BIGGEST MALL CLOSEST TO MILWAUKEE
When people think about shopping in southeastern Wisconsin, one place immediately comes to mind—Mayfair Mall. Located in Wauwatosa just minutes from downtown Milwaukee, Mayfair has been a shopping destination for generations of Wisconsin families.
Whether you’re searching for the newest fashion trends, grabbing dinner with friends, watching the latest blockbuster movie, or simply enjoying a day indoors during Wisconsin’s cold winters, Mayfair Mall continues to be one of the busiest retail destinations in the state.
Today, Mayfair features more than 160 stores and restaurants, making it Wisconsin’s largest shopping mall and one of the region’s premier retail destinations. Over the decades, it has evolved from a suburban shopping center into a modern lifestyle destination featuring luxury retailers, national brands, entertainment, and dining.
Mayfair Mall Hours
The first thing visitors usually want to know is when the mall is open.
Regular Mall Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Individual store and restaurant hours may vary.
Address
đź“Ť 2500 North Mayfair Road
Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Phone: (414) 771-1300
Located near Highway 100 and North Avenue, Mayfair is only about 15 minutes from Downtown Milwaukee and easily accessible from I-41.
A Look Back in Time
Mayfair Mall officially opened in 1958, during one of America’s biggest suburban development booms.
At the time, enclosed regional shopping malls were transforming the way Americans shopped. Instead of traveling downtown to multiple department stores, families could visit one location that offered clothing, restaurants, gifts, entertainment, and department stores all under one roof.
Developer Kurtis Froedtert envisioned a first-class shopping destination for the growing Milwaukee suburbs. Construction began in the mid-1950s, and the original shopping center quickly became one of Wisconsin’s most successful retail developments.
Growing With Wisconsin
Since opening, Mayfair has gone through several major renovations and expansions.
What started as a traditional open-air shopping center eventually transformed into the modern two-level mall visitors know today.
Over the years the mall added:
- New department stores
- Larger fashion retailers
- Expanded parking
- A movie theater
- Upscale restaurants
- Outdoor lifestyle spaces
- Luxury shopping experiences
Each renovation helped Mayfair remain competitive while many malls throughout America struggled or closed.
Today, Mayfair continues investing in new retailers, updated interiors, and seasonal events that attract shoppers from across Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
Why Mayfair Became Wisconsin’s Premier Mall
Unlike many malls that have declined over the last decade, Mayfair has remained one of the state’s strongest retail centers.
Several factors contribute to its success:
- Prime location
- Easy freeway access
- Strong mix of luxury and affordable retailers
- Constant renovations
- Entertainment options
- Diverse restaurants
- Nearby hotels
- Large surrounding population
Because of these advantages, many national retailers choose Mayfair as their Wisconsin flagship location.
Popular Stores
One reason shoppers continue visiting Mayfair is its impressive selection of stores.
Popular retailers include:
- Apple
- Nordstrom
- Macy’s
- Barnes & Noble
- Crate & Barrel
- The Container Store
- Sephora
- American Eagle
- Akira
- Athleta
- Banana Republic
- Abercrombie & Fitch
- ALDO
- Aerie
The mall also regularly welcomes new retailers while updating existing storefronts.
Dining Options
Shopping works up an appetite, and Mayfair offers plenty of places to eat.
Visitors can choose from:
- Food Court favorites
- Maggiano’s Little Italy
- Auntie Anne’s
- Coffee shops
- Quick-service restaurants
- Sit-down dining
Whether you’re grabbing lunch during a shopping trip or enjoying dinner after a movie, there are options for nearly every taste.
Entertainment
Shopping isn’t the only attraction.
The mall also features:
- AMC Mayfair 18 movie theater
- Seasonal events
- Holiday celebrations
- Back-to-school promotions
- Family activities
- Community events
Throughout the year, Mayfair hosts retailer events, children’s activities, and holiday experiences that bring thousands of visitors to the property.
A Modern Shopping Experience
Today’s shoppers expect more than stores.
Mayfair has adapted by creating a destination where visitors can:
- Shop
- Eat
- Relax
- Meet friends
- Watch movies
- Attend events
- Enjoy seasonal promotions
Its attractive outdoor streetscape and updated interior design help create a more enjoyable experience than traditional enclosed malls.
Safety & Visitor Policies
To provide a comfortable environment for shoppers, Mayfair has implemented a Parental Guidance Required policy.
Visitors aged 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult age 21 or older after 3:00 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This policy was introduced to promote a safe, family-friendly shopping experience.
Tips for Visiting
If you’re planning your first visit:
- Visit weekday mornings for smaller crowds.
- Park near the store you plan to visit first.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Check the mall website for current promotions.
- Combine shopping with dinner and a movie.
- Visit during holiday seasons to enjoy festive decorations.
Nearby Attractions
After shopping, consider visiting:
- Milwaukee County Zoo
- Hoyt Park
- Hart Park
- American Family Field
- Wisconsin State Fair Park
- The Mayfair Collection
These attractions are only minutes away, making the area perfect for a full day of activities.
Fun Facts
- Opened in 1958
- Wisconsin’s largest shopping mall
- More than 160 stores
- Approximately 1.26 million square feet
- About 6,500 parking spaces
- Serves shoppers from across Wisconsin and northern Illinois
Final Thoughts
For nearly seven decades, Mayfair Mall has been more than just a place to shop—it’s been part of countless Wisconsin memories. From back-to-school shopping and holiday traditions to first jobs, first dates, and weekend outings, generations of families have walked its halls.
While many malls across the country have struggled, Mayfair has continued to evolve by investing in new stores, updated amenities, entertainment, and dining. Whether you’re visiting for the Apple Store, Nordstrom, a movie, or simply spending an afternoon with family, Mayfair remains one of southeastern Wisconsin’s top destinations.
If you’re exploring the Milwaukee area or planning a shopping trip, Mayfair deserves a spot on your itinerary.