What’s Happening to East Hills Mall?

Where Store Like Maurice’s are Going

3–25–24

I investigated the current state of East Hills Mall in Saint Joseph, Missouri after so many stores have left. I went into the almost completely empty mall and noticed a particularly interesting store. Maurice’s, a women’s clothing store, at one side of the mall with only 1 surrounding store which is locally owned. I decided to interview Sara Jones of Maurice’s to get her opinion on the dying mall, its prospects, and what the future for her business is going to look like. She detailed what she knows to be true about the future of the mall and also that her store will be moving to North Shops, where many others have gone. I also talked to some employees at Topsy’s, one of the last food places in the mall and they were a little more hopeful, with their business having a lease for 5 more years. They’re hoping that management can turn the mall around and continue its legacy in Saint Joseph! With Maurice’s leaving, the mall will be left with 3 retail stores total, and 2 food places.