guess
I had an idea that Macy's had shrunken its second floor and you just proved it for me. Thanks! Also the Sears was two floors but the second floor has been shut down.
In the 80s the Hutzlers was like Lord and Taylor. Beautiful. The had Cigerette Ash Trays that a cleaner would come by and empty then press a thing into the sand that would put a Hutzlers logo into it. Was cool to me. And Hutzlers had a huge restaurant on the 2nd floor that was awesome. You had to walk thru the tv section to get to it. Magic I tell ya as a kid. This just makes me sad.
love the entire expedition log series! and I love the documentation of these locations. Can you get to Minnesota at some point,possibly during a month when its not totally freezing here,and document several dead or dying malls we have? Compare them to Mall of America even, and there's other things to film here of interest also,I know where it all is located.most in Mpls /StPaul area,some Northern areas too.we also live right next door to a stand alone Sears,one of few not closing. no one films here and I am trying but I have no actual real camera yet, i cant afford that right now.iPhones cool but it doesn't work right for YT
So here’s the thing...I have *so many* locations already filmed, and my backlog is massive. Sorry about not shooting in 4K...but once I work through the backlog I’ll certainly switch! Hopefully you come back for the next episodes, thanks for watching!!!
I read "Strictoaster" and I was like, that can't be right. I haven't really been playing or watching much CS for a while, so I thought maybe I remembered your username wrong or something, but nope, it is you! I think I might just watch some of your newer videos now! I think it's hilarious to see you here, though! lol
So I’ve been experimenting with 1080p vs 4K tonight. After encoding through premiere pro, and then again through whatever the hell UA-cam does with it, the output is negligible. Yes, we lose tons of bitrate from 4k to 1080p...but after all the engines are done encoding it, the difference isn’t *massive*, and especially since the content is viewed on such a large variety of devices that simply can’t display that resolution. Now...having said that...my next 40 episodes or so are shot in 1080p @60fps, interspersed with some 24fps work from my Canon 80D. I can’t change that :( but, I’m going to flip the switch on everything I film hitherto, because why not? I don’t have quality to lose, and it’ll only look better on the devices that can handle it. I’m headed out to Pittsburgh for some filming on Labor Day weekend, and I’ll be sure to get some sweet footage just for you, Strictoaster :)
I’m shocked no one has mentioned that this mall (mainly the parking lot of the Best Buy located somewhere near by) played a major role in the case of Adnan Syed featured on the hit podcast Serial.
Not much it's just an old storage. When I was there one area of it held glass shelves for an older type of display. Just piles and piles of glass, that you had to got through several older not used stockrooms. The other area was used to store comforter sets as the stairs where in a stockroom directly behind the bedding department. The area you were in was the old children's department, it was walled off around 2014-2015.
I agree with you that malls are hiding the faults and keeping up the facade. I worked at the Meadows Mall in Las Vegas and while it looked nice, if you look closely or behind the scenes there was so much wrong with the place.
Just an idea. Have you ever thought about doing a version of the cutting room floor? It would be great to here your thoughts on what you think about the place and what goes into the video.
I’ve thought about it, but I certainly don’t want to take away direct ideas from *bigger channels* out there. I suppose if I get enough interest, I could support the idea...but I don’t want to invite any direct comparisons to other channels, just yet. I think I’ve gotten to a good point where my work is decidedly different than the other Dead Mall channels, since I take a huge interest in the historical aspect and narrative...so for now I don’t think I’ll be doing it, but it’s not necessarily ruled out completely...
This was a cool mall. I went here this week and it was good. Went in the Macy's and took some pics. The entrance to Seoul Plaza from the mall was closed off and I was there around 8pm so most of the mall was closed.
SAL: im really enjoying your content. You put so much work into these shorts and it shows. Sorry if this was asked before, the Prokofiev piece at the beginning of this video...what is it? Ill probably find it before you answer but wanted to know. Thanks for what you do!
