Malls are dying. That’s what you hear every time a retail analyst opens their mouth or a YouTuber films a "dead mall" walk-through with eerie synth music playing in the background. But when you actually pull into the parking lot at 3800 US Highway 98 North, the reality feels a bit different. Lakeland Square Mall stores aren't just surviving; they're navigating a weird, transitional phase of Florida retail that defies the "retail apocalypse" narrative.
It’s busy. Especially on a Saturday afternoon when the Florida humidity makes the idea of an air-conditioned corridor feel like a religious experience.
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The Big Anchors Keeping the Ship Afloat
If you haven't been in a few years, the landscape looks different. The departure of Sears and Macy’s felt like a gut punch to the local economy. Honestly, it was. But the mall didn't just fold. Instead, we’ve seen a shift toward what developers call "value-based" retail. Dillard's is still a massive presence here, operating both a traditional store and a clearance center. It’s a smart play. You’ve got people looking for the high-end experience in one wing and bargain hunters digging through racks in the other.
JCPenney remains a cornerstone. It’s reliable. People in Polk County still go there for school clothes, curtains, and that specific brand of middle-class stability that JCPenney has curated for decades. Then there’s Belk. It brings that Southern department store vibe that resonates with the Lakeland demographic. It’s less about "fast fashion" and more about longevity.
But the real game-changer? Burlington. By taking over a significant chunk of space, they brought in a demographic that wants brand names without the North Palm Beach price tags. It’s high-volume, high-turnover retail. It keeps the foot traffic moving.
The Fashion Mix: From Streetwear to Sundresses
When you walk through the concourse, the variety of Lakeland Square Mall stores reflects a city that is rapidly growing. Lakeland isn't just a retirement community anymore. It’s a college town. It’s a commuter hub for Tampa and Orlando.
- H&M is basically the heartbeat of the younger crowd here. It’s usually packed.
- American Eagle and Aeropostale are still holding down the fort for the Gen Z and Alpha crowds.
- Hot Topic—surprisingly—remains a staple. It’s pivoted from goth-lite to a pop-culture powerhouse fueled by anime and Funko Pops.
Then you have the specialty spots. Victoria’s Secret and Pink are still there, anchored near the center court. Bath & Body Works is impossible to miss—you usually smell the "Champagne Toast" candles before you even see the storefront. These are "destination" stores. People don't just stumble into them; they go to the mall specifically for a restock.
Footwear and the Sneakerhead Culture
If you want to see where the money is moving, look at the shoes. Lakeland has a surprisingly vibrant sneaker culture. Between Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Journeys, there is a massive amount of floor space dedicated just to what you put on your feet.
It’s about the "drop." You’ll see lines occasionally. Kids waiting for the newest Jordans or Yeezys. It’s a physical experience you can’t get on an app—checking the fit, seeing the colorway in person under those bright mall lights. Finish Line (often found inside Macy’s in other malls) has its own footprint here, competing for that same dollar. It’s a healthy competition that keeps the mall feeling "current."
The Food Court and the "Third Place" Theory
Social scientists talk about the "third place"—somewhere that isn't home and isn't work. For a lot of Lakeland residents, the food court is exactly that. It isn't just about the Sbarro or the Bourbon Chicken (though, let’s be real, the Bourbon Chicken samples are a rite of passage). It’s about the tables. You see retirees meeting for coffee in the mornings. You see teenagers sharing a large fry after school.
Resurrection Brewing nearby and the various peripheral restaurants like Olive Garden or Red Lobster create a perimeter of dining that feeds into the mall's ecosystem. Inside, though, it’s the classics. Chick-fil-A is often the undisputed king of the food court, driving traffic even when other stalls are quiet.
Why the "Dead Mall" Rumors are Wrong
Look, I’m not saying it’s the Mall of America. There are empty storefronts. There are sections where the carpet looks like it’s seen better days (or decades). But the vacancy rate isn't the disaster people portray it to be. The ownership, Hull Property Group, has a specific strategy. They focus on "stabilizing" malls in secondary markets. They don't need it to be a luxury destination; they need it to be functional.
They’ve put money into the "Common Area" aesthetics. New lighting. Painted ceilings. It sounds minor, but it changes the psychology of the shopper. When a place looks cared for, people stay longer. When people stay longer, they spend more at Lakeland Square Mall stores.
