Small Size a Theme at Crystal Mall in Waterford, CT

Anchor Stores Smaller Than Other Connecticut Malls

The opening of a Christmas Tree Shop and Bed, Bath, and Beyond store in the Crystal Mall in Waterford, CT are expected to keep in the "smallness" trend at the mall.

According to mall owner Simon on the Mall's Web site, both stores are expected to open in March with mall directories showing the Christmas Tree Shop, will be located in the former Filene's Department Store, lower level and Bed, Bath, and Beyond will be located in the former upper level of Filene's.

I was recently at the mall and through new windows looking into the mall, observed fixtures being setup in Bed, Bath, and Beyond. By looking at the hallway flooring, it's quite obvious the chain decided not to use the entire space vacated by Filene's and instead has a large court area in front of their mall entrance. One can see the difference where the ceiling is lower in the area formerly occupied by Filene's creating an extended hallway with Bed, Bath, and Beyond sort of hidden in the corner.

While drywall blocks the entrance to the soon-to-open Christmas Tree Shop, it was reported by The Day that the retailer will only take over a portion of the lower level of the former Filene's.

This unfortunately continues the trend of smallness at a mall that was renovated in 1996 making it look much nicer.

According to The Caldor Rainbow Web site, that renovation included a white look to floors and walls replacing the mall