In Australia here Sal we also gotten Woolworths in Australia here mate but it is a supermarket chain across Australia here mate cheers from cameron in Australia here mate
Probably this is unbelievable, it is to me at least, but as a regular patron to SSM between 2001-2003 (I was living in Woodlawn at that time) I visited that mall a lot and I distinctly remember that the mall itself had its own theme song. What I mean by that is that when you were walking around within the mall, eating in the food court or whatever, they would play a song about the actual security square mall that you were currently sitting IN. This was definitely during the period after Montgomery Ward left, and JC Penney TEMPORARILY turned into a JC Penney Outlet Store. (Shortly before going vacant and then Seoul Plaza, which was after my time). Back to the mall's own theme song that would play, the only part I remember was like this "Sucurty Squr Mull, Sucurty Scur Mull, chives oh lives of pull a squeeze, gutcho musko pull-up screen. JAY C PENNEY OOOOUT-LET STORE, find your find your liquor score,". I know that isn't correct, but that's all I can pull from my memory, it would play that song over the PA system and I was like, "what?" You are singing about yourSELF? Okay...? That and other than that mall theme song the other thing I remember is the chicken store in the food court and DAMN do I wish I had a picture of that place because their chicken was awesome. I might have a link about it somewhere and if I do I will follow up on this post. of the
Good old Security Mall! My brother and another friend would ride our bikes in the mall and get kicked out by Security personal ! When we were kids. We also played the arcade game pong in the back of Woolworths for hours. Lol I worked at York Steakhouse when I was 16 and met lots of good folks working there I made $2.10 an hour back then. I found a better paying job at the mall making $7.50 an hour working in mall maintenance. The mall was under Mr. Edward Debartolo at the time. The mall was ALWAYS clean and neat inside and out. The mall floors were stripped and waxed with ZEP wax. No cigarette buts, No chewing gum no trash anywhere. The parking lot was swept every day with a special truck that cleaned the parking lot. How do I know this? Well, I worked my way up to management in the maintenance department and was very proud of the guys who worked there with me. Yesterday January 27, 2022 I took a walk back in time to visit the mall. It was very disappointing to see the deterioration of the mall and how things have changed over the years and not in a good way. The beautiful mall floor was gone as well as the water fountain in the center of the mall. It was dark and dim the security guys were all in one spot talking and chatting to each other and not patrolling at all. I don’t expect the mall to be there much longer as the merchants were texting on there cell phones with no customer in site.
Where do you get those mall announcement recordings? Be careful recording in Macy's, I tried shooting a police chase through one of their parking lots and security got all up in my face.
what the heck was wig shops problem? discriminatory? or because it was a man? who cares! they took the money to try on wigs then refused? makes no sense. They dont deserve customers if thats how they treat a potential customer.
You know, they never gave a reason. Fritz is such an awesome guy, too. He tours on broadway shows as a violinist around the world, and puts on burlesque acts while playing his violin, and he has multiple characters that use wigs. He was legitimately looking for a wig for his act. Pretty disappointing...
10:20 an ad for Luray Caverns? Isn't Luray like over an hour away (I went to Luray back in May and it was over an hour from Frederick, so it has to be farther from Baltimore, right?)
How the mighty have fallen. DeBartolo used to be the king of all malls. Now it's Benderson, who is basically the king of my town, Sarasota FL, seems like his development company has taken over most.
Interesting video Sal. I suspect that there is a lower end demographic riding the bus from Baltimore City out to the mall and that the suburban residents in Baltimore County generally shop elsewhere. As a result the mall looks like it is doing better than it actually is.
Sal, I'm relatively new to your channel on UA-cam, is there any way you can come to Allentown PA to video tape, seems like everyone has abdandoned us here and there are places to go to video tape
Great vlog on one of Edward Js malls he'd be Rollin over in his grave if he saw these malls in the state they're in now😱especially his prize jewel Randall Park in Cleveland area.Site now occupied by a brand new Amazon distribution centre.
The optics of the mall itself looks good, but based on the lack and type of patronage and the decreptitude of the outbuildings, not to mention what's going on with Macy's, I'd say this mall is really struggling.
Dude, I've been binge watching for 2 days. Supremely good narrating on these. You're facts on the closed malls near me were spot on. It was cool reminiscing about the "mall days."
This..... THIS is why you are known as the Werner Herzog of Dead Mall Vlogumentary Expeditions! You are Dali meets Scorsese, combining art with info into a finely crafted finished product!