Entertainment and Beyond Shopping
Retailers are realizing that "buying stuff" isn't enough to compete with Amazon. You need an experience. Urban Air Adventure Park is the perfect example. It took over the old JC Penney footprint (partially) and turned it into a massive indoor trampoline and parkour park.
Think about that. Parents bring their kids to jump for two hours. While the kids are jumping, the parents go to Pandora or Zales. Maybe they grab a pretzel at Auntie Anne's. It’s a synergy that 1990s mall developers never had to think about, but 2026 developers live and die by.
Cinemark is another huge draw. With the luxury loungers and the updated tech, it’s one of the better theater experiences in Polk County. A movie-and-dinner date night still starts and ends at the mall for thousands of people every week.
The Small Business Pivot
One of the coolest things happening right now is the rise of the "local" storefront within the mall. You’ll find kiosks and even full-sized shops run by Lakeland locals. These aren't national chains. They sell everything from customized t-shirts to local honey or specialized sports memorabilia.
This gives the mall a "Main Street" feel that was lost during the 2000s when every mall in America had the exact same 40 stores. Now, there’s a bit of Lakeland flavor mixed in with the Spencer's and Lids.
Navigating the Practicalities
If you're planning a trip, here is the honest truth about the layout. The mall is a "Y" shape. It’s easy to get turned around if you aren't paying attention to which anchor store you parked near.
- Parking: The West side (near Burlington and the Food Court) is almost always congested. If you want a stress-free entry, park near Dillard’s on the North side.
- Hours: Standard hours are usually 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but the theater and some restaurants stay open much later. Always check the specific store hours for places like Hibbett Sports or Books-A-Million as they can vary.
- Wi-Fi: It’s hit or miss. Don't plan on doing a Zoom call from the food court.
The Survival of the Fittest
Lakeland Square is a survivor because it serves a very specific purpose. It’s the primary shopping hub for a massive radius including Gibsonia, Kathleen, and even parts of Plant City. Until something bigger and better comes along—which, given Florida’s current construction costs, isn't happening tomorrow—these stores remain the go-to.
We see a lot of "pop-up" shops now too. Especially around the holidays or during the back-to-school rush. This flexibility allows the mall to breathe. It can expand and contract based on what the community actually needs.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
Don't just walk in blindly. To get the most out of the Lakeland Square Mall stores, you have to shop smart.
First, check the mall’s official digital directory before you arrive. Stores move. GameStop might be in a different unit than it was six months ago. Retailers are constantly "right-sizing"—moving to smaller or larger units based on their lease renewals.
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Second, leverage the "Buy Online, Pick Up In Store" (BOPIS) options. Most of the major players like Dick's Sporting Goods (located nearby) and the on-site anchors offer this. It saves you the shipping costs and gives you an excuse to grab a Cinnabon.
Third, look for the clearance centers. As mentioned, the Dillard’s Clearance Center is a goldmine if you have the patience to dig. It’s not "junk"; it’s just last season’s inventory marked down by 60% or more.
Lastly, pay attention to the events. The mall often hosts local craft fairs, car shows in the parking lot, or photos with Santa/Easter Bunny. These events are when the mall feels most like a community center and less like a corporate monument.
The future of retail isn't just a screen; it's a hybrid. Lakeland Square Mall is proof that if you give people a reason to show up—whether it's a pair of shoes, a movie, or a place for their kids to burn off energy—they will. It’s not a relic. It’s an evolution.
For the best experience, visit during a weekday morning if you prefer a quiet, brisk walk-and-shop. If you want the energy, the people-watching, and the full "mall culture" experience, Saturday at 2:00 PM is your prime time. Keep an eye on the North 98 traffic, as that's usually the biggest hurdle to your shopping day. Once you're inside, the climate control and the variety of shops make it one of the most reliable spots in Central Florida.
Plan your route starting from the Food Court for a quick snack, then head toward the Dillard's wing for the best deals, and finish at Cinemark for an evening show. This loop covers the most ground with the least amount of backtracking.
Check the store rewards apps for H&M and American Eagle before you head out, as they often have "in-store only" coupons that don't appear on the desktop site. Shopping here is as much about the strategy as it is about the products. Enjoy the air conditioning and the find.