A Connecticut Shopping Mall Has Become A Destination For Big-Name Stores And Much More Than Shopping
Remember when going to the mall was practically an afternoon activity on its own? You didn’t always need a shopping list.
Sometimes browsing was half the entertainment.
Well, that idea hasn’t disappeared.
A popular Connecticut shopping mall brings together major retailers and experiences that make it more than a shopping destination.
That’s a nice touch, isn’t it? You can have a reason to visit and still end up spending longer than expected because something else catches your attention.
I love when a shopping center feels like somewhere people can enjoy spending time rather than just rushing through errands.
And with familiar stores drawing people in, there’s always the possibility of discovering something you weren’t planning to look for.
Apparently, the old-fashioned mall afternoon still has plenty of life left in it.
1. New England’s First Nordstrom Started Something Big Here
Back in 1997, Westfarms pulled off something no other mall in the region had done. It opened the very first Nordstrom in New England.
That was a big deal for Connecticut shoppers at the time. It still says a lot about how this mall thinks about its stores today.
Nordstrom remains one of the anchor stores here. JCPenney holds down another anchor spot, so the mix covers more than one budget.
Then there’s Macy’s, which gets its own surprising section later.
Anchors are the big stores that sit at the ends of a mall. They act like magnets that pull people through the hallways.
At Westfarms, those magnets are strong, and the shops between them benefit.
Some retailers here offer free extras that feel like a bonus prize. Depending on the store, you might find in-store monogramming or personal styling.
A few offer bra fittings or free ear piercing with an earring purchase.
Ask at the counter before you shop, since services vary by store. It’s an easy way to get more out of the trip.
Who turns down a free monogram on a new bag?
2. Luxury Labels Line These Hallways Like A Fancy Street
Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton aren’t names you expect at every suburban mall. At Westfarms, they sit under the same roof as plenty of familiar favorites.
The big-name list keeps going from there. Tory Burch, Coach, Michael Kors, and Kate Spade New York all have spots.
Apple is here too, which makes tech errands a lot easier.
Home shoppers get some love as well. Arhaus and Pottery Barn bring furniture and decor ideas you can actually touch.
That beats squinting at tiny photos on a phone screen.
Not everything is a splurge, which is good news for your wallet. H&M, Gap, and Anthropologie cover everyday style.
Lululemon, The North Face, and Vineyard Vines fill in the casual and outdoor gear.
All told, the mall holds more than 140 stores and restaurants. That’s enough variety to please a whole family with very different tastes.
Window shopping counts as entertainment here, so don’t feel guilty.
A smart move is to check the online directory before your trip. Then map out your must-see shops first.
Leave extra time for the ones that catch you by surprise.
3. You Can Spot The Far End Before You Even Start Walking
Most malls feel like a maze built to confuse you. Westfarms took a different route with what’s called a shotgun-style layout.
In plain words, the main hallway runs in a fairly straight line. You get a clear sightline from one end of the mall to the other.
Getting lost becomes a lot harder.
That design helps more than you’d think. Parents can keep track of wandering kids more easily.
Friends who split up can find each other without a dozen texts.
The mall has two levels, so you’ll still do some stair climbing. Escalators and elevators help, and accessibility features are part of the setup.
Comfortable shoes are still a smart choice.
The building has been updated over the years. Expansions came in 1982 and again from 1995 to 1997.
A remodel in 2008 and 2009 freshened things up.
Skylights add natural light to the space. The hallways also make a handy indoor walking route on very hot or very cold days.
Your step counter might be impressed by the time you leave.
4. Two Macy’s Stores Means Double The Department Store Fun
Wait, didn’t we just pass Macy’s? Yes, and you’ll pass it again, because Westfarms has two separate Macy’s anchor locations.
It’s an unusual setup that can trip up first-time visitors. One store mostly isn’t enough for a mall this busy, apparently.
Each location sits in its own anchor spot.
That means you might walk a long way thinking you’re in one giant store. Then you realize you’ve crossed into a different building altogether.
Honestly, it’s a pretty fun mall quirk to discover.
The easy fix is to check which Macy’s you need before heading over. A quick look at the store directory saves extra laps.
Your feet will thank you later.
Having two locations also spreads out the department store shopping. Clothes, shoes, and home goods get more room to breathe.
Bargain hunters may enjoy having double the racks to search.
Pair a Macy’s trip with Nordstrom and JCPenney, and you’ve covered three department store names in one visit.
5. Furniture Shopping Got A Lot More Exciting In 2023
Empty department store spaces are a common sad sight at malls across America. Westfarms did something better with its old Lord & Taylor space.