Like a Gourmet Burger Platter with all the fixins, it leaves your viewers satisfied, yet hungry for more.... MOARRR!
This comment will drive me to create hundreds upon thousands more Expedition Logs :)
I fear I may run out of analogies before you run out of content! I may have to recycle stuff
Between Security and Owings Mills.... those are the malls of my middle school years. When babysitting my cousins I used to drag them on the bus to the mall and to the movie theater there for like a field trip
When I was a kid we moved to Woodlawn in '76, i have many good memories of Security. I remember skipping school to go and see Empire Strikes Back.
I love the 'existential angst' in your vlog titles - my new favourite deadmalls channel. I particularly like the fact that you also cover the nearby town, which really puts the state of the malls into context.
My home mall - thanks for this. Relived many childhood memories at certain places. Specifically the Sears wing. That corner where Payless was stood a beauty salon, Suncoast, and Dollar Tree. It is sad what has came of this mall though...As you can see, the tenants are very second hand/mom and pop that usually do not hold leases long. It is unsustainable.
Macy's upstairs is depressing too. There was buzz around Woodlawn that it was closing soon. I believe it based off the ran down condition the store is in. I never noticed the mold smell. Maybe I am just used to it at this point (sadness)? The upstairs has since been blocked off a lot. As you can see, those were children's sections in that backroom. With Sears in limbo as a company, and Macy's in that state, when they both leave (I hope not, but know they will), it will be the end of the mall...
As much as I love this mall, something has to be done about it. I hope it isn't removed, but that is pretty much the trend of the area. Thanks for serving your mission of documenting these malls before they are gone. This one specifically means a lot.
supremeNundftd it was my home mall too. Such a shame that it's like a fallout shelter in there. It had some good stores there and a beautiful water fountain there too. Now I just want it to begone.
I'm like #500. Keep up the great work Sal. Enjoy the expeditions
BWI to ATX-F I know what you man. I wish he could have done a video on the old Westview mall when that was around.
@@jarrettbakersraw man...don't remind me! Chatnam and Harundele too.
This orchestra nerd and lapsed cellist (I haven't played in forever) greatly appreciates your musical choices for these videos.
I love this comment. I’m so glad you appreciate the music, as a fellow string player :)
It didn't feel right to call myself a cellist when I haven't played in years at this point. Getting back into it is most definitely on my to do list.
There is nothing better than looking at an ariel view of a dead mall (like Century III) and hearing Moonlight Sonata and an orchestra accompanying it in the background. This is one of the factors that differ Sal from all of these other urbex UA-camrs.
I'm gonna call that wig store and fix their little red wagon..
Yes!!!
Masterpiece. What was up with that wig shop? Do they not want customers?
For the record, that store used to be a KB Toys. I used to go with my Grandma for a lot of Hot Wheels, and Max Steels. GTAIII was brought from there. RIP Grandma.
supremeNundftd I remember doing stuff like that with my grandma.. you don't realize how great things like that were at the time.... Growing up Fuckin Sucks!
Really Enjoyed some of the A E S T H E T I C S in Security Square. Also great to see the connection to Seoul Plaza as well. Sal, this was a great Expedition. A great experience throughout! Thanks Man!
If any place deserves an upgrade its this place! It's been around for nearly 50 years and still hanging in there. Thanks for the video!
Once again, another great video! For those of us out west, we know DeBartolo for the SF 49ers. The money made from this mall and others gave us some of the best years of 49ers football. I don't think too many people in the east that visit the malls mention the link to sports out west.
DeBartolo Jr.!!! I’m planning a few episodes on just exploring the developers and their families. Stay tuned :)
I really enjoyed the sky light pictures, I love the geometry, fountains, and neon pictures in the exlog, thanks Sal. Makes me want to get back into photography again.
You should!!!
Sal this video is excellent! I totally agree with that guy who compared you to Werner Herzog. This is high quality filmmaking, right here.
this is spectacular! i absolutely love videos like these, and yours set a clear example! they are the true gold standard.
Sal. There are so many old falling down malls in upstate NY. Need to take an excursion up that way someday.
