The great retail die-off of 2020 should have been the nail in Lloyd Center’s coffin. By that time, the mall had already lost most of its anchor storefronts, notably Nordstrom. But instead of withering away entirely, the mall took on a new vibe, and the carcass of Lloyd Center was reanimated to glorious effect. Today, Lloyd Center is known for its hyperlocal pop-up markets, cutting-edge art exhibitions, one of the city’s most beloved small press/comic book shops, and the enduring charm of Joe Brown’s Popcorn, all of which (including Jumbo’s Pickleball and Tracker’s Earth) are keeping Lloyd Center’s pulse steady, if weird.
However, sadly, not even the viral, neon-fitted mall walker club…..