Jordan’s Furniture opened there in 2023. It turned a closed anchor into a fresh reason to visit.
That kind of comeback story feels pretty rare.
Jordan’s is a well-known name for furniture shoppers in New England. Having it at a mall changes the whole trip.
You can browse couches and then grab new sneakers an hour later.
It also fits neatly with the home stores already here. Arhaus and Pottery Barn are close neighbors in the mall.
Redecorating a room could easily become a full day out.
I believe this swap says a lot about Westfarms as a whole. Instead of letting spaces sit dark, the mall keeps finding new tenants.
That keeps the place feeling active and current.
If you’re planning a big furniture purchase, measure your room before you go. Bring the numbers along on your phone.
Falling for a sofa that won’t fit through your door is no fun.
6. Skip The Food Court And Sit Down For A Real Meal
Here’s a surprise for longtime mall fans. Westfarms doesn’t have a traditional food court with one big shared seating area.
Quick bites still exist, so don’t panic. Fast food spots sit in their own storefronts around the mall.
You just find them spread out instead of bunched together.
Full-service restaurants are where this place really shines. P.F.
Chang’s brings Asian-inspired dishes to the table. Brio Tuscan Grille offers Italian-style meals in a sit-down setting.
California Pizza Kitchen is another option for a relaxed lunch. Then there’s Texas de Brazil, a Brazilian steakhouse that feels like an event.
It’s a fun pick for birthdays or big family dinners.
A sit-down meal can turn a shopping errand into a real outing. You get to rest your legs and compare your finds.
Plus, nobody has to guard a tray table.
Big weekends and holiday seasons can make restaurants busier. Checking each restaurant’s reservation options ahead of time is a smart idea.
A little planning keeps hungry shoppers much happier.
7. Center Court Is Where The Mall Turns Into A Hangout
Every mall needs a heart, and at Westfarms, it’s Center Court. This open area works as a community hub for seasonal activities and special events.
Center Court got a facelift in 2014. The update gave it a fresh look for gatherings and events.
It also includes a central seating area for taking a break.
Seasonal happenings change throughout the year. Checking the mall’s events page before a visit is the best way to see what’s coming.
You might stumble onto something fun.
Westfarms also offers an onsite conference room for rent. Community groups can use it for meetings or gatherings.
That’s a handy perk most shoppers never even notice.
Practical stuff is covered too. The mall offers Wi-Fi, restrooms, and accessibility features.
Parking includes both outdoor lots and a garage.
Here’s a neat bonus fact for science fans. A solar installation built in 2019 offsets nearly 100 percent of the common area energy use.
So those bright hallways come with a greener story behind them.
8. Fresh Arrivals Keep This Mall From Ever Feeling Stale
Book lovers have another reason to visit, with Barnes & Noble now listed among the retailers at Westfarms.
It isn’t alone. Pop Mart, a retailer specializing in collectible designer toys, is also listed among the mall’s stores.
Fans of blind-box figures will likely want to check it out.
Riviera French Café is another addition, offering shoppers a spot for a break between stores. More choices are always welcome after a long walk.
Outside the enclosed mall, an even bigger change is planned. A Big Y grocery store got approval for an outparcel on the Westfarms property.
That means groceries and shopping could happen in one stop. Picture checking off the weekly list after picking up a new book.
That’s a seriously efficient Saturday.
Opening dates can shift, so watch for updates from the mall before planning around them. Still, all this growth says something big.
In a time when many malls are shrinking, this one keeps adding.
9. Easy Highway Access Makes The Trip Almost Too Simple
Shopping in two towns at once? That’s actually possible here.
One minute you’re browsing stores in West Hartford, and the next you could technically be in Farmington without ever leaving the building.
That’s one of the fun quirks of Westfarms, a shopping mall that stretches across the town line. Most shoppers probably never give it a second thought, but it’s a neat little detail.
The mall has quite a history, too. It first opened on October 14, 1974, with Taubman Centers behind its development.
During the 1970s, it was even promoted as New England’s largest shopping mall.
Decades later, Westfarms remains one of the state’s biggest shopping destinations, ranking third in size. It continues to attract visitors from surrounding communities, including Avon and Simsbury.
Getting there is fairly straightforward, thanks to nearby I-84, Route 9, and Route 71. The official address is 1500 New Britain Avenue in West Hartford.
Simon Property Group now operates the mall, which welcomes shoppers seven days a week with shorter Sunday hours.
More than half a century after opening, Westfarms still gives local shoppers plenty of reasons to return.