David Bates great northern mall and most especially shoppingtown mall. Shoppingtown mall is by far the most dead mall ive ever been to that isnt actually boarded up
Wow.Another one bites the dust,lol.When I was in middle and high school( '72-'76) this place was a "go-to" destination.Harmony Hut,Hot Sam,Caramel Korn,Merry-Go-Round (where we would check out the chicks),as well as Sears and Penney's. Hell, even the rich kids from Pikesville and Milford Mill would go here (I'm a native Woodlawnite).What killed this mall was (let me put this gently)demographics.Who wants to shop at a place where you take your life in your hands and have to watch your every move?I haven't been there since 1990
.Great memories but it's gone to the dogs now.Kudos to you for making these videos!
Your commentary is absolutely perfect!
Thanks Kevin!!
I love the history commentary. Don’t stop.
I went to Security Mall (we never called it Security Square) many times back in its heyday, late 70s-early 80s. There were popular restaurants on the parking lot, Bennigan’s and IHOP. I think the mall got its name from the fact that it was located on Security Blvd, which was so named because of the Social Security Administration HQ further down the street. I went to the food court in the 2000s, when I worked at SSA, and the only stores I would even go in were Macy’s, Bath and Body Works, and Old Navy. Even the Sears was sketchy. The daily SSA lunch crowd must have kept that food court open. The rest of the mall had a terrible selection of stores. I’m sorry to see it in such sad shape, because it really was THE mall back in the day.
Keep up the good work love this video! You deserve SO many more subscribers. I love how you do the history of the mall.That wig shop knows how to run off customers. My husband is a bald guy too I’d ask him to try on wigs just for the fun of it too!
If your ever in Akron Ohio check out Chapel Hill Mall. I left Akron 8 years ago but I’ve kept up on the updates from my friends. It’s becoming a dead mall I worked at 2 places there Steve and Barry’s in 2007 and Old Navy in 2008. The death knell was in 2008 when they wouldn’t allow anyone under 18 on the weekends enter without an adult.
And the Debartolo sports empire. SF 49'rs, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pgh Spirit soccer, Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL, almost bought the Pirates too.
That Colonel Sanders commercial is ridiculous...
Needs a remake.
I would front the production costs if I had the money.
Great video. Lots of information on the mall. Thanks so much for making this video. I hope you do more of these in the future.
I saw "Star Wars Ep IV" There over 100 times at the old AMC Theater 1977. That was such a glorious time for that mall and everyone that shopped there.
Hi Sal, I really enjoy your expeditions and commentary you have great ideas and you can tell you enjoy filming as much as we enjoy watching.
Thank you Sal, keep up the good work it is most welcome in these difficult times. Nigel UK.
Thanks for watching, Nigel!!
That was your best intro so far. My daughter was even impressed with the production value
Thanks! I wanted to alter it just slightly and I think I’ll keep it around for a while!!
I loved the old KFC commercial. First time I’ve seen it. I was wondering if it may have been a regional commercial? Very good. I also want to say, I’ve been enjoying all of your mall Log series. I grew up in the retail business, and not wanting to follow in my dad’s footsteps, I retired from rExxon Co. USA. I saw what could happen when the people who built a large regional chain of grocery stores sell to a corporate group only interested in a quick buck, lose everything my parents built. 128 stores and shopping centers bankrupt in a matter of a few years. At least my family was paid in full before the demise. It’s still a shame large corporations sometimes get too big for their on good.
Man! Somewhere I've actually been....... ok nearly 30 years ago when I used to work over there.........think I've still got a pair of shoes I bought there....🤣
It was either there or Tysons Mall.....
Very very enjoyable expedition!! Love your work Sal!
Thank you!
My husband and I used to hang out at SSM when we were dating (25 years ago). It's sad to remember the mall the way it was then, and see the way it is now. Grab something to eat at the Burger King, hit the Suncoast Video store, then the arcade. Good times.
I am finally catching up on your channel. The videos just keep getting better, keep up the awesome content! The open room in Macy's is just like what you see at department store closing sales.
This made me sad. I remember going here in the 80s as a kid. This was THE mall to go to. It had a great arcade, ALL the stores were bustling. I met Davy Jones of The Monkees there at a book signing. It was magic to a little kid to go there. They had a huge movie theater where the food court now is. At Christmas it was decked out to the max. We used to spend a Saturday going to Security Mall and it was a treat. This really depressed me. Seeing your childhood wonderland in ruins.
