Business

How shopping has changed in South Florida. Take a look at what’s old and new

Stories by Miami Herald journalists, with AI summarization

Recent articles discuss how the shopping world in South Florida is changing.

The transformation includes the introduction of new stores and the shutdown of longstanding retailers. One article looks back at the evolution of Kendall's Dadeland Mall, which began as an open-air strip center. Dadeland's growth mirrors the region's population boom, transforming into a thriving indoor shopping center by the end of the 1960s. Another article announces the opening of a new high-end boutique in Miami's Design District by the designer Manolo Blahnik. This store marks Blahnik's first in Florida and aims to cater to a stylish, celebrity-focused clientele.

Meanwhile, the retail landscape shifts as some major chains close their stores. Party City and Big Lots face closures across the region, marking the end of an era for these familiar brands.

Take a look.

Kendall Mall as seen from Kendall Drive in 1989. By Raul Rubiera

NO. 1: KENDALL USED TO LOOK LIKE THAT? SEE THE EARLY DAYS OF THE MALL AND SOME FAVORITE PLACES

Look at all that empty land. | Published September 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives

A Manolo Blahnik showroom. The designer shoes company has a flagship U.S. store on New York’s Madison Avenue. Manolo Blahnik will open its third U.S. store in Miami’s Design District in March 2025.

NO. 2: MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT TO WELCOME A FAMOUS DESIGNER’S FIRST FLORIDA BOUTIQUE

Will you add it to your shopping destinations? | Published January 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Howard Cohen

American Freight Furniture and Mattress store in Macon, Georgia, is among the more than 300 set to close due to bankruptcy announcement on Nov. 3, 2024.

NO. 3: THESE STORES ARE DISAPPEARING FROM THE SOUTH FLORIDA RETAIL SCENE. WILL YOU MISS THEM?

Take a look at the brands and the locations. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Miami Herald Archives

In this file photo from June 12, 2017, a repairman fixes the neon sign on the exterior of Miami Beach’s Macy’s that once was a Burdines store (hence the “Sunshine Fashions” lettering.) By CARL JUSTE

NO. 4: MACY’S HAS BEEN CLOSING STORES — NOW A MIAMI MALL SAYS IT’S PLANNING TO ADD ONE

Mall property manager confirms the department store has a lease. | Published May 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Howard Cohen

Festival Marketplace in Pompano Beach is being vacated and the flea market building will be torn down and the site used for industrial warehousing. By Carline Jean

NO. 5: A BROWARD SHOPPING MALL IS CLOSING AND THE BUSINESSES ARE MOVING ELSEWHERE

Next up: Demolition. | Published May 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Lyons

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.