For more than 50 years, Southridge Mall has been a familiar gathering place for shoppers across Milwaukee County. From back-to-school shopping and holiday traditions to first jobs, first dates, and weekends spent with friends, Southridge has played an important role in the lives of generations of southeastern Wisconsin residents.
Located in Greendale, just southwest of Milwaukee, Southridge continues to attract visitors with shopping, dining, family entertainment, and community events. While many malls across America have struggled, Southridge has continued evolving by adding new attractions and entertainment, making it much more than just a place to shop.
Where Is Southridge Mall?
📍 Address
5300 South 76th Street
Greendale, WI 53129
The mall is conveniently located near Interstate 894 and Highway 100, making it an easy drive from Milwaukee, Greenfield, Franklin, Oak Creek, Hales Corners, and surrounding communities.
Mall Hours
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Individual stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues may operate on different schedules.
When Was Southridge Mall Built?
Southridge Mall officially opened its doors on September 10, 1970.
The mall was developed by Herb Kohl—who would later become a U.S. Senator—and the Taubman Company. At the time, Southridge represented one of Wisconsin’s largest and most modern shopping centers, designed to serve Milwaukee’s rapidly growing southwest suburbs.
A New Era of Shopping
When Southridge opened in 1970, enclosed malls were becoming the center of American life.
Instead of visiting several different stores across the city, families could spend an entire day in one climate-controlled building with department stores, clothing shops, restaurants, and entertainment all under one roof.
Southridge quickly became one of Milwaukee County’s busiest malls, drawing shoppers from Greendale, Greenfield, West Allis, Franklin, Oak Creek, Muskego, and beyond. It wasn’t uncommon for families to spend hours shopping before enjoying lunch in the food court or catching a movie.
Memories That Span Generations
If you grew up in Milwaukee during the 1970s, ’80s, or ’90s, chances are you have a Southridge memory.
Many locals remember:
- Waiting in line to visit Santa during the holidays
- Shopping for school clothes every August
- Spending hours at the arcade
- Meeting friends at the food court
- Browsing bookstores and music stores
- Seeing movies at the theater
- Celebrating birthdays with trips to the mall
For many families, Southridge wasn’t just a shopping center—it was part of growing up.
Southridge Through the Years
Like shopping centers across America, Southridge has changed with the times.
Several original anchor stores have closed or relocated over the decades, but the mall has adapted by bringing in new retailers, entertainment, and dining experiences. Today, visitors will find major anchors including Macy’s, JCPenney, T.J. Maxx, DICK’S Sporting Goods, and Golf Galaxy, along with more than 120 stores and services.
Shopping for Everyone
Southridge offers a wide variety of national retailers, specialty stores, and services.
Popular stores include:
- Macy’s
- JCPenney
- T.J. Maxx
- DICK’S Sporting Goods
- H&M
- American Eagle
- Bath & Body Works
- JD Sports
- Zumiez
- Torrid
- Shoe Dept. Encore
Whether you’re shopping for clothes, sporting goods, gifts, shoes, or electronics, there’s something for every age and budget.
Entertainment Beyond Shopping
One reason Southridge continues attracting visitors is its growing list of entertainment options.
Some of the biggest attractions include:
- Round1 Bowling & Arcade with bowling, arcade games, karaoke, billiards, and more.
- Marcus BistroPlex Southridge for dinner-and-a-movie experiences.
- Escape rooms and family-friendly activities.
- Indoor children’s play areas for younger visitors.
These attractions have helped transform Southridge into an all-day destination instead of simply a place to shop.
Dining Options
You’ll find everything from quick bites to sit-down restaurants.
Popular dining choices include:
- The Explorium Brewpub
- Food Court favorites
- Arepa’s Place
- Coffee shops
- Snack stands
- Dessert shops
Whether you’re grabbing lunch during a shopping trip or dinner before a movie, Southridge has plenty of options.
Community Events
Throughout the year, Southridge hosts seasonal celebrations, holiday events, children’s activities, and community gatherings.
Holiday shopping remains one of the mall’s busiest seasons, with festive decorations, special promotions, and visits from Santa making it a family tradition for many Milwaukee-area residents.
Why Southridge Still Matters
Even as online shopping has changed retail, Southridge continues serving as an important gathering place for the community.
Many people visit not just to shop but to:
- Meet friends
- Exercise by walking the mall
- Enjoy lunch
- Watch a movie
- Let kids play
- Spend time indoors during Wisconsin winters
That combination of shopping, dining, and entertainment has helped Southridge remain relevant for more than five decades.
Fun Facts
- Opened September 10, 1970
- Originally developed by Herb Kohl and the Taubman Company
- Nearly 1.2 million square feet of retail space
- Wisconsin’s second-largest shopping mall, behind Mayfair Mall
- Home to more than 120 stores and services
- Serves shoppers from throughout southeastern Wisconsin
Tips for Visiting
- Visit weekday mornings for lighter crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
- Combine shopping with a movie or bowling for a full day out.
- Check the mall’s event calendar before visiting to see what’s happening.
- During the holiday season, arrive early for easier parking.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re spending the day in the area, consider visiting:
- Historic Downtown Greendale
- Whitnall Park
- Boerner Botanical Gardens
- Wehr Nature Center
- The Rock Sports Complex
These attractions are all within a short drive of Southridge.
Final Thoughts
For over half a century, Southridge Mall has been more than a shopping center—it has been part of Milwaukee’s story. Generations have walked its halls, celebrated milestones, found their first jobs, and created lasting memories.
While retail continues to evolve, Southridge has adapted by blending shopping with dining and entertainment, giving visitors plenty of reasons to return. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion, enjoying a family outing, or reliving a bit of nostalgia, Southridge remains one of the Milwaukee area’s favorite destinations and a place where old memories and new experiences continue to come together.