Zanvyl Krieger is such an intense name. Lol
Both C's are silent in Hochschild
Perhaps one of the saddest things I’ve seen is the huge visual merchandising storage in Macy’s. As usual great narrative, superb research. Fritz is really lucky he couldn’t try the wigs on, think he dodged a hairy bullet there.
Your videos are extremely calming
Thanks, Leno :)
Dude, EXCELLENT work!!!!!! I enjoy your documentaries more than the big budget films. You do MORE with less. That's talent.
Keep up the great work, you have a fan here.
I worked at that mall twice in my lifetime. It was a great place to work at the second time around, as there were always customers coming in during lunch thanks to the Social Security Admin in the area. Seoul Plaza also opened up there around my second stint. The problem though with the mall compared to others in the area was that it only had ONE main entrance into the building. You could enter the mall via the anchors as well, and the occasional back hall that was unlocked. However the one entrance was a bit different compared to other malls in the area. It's been a while since I have been there, but if I recall properly where the Teppanyaki Grill is, it was a Cactus Willie's AYCE buffet before they in turn closed. Lastly, if I recall with Seoul Plaza and it's opening, JCP left the mall as they were looking for a better price point on rent and bigger space for their shopfront. That was settled when they left to take over the space in Owings Mills Town Center when the old Saks Fits Avenue closed due to a rent dispute if I recall. But that is a story for another time....
That wig store was very sketchy. If businesses like that are in the mall, and with the rather “cheap” array of stores and the partially-dilapidated state of the mall itself, then yes, DeBartolo would NOT be pleased.
EDIT: BTW, keeping an eye on what’s going on with the former Gallery of Market East (Philadelphia)?
Thanks for the research about the mall history. the insight were interesting indeed. And keep on the good work.
Your videos are good and your narrative makes them worth watching.
You guys are a cute couple! Get married already! :)
Sal, I love your videos, hell, they damn near make ME want to own a mall, lol. But, it also makes me think--If I were to own a multi-level abandoned mall---wow...Well, I'd turn is into a miniature village. What I mean is, I'd turn the the upper floor spaces into apartments and offices, while leaving the lower floor(s)s for traditional retail. I'd like for the anchor spaces to be traditional grocery chain stores (I'd figure it'd work due to the sheer retail space)--Lower level would maybe be retail shops, pharmacy, maybe even a bar/club?, barbers, beauty salons, nail shops, movie theatres, and, of COURSE the obligatory food court) , 24-hour security in both the mall proper and in the parking lot, (with police assistance), and the mall tenants pretty much would never have to leave the building. How cool would THAT be? Imagine--never having to leave the building because you LIVE there and you can get VIRTUALLY everything you need there. YES, it would be expensive, but it doesn't hurt to dream.
I absolutely love this sentiment. Let’s all pool resources and buy a mall!!!!
@@sal I didn't think you'd respond, but I'm glad you did. The reason I suggested that is that there's a mall in my city (Harrisburg, PA) that is doing something pretty similar to that. And it's in the downtown area and it's pretty hawt at this time, lol. It's called "Strawberry Square". It was a dying mall, but over the past couple years it's been MOSTLY turned around (they're still waiting on a major restaurant to take over the space of the previous one). It's perfect---it's vintage 70's--back then, it was considered "state-of-the art--you can tell by the architecture and if you go to their website, you'll see what I mean. If you get the chance, I think you'll be moved by seeing this rather cool property. I personally think it's cool how they still keep it relevant DESPITE the late-70's vibe it has.
Yeah Strawberry Square! That’s actually been on my list to see for a bit!
@@sal Heeeeey! Cool, man! I hope you get the chance to check it out!
cool end song... that 80's feeling cool retro sound selecction. very acurate
Love your series! Keep doing them. Maybe come to PA one day. So many malls that have been shuttered or in such disrepair. I miss going to the malls....😢
Love the channel and these malls are becoming a reality for me . Our local mall Valley View lost the Macys , Herbergers and now Sears as of today all this year . The only Anchor store we have left is JCP so it's not looking promising .
