My first trip to the Riverchase Galleria was a flurry of excitement. It was the early 2000s. I was in college and certainly more than familiar with my fair share of shopping malls. But the Galleria was different.
A sprawling two stories of shopping, with a dedicated food court. Both of these were brand-new concepts to this coastal Southern girl, born and raised in a town much smaller than the Birmingham metro area. Food courts and multi-floor shopping aside, what really caught my attention was that it had a dELiA*s.
dELiA*s. A brand I never purchased from, but whose magazine regularly appeared in my mailbox throughout my tween and early teen years. And here it was, an actual storefront, a magazine come to life right before my eyes.
As life went on, I found myself living in the area and taking my daughter back to the Galleria for ice cream and carousel rides. Showing up at midnight on Black Friday to catch the sales. Visiting my husband for his lunch and dinner breaks during his retail career.
I’ve had a lot of meaningful little moments at the Galleria. And, I am sure you have too.
But this year is a big moment for a big year for the Riverchase Galleria, as Alabama’s largest enclosed shopping center turns forty. While other malls across the country have closed their doors, the Galleria is still here.
Over the years, the shopping center has seen many changes in retailers, renovations, and traffic as more shopping moved online. But, honestly, you just can’t beat trying something on before buying, getting a feel for the fit and fabric, and knowing you’ll be happy with your purchase before the transaction is complete.
Today, the Galleria remains a shopping destination, with more than 150 shops and restaurants, from nationwide brands like Von Maur and Chick-fil-A to locally owned small businesses, like Fun Box and Sweet E’s Delectables.
As the 40th anniversary of the Riverchase Galleria continues, I encourage each of us to remember our own meaningful moments and look to create new ones at this significant Hoover landmark as it moves toward what could be a very bright future.