A Truly Black Friday

The decline has been happening for years. Empty store fronts multiplying, huge vacant parking lots, non-existent crowds, but as of last year Century III Mall was still somewhere you could get some decent Black Friday shopping in.

Besides the only two anchor stores, JCPenny and Dick’s, there was still a Claire’s, Bath and Body Works, Bradley’s Books, FYE, Things Remembered and Victoria’s Secret. In addition, there was Cash In Culture - a vintage video game and toy store.

Yes, the throngs of people from Black Friday circa 1986 were no longer the norm, but younger shoppers weren’t around for that and didn’t know better. Older shoppers like myself, were happy to get some of the great deals and still be able to breathe.

But this year it was different. The anchor stores were open, but the mall didn’t open until 8 a.m. That wasn’t too bad. My family and I were able to do a couple laps around Penny’s, check out the sale items and get into the holiday spirit. But once the Red Sea parted and the steel doors opened, a sad reality was revealed.

First, the sounds of the seasons slipped into soft rock hits. While I love America every now and then, I was not in the mood to hear about a horse with no name. I wanted to hear about a reindeer called Rudolph. Then I noticed FYE was gone – empty – closed up. Claire’s also gone. Cash In Culture a thing of the past. Yes, Things Remembered was still there, which in my opinion is appropriate. Century III is a thing I remember and oh, what great memories.


I am pretty sure my first recollection of going to that spectacular mall was with my mom and my best friend, Amy, who was visiting from New Jersey. I was probably 9 maybe 10 and I remember the sights, the sounds - the excitement. It was like something out of this world and I loved being there.

The mall was so big! The multiple levels meant you couldn’t possibly take everything in, but we tried. One store that stood out for me was called Heaven.  The one image I took away from that place was naked Barbie type dolls that you could dress yourself. Again, appropriate the store was called Heaven because the mall was a celestial experience.

I also remember going Christmas shopping there as a teen. I had a wallet full of paper route tips and I was able to buy gifts for each of my family members on my own. My Catholic school chum, Melissa, and I spent the day at the mall, which appeared to have been decorated by one of Santa’s elves. We bought lots of gifts and I probably got my usual hot fudge sundae at the Dairy Queen. The only item I remember taking home that day was Billy Joel’s USSR concert album for my brother, purchased at National Record Mart. This album is currently in my possession. I wonder if he wants it back now that it could be worth a few dollars more than I paid for it?

Going to Century III Mall this past Black Friday was sad. I know that was it for us. It was nice that for the past couple of years my family and I took advantage of this withered gem and made some memories of our own. My two oldest children truly enjoyed going there and were able to appreciate what existed without having any idea of the majesty it once contained.

Who knows what is in store for the mall. I have heard different things from possible hotel to hospital space to entertainment complex. My only hope is that it becomes something that attracts people from all over like Century III Mall did. It was an amazing place and I am glad it was part of my childhood. Now for some reason I am hungry for a Cinnabon.