The bath room shot with the under wear almost in the trash can was too funny man.
I worked on top of this mall back in 1985 for months. My employer had a contract to disconnect and reinstall all the hvac systems on the roof as Harford Roofers out of NE removed the old roof, placed foam insulation and re-roofed the mall. Each unit had to be fitted with new duct extensions, electric wiring extensions and gas line extensions. I'd go into the stores turn the electric off go up and disconnect everything for a crane to pick the unit up and set on the parking lot. One day a store clerk decided the temperature in the store where she worked was not suitable and tried turning the breaker back on while I was working on that particular unit, sending me flying across the roof while being zapped by 440 volt 3 phase electric. I bought lock-out breakers after that for all the other stores.
11:48 one does not simply close a Bath & Body Works
What. Good eye but I cannot comprehend what this means.
@@crowmigration8245 I know this is late but almost every dead mall has a bath and body works or a gmc
@@jazz_enthusiast Yes I cannot comprehend what I means when a bath and body works closes. Beyond dead mall? Zombie mall that will eat my brains? Just a guess
I had an idea that Macy's had shrunken its second floor and you just proved it for me. Thanks! Also the Sears was two floors but the second floor has been shut down.
In the 80s the Hutzlers was like Lord and Taylor. Beautiful. The had Cigerette Ash Trays that a cleaner would come by and empty then press a thing into the sand that would put a Hutzlers logo into it. Was cool to me. And Hutzlers had a huge restaurant on the 2nd floor that was awesome. You had to walk thru the tv section to get to it. Magic I tell ya as a kid. This just makes me sad.
Loved the Vid Sal, your doing a Great job, keep it Jumpin!!!!!
Great work Sal. Would love to see some videos from malls in North Carolina.
You’re in luck. I just released one a couple weeks ago, another coming tomorrow. And another next week!!
Great video. Thank you for sharing. Your work is inspiring. 😀👍❤️
love the entire expedition log series! and I love the documentation of these locations. Can you get to Minnesota at some point,possibly during a month when its not totally freezing here,and document several dead or dying malls we have? Compare them to Mall of America even, and there's other things to film here of interest also,I know where it all is located.most in Mpls /StPaul area,some Northern areas too.we also live right next door to a stand alone Sears,one of few not closing. no one films here and I am trying but I have no actual real camera yet, i cant afford that right now.iPhones cool but it doesn't work right for YT
Just do it. People will watch. Especially if it's something that hasn't been documented before.
I really dig your expeditions. Any chance you can upload in 4K? 1080p's low-bitrate looks a bit too blurry, specially with shaky footage.
Strictoaster I was going to say the same. 😀
So here’s the thing...I have *so many* locations already filmed, and my backlog is massive. Sorry about not shooting in 4K...but once I work through the backlog I’ll certainly switch! Hopefully you come back for the next episodes, thanks for watching!!!
I read "Strictoaster" and I was like, that can't be right. I haven't really been playing or watching much CS for a while, so I thought maybe I remembered your username wrong or something, but nope, it is you! I think I might just watch some of your newer videos now! I think it's hilarious to see you here, though! lol
Hahaha, I've recently done a Cities Skylines project about "dead malls" and have been binge watching this series since :)
So I’ve been experimenting with 1080p vs 4K tonight. After encoding through premiere pro, and then again through whatever the hell UA-cam does with it, the output is negligible. Yes, we lose tons of bitrate from 4k to 1080p...but after all the engines are done encoding it, the difference isn’t *massive*, and especially since the content is viewed on such a large variety of devices that simply can’t display that resolution.
Now...having said that...my next 40 episodes or so are shot in 1080p @60fps, interspersed with some 24fps work from my Canon 80D. I can’t change that :( but, I’m going to flip the switch on everything I film hitherto, because why not? I don’t have quality to lose, and it’ll only look better on the devices that can handle it. I’m headed out to Pittsburgh for some filming on Labor Day weekend, and I’ll be sure to get some sweet footage just for you, Strictoaster :)
I’m shocked no one has mentioned that this mall (mainly the parking lot of the Best Buy located somewhere near by) played a major role in the case of Adnan Syed featured on the hit podcast Serial.
