The best mall in America? Right here in Florida, according to new nationwide ranking
For decades, the big, air-conditioned wonderlands were the place to be, with shop after shop of fresh new items, a packed and diverse food court and often a movie theater. You met friends there, took your family, saw the new fashions, spent the day, or just sat and people-watched.
Malls have been suffering since online sales — where retailers didn't have to cover the costs of renting space in a brick-and-mortar building — took a huge bite out of their revenues. An average of 1,170 shopping malls closed every year between 2017 and 2022 in the United States, according to Capital One, and no new indoor megamalls have been built since 2006.
But there are plenty of malls that are thriving, and USA TODAY has ranked the Top 10. The No. 1 mall is right here in the Sunshine State — and it beat the Mall of America.
"With diverse selections of stores to choose from, tantalizing restaurants in the food court, inspired entertainment options, and special events and seasonal activities that bring their local communities together, shopping malls are vibrant hubs that offer plenty to enjoy," USA TODAY's 10BEST said in the ranking released June 11.
The winners were chosen by USA TODAY readers, from a list nominated by 10BEST editors and a panel of experts.
The largest mall in Florida, the Aventura Mall at 19501 Biscayne Blvd. in Aventura between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, is, appropriately for the Sunshine State, half mall and half destination attraction.
"Aventura Mall has more than 300 retail shops, experiences, and dining options, and boasts a museum-worthy art collection," 10BEST editors said.
"Design features include an art installation and fountain titled 'Gorillas in the Mist,' a koi pond, and a giant, chrome slide tower created by artist Carsten Höller. The Aventura Mall regularly hosts community events such as story time, weekly yoga, and a farmers market.
"The Brightline Train, which runs between Orlando and Miami, has added a stop at the Aventura Mall, so getting here is easier than ever."
It's known for its wealth of luxury boutiques and luxe name brands — Hermès, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, SKIMS, Cartier, Fendi, Rivian, Givenchy, Tiffany & Co. and more — and its 24-screen AMC theater, more than 50 eateries and world-class restaurants, and spacious play areas, and an arts program that adds over 20 art pieces throughout the mall to your shopping experience.
'This award is a testament to Aventura Mall teams' and tenants' unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests,' Jackie Soffer, chairman and CEO of Turnberry, owner of Aventura Mall, said in a release. 'We take great pride in Aventura Mall's continued position as the best mall for iconic brands and first-to-market experiences, helping define South Florida's place on the national and international stage.'
"There are hundreds upon hundreds of indoor shopping malls throughout the U.S., but which among them is the very best?" Here's what readers picked.
Aventura Mall, Aventura, Florida
Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota
Galleria Dallas, Dallas, Texas
The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, New York City, New York
King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale, Arizona
American Dream, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Grapevine Mills, Grapevine, Texas
Tysons Corner, Tysons, Virginia
Brookfield Place, New York City, New York
The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards highlight the very best in travel, food + drink, and lifestyle. Every week, USA TODAY 10BEST invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories. 10BEST editors then vet these nominations and select a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for a period of four weeks.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Aventura Mall in Florida named best mall in US in USA TODAY 10BEST awards
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