Discover 4 Popular Boston Destinations that Redefine the Retail Experience
Since the reopening of brick-and-mortar stores and the resurgence of in-person shopping centers, the decision to go shopping has become, well, a big deal. It’s an exciting endeavor, a time to rejuvenate, explore new things, and socialize with friends.
As we gain a novel appreciation for the sense of discovery and stimulation we get from these retail destinations, they, in return, are elevating the experience to meet shoppers where they are. From expansive dining options to redefined properties with outdoor facilities and vast retail menus, Burlington Mall, Northshore Mall, South Shore Plaza, and The Mall at Rockingham Park (NH) are four of Simon’s fourteen storied New England locations that drive local and regional markets with unique, curated offerings in trend-ahead towns. Discover why Simon is Boston’s first choice for first-in-market retail.
Burlington Mall: Makeover for a Modern Age
Burlington is a newly cosmopolitan area, having transitioned to a modern town with Burlington Mall at its heart. Located just 30 minutes from Boston, this is the place to be—the finest shopping center northwest of the city.
Burlington Mall has also been revamped in a multimillion-dollar transformation, with new spaces to optimize your retail experience. Simon reimagined Burlington Mall as a dynamic new first-to-market concept location. Three exciting “firsts” include CAMP A Family Experience Store with rotating activities behind the Magic Door, the brick-and-mortar version of Joss & Main, Wayfair’s popular online design brand, and Common Craft, a curated, dynamic selection of craft beverages and hospitality experiences.
These newcomers join more than 180 incredible brands, including the number-one Nordstrom in the region, Apple, Altar’D State, FP Movement, lululemon, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Warby Parker, and more. For your self-care-centered days, come to Madison Reed.
There’s a new outdoor park and event area with a green gathering space and outdoor dining. The Park is a perfect place to get some fresh air and relax between shopping. You can enjoy lawn games and a bocce ball court, as well as large swings for the kids—and your inner child.
Burlington Mall has also partnered with the Friends of the Burlington Public Library to open Little Free Library in The Park. Utilizing the take-one-give-one approach to community library education, the whole family will love stopping on the green space to pick out a new book.
As a sure bet for your favorite dining destinations, Burlington Mall has also opened Parm—the first of its kind in Massachusetts—as well as Common Craft, Fogo de Chao, The Cheesecake Factory, Rosa Mexicano, Karma Asian Fusion, and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. Legal Sea Foods is undergoing a complete remodel and will reopen this fall. For fast casual food, try Caffe Nero, Shake Shack, and sweetgreen.
75 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA 01803
Northshore Mall: A “True North” Experience
Northshore Mall, an incredible shopping center just 45 minutes from Boston in Peabody, MA, has undergone an incredible makeover with 80,000 square feet of added retail and restaurant space to serve Boston’s prosperous northern and coastal suburbs in new ways. There are more than 140 amazing brands, including Lush, Nordstrom, The North Face, and Sephora.
The reinvention of Northshore Mall also includes the introduction of a fantastic 120,000 square-foot, three-story Life Time health club with indoor and outdoor pools, cardio and weight equipment, yoga and Pilates studios, private locker rooms and showers, and a sauna and spa.
Northshore Mall also has new restaurants, like Amigo’s Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar and The Double Bull Taphouse. You can still count on all your favorites, like Chef Bobby Marcotte’s hop+grind, Legal Sea Foods, Not Your Average Joe’s, The Cheesecake Factory, and Tony C’s Sports Bar & Grill.
Expanded outdoor dining and entertainment includes picnic tables, an open-air stage for events and live music, pinball, bocce, darts, and shuffleboard. Plus, the new indoor Golf Lounge 18 is where technology meets sports, socializing, and your personal best golf swing.
A highlight for tech and car enthusiasts? The brand-new Tesla showroom. If you have a Tesla, you can take it to the showroom to get it serviced and use the Tesla charging stations. If not, you can learn about the cars and innovations in electric vehicle technology and check out the models.
210 Andover St, Peabody, MA 01960
South Shore Plaza: A Shopping and Dining Powerhouse
South Shore Plaza is a must-visit shopping center for locals and visitors alike, and just a 40-minute drive from Boston. Its sprawling footprint and commanding exterior is indicative of the dynamic experience you’ll have inside, with no shortage of options for your retail and dining needs. It’s no wonder South Shore Plaza is the most heavily trafficked center in the region, benefitting from easy access to I-93, SR 37, and SR 3.
South Shore Plaza offers something for everyone, and visitors are drawn to this spectacular two-level, 1.5 million-plus square-foot powerhouse for its outstanding shopping and dining. Anchored by some iconic department stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Primark, and Target, South Shore Plaza offers more than 200 popular brands like aerie, American Eagle, Apple, Gilly Hicks, H&M, LEGO Store, Sephora, and The North Face.
If you’re hungry, you have plenty to choose from: Dave & Buster’s, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse, The Cheesecake Factory, and Tokyo Steakhouse, to name a few.
250 Granite St, Braintree, MA 02184
The Mall at Rockingham Park: All-Tax-Free Shopping in Greater Boston
The Mall at Rockingham Park is an extraordinary shopping center. About 65 percent of its shoppers travel from Massachusetts—since New Hampshire doesn’t have sales tax, many people come to The Mall at Rockingham Park to enjoy tax-free shopping. Here, just 40 minutes from Boston, you can find Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Apple, Coach, Forever 21, Sephora, and so many more.
In fact, of the more than 150 brands, 25 are exclusive to the state. The Mall at Rockingham Park is the only location in New Hampshire where you’ll find Altar’D State, Blue Nile, Coach, lululemon, and Michael Kors.
Your kids will never want to leave the Disney Junior Play Zone, a vibrant and dynamic space with interactive digital displays, climbable play sets, and a variety of games and activities. The open-floor-plan space features “Mickey and the Roadster Racers,” “Puppy Dog Pals,” “Fancy Nancy,” “TOTS,” “Vampirina,” and “Muppet Babies.”
When you visit The Mall at Rockingham Park, be sure to drop a coin in the Simon Youth Foundation wishing well. All proceeds go to the Foundation, which supports educational opportunities to decrease the national dropout rate through partnerships with public school systems.
99 Rockingham Park Blvd, Salem, NH 03079
To learn more about the Simon experiential destinations near Boston, visit simon.com.
This is a paid partnership between Simon and Boston Magazine