I've worked for that Macys. It does have a third floor but it was never accessible for customers.
What’s up there???
Not much it's just an old storage. When I was there one area of it held glass shelves for an older type of display. Just piles and piles of glass, that you had to got through several older not used stockrooms. The other area was used to store comforter sets as the stairs where in a stockroom directly behind the bedding department. The area you were in was the old children's department, it was walled off around 2014-2015.
I agree with you that malls are hiding the faults and keeping up the facade. I worked at the Meadows Mall in Las Vegas and while it looked nice, if you look closely or behind the scenes there was so much wrong with the place.
Just an idea. Have you ever thought about doing a version of the cutting room floor? It would be great to here your thoughts on what you think about the place and what goes into the video.
I’ve thought about it, but I certainly don’t want to take away direct ideas from *bigger channels* out there. I suppose if I get enough interest, I could support the idea...but I don’t want to invite any direct comparisons to other channels, just yet. I think I’ve gotten to a good point where my work is decidedly different than the other Dead Mall channels, since I take a huge interest in the historical aspect and narrative...so for now I don’t think I’ll be doing it, but it’s not necessarily ruled out completely...
Sal Thank you. I respect what you are doing.
Thanks for the history lesson. Never knew all the transactions that happen behind the scenes. I drive by Security Square almost every day.
I recommend checking out the diamond run mall in Rutland, VT
This was a cool mall. I went here this week and it was good. Went in the Macy's and took some pics. The entrance to Seoul Plaza from the mall was closed off and I was there around 8pm so most of the mall was closed.
SAL: im really enjoying your content. You put so much work into these shorts and it shows. Sorry if this was asked before, the Prokofiev piece at the beginning of this video...what is it? Ill probably find it before you answer but wanted to know. Thanks for what you do!
I think it’s the quiet part of “Montegues and Capulets” from his Romeo and Juliet suite
In Australia here Sal we also gotten Woolworths in Australia here mate but it is a supermarket chain across Australia here mate cheers from cameron in Australia here mate
Sears now set to close in October 2019.
Probably this is unbelievable, it is to me at least, but as a regular patron to SSM between 2001-2003 (I was living in Woodlawn at that time) I visited that mall a lot and I distinctly remember that the mall itself had its own theme song. What I mean by that is that when you were walking around within the mall, eating in the food court or whatever, they would play a song about the actual security square mall that you were currently sitting IN. This was definitely during the period after Montgomery Ward left, and JC Penney TEMPORARILY turned into a JC Penney Outlet Store. (Shortly before going vacant and then Seoul Plaza, which was after my time). Back to the mall's own theme song that would play, the only part I remember was like this "Sucurty Squr Mull, Sucurty Scur Mull, chives oh lives of pull a squeeze, gutcho musko pull-up screen. JAY C PENNEY OOOOUT-LET STORE, find your find your liquor score,". I know that isn't correct, but that's all I can pull from my memory, it would play that song over the PA system and I was like, "what?" You are singing about yourSELF? Okay...? That and other than that mall theme song the other thing I remember is the chicken store in the food court and DAMN do I wish I had a picture of that place because their chicken was awesome. I might have a link about it somewhere and if I do I will follow up on this post.
of the
Always sad to see the decay that some of these malls are going through.
Any chance of covering Owings Mills? I'm surprised to hear about the Town Center. in 2015 it was definitely dying.
Sadly, Owings Mills was demolished. Sorry :(
Every Macy’s I’ve been to except for two brand new/renovated stores has had storage areas like that, I’ve never had the guts to look around though.
My curiosity got the best of me. To be honest, I’m sure I’ve walked past plenty of them, but the doors may have been closed.
Good old Security Mall! My brother and another friend would ride our bikes in the mall and get kicked out by Security personal ! When we were kids. We also played the arcade game pong in the back of Woolworths for hours. Lol
I worked at York Steakhouse when I was 16 and met lots of good folks working there I made $2.10 an hour back then. I found a better paying job at the mall making $7.50 an hour working in mall maintenance. The mall was under Mr. Edward Debartolo at the time. The mall was ALWAYS clean and neat inside and out. The mall floors were stripped and waxed with ZEP wax. No cigarette buts, No chewing gum no trash anywhere. The parking lot was swept every day with a special truck that cleaned the parking lot. How do I know this? Well, I worked my way up to management in the maintenance department and was very proud of the guys who worked there with me. Yesterday January 27, 2022 I took a walk back in time to visit the mall. It was very disappointing to see the deterioration of the mall and how things have changed over the years and not in a good way. The beautiful mall floor was gone as well as the water fountain in the center of the mall. It was dark and dim the security guys were all in one spot talking and chatting to each other and not patrolling at all. I don’t expect the mall to be there much longer as the merchants were texting on there cell phones with no customer in site.
Where do you get those mall announcement recordings?
Be careful recording in Macy's, I tried shooting a police chase through one of their parking lots and security got all up in my face.
what the heck was wig shops problem? discriminatory? or because it was a man? who cares! they took the money to try on wigs then refused? makes no sense. They dont deserve customers if thats how they treat a potential customer.
A Kayfabe exactly that is COMPLETELY and totally unacceptable. They deserve to be out of business and out of a job.
You know, they never gave a reason. Fritz is such an awesome guy, too. He tours on broadway shows as a violinist around the world, and puts on burlesque acts while playing his violin, and he has multiple characters that use wigs. He was legitimately looking for a wig for his act. Pretty disappointing...
Sal I think it was discriminatory, probably cause your white males
I just can't understand it. "Hmm... bald people tend to be criminals. No bald people in this store. Out!"
A Kayfabe I would’ve given you a thumbs up for knowing kayfabe, regardless of what you said. But...I agree with you. 😉
10:20 an ad for Luray Caverns? Isn't Luray like over an hour away (I went to Luray back in May and it was over an hour from Frederick, so it has to be farther from Baltimore, right?)
They must be *really fond* of caves...their mall basically looks like one!
@@sal hahahaha
You should go to FSk mall in Frederick md no one has done that one yet
My mall, Monmouth mall is dying so fast, it’s extremely sad. So many memories there and it’s just dying
Security Square Mall was the spot back in the late 80s and early 90s it’s a shame how bad that mall has gotten
Burlington Coat Factory seems to be popping up every where 2020
Social Security headquarters is actually about a half mile down the road. When (not if) Macy's closes you can stick a fork in Security Square.
The Macy’s is pretty grim as it is
How the mighty have fallen. DeBartolo used to be the king of all malls. Now it's Benderson, who is basically the king of my town, Sarasota FL, seems like his development company has taken over most.
Interesting video Sal. I suspect that there is a lower end demographic riding the bus from Baltimore City out to the mall and that the suburban residents in Baltimore County generally shop elsewhere. As a result the mall looks like it is doing better than it actually is.
What's the labelscar at 10:42??
Where did you get the music from? Can you put it in the description as it shows your ear for music.
Wig Shop attendant: You're not from "Jackass" are you?
Love your vids! Only one thing, the store you call hokschild? It's pronounced "ho' shill kohn" accent on the 1st syllable.
Yep, I learned my lesson. I pronounced it correctly in episodes after this! Make sure to catch up with my whole series :)
When is the Steamtown Mall going to be out?
Sal, I'm relatively new to your channel on UA-cam, is there any way you can come to Allentown PA to video tape, seems like everyone has abdandoned us here and there are places to go to video tape
The wig shop - my goodness!
Didn’t know you were from ocean country. I grew up in Ocean City myself.
Great vlog on one of Edward Js malls he'd be Rollin over in his grave if he saw these malls in the state they're in now😱especially his prize jewel Randall Park in Cleveland area.Site now occupied by a brand new Amazon distribution centre.
This mall was the spot back in the day.
Where did you get the old pictures?
Before I continue, I just want to say how terrifying that KFC advert is.
You should try Phillipsburg mall in NJ.......they are a dying mall
Desiree Rimback That’s the one that used to have that creepy Europa Caffé
I’ve got a video on Phillipsburg coming soon!
The optics of the mall itself looks good, but based on the lack and type of patronage and the decreptitude of the outbuildings, not to mention what's going on with Macy's, I'd say this mall is really struggling.
Four words: Mister Ray's Wig World.
What song is playing at the end of this video?
Malls in general are a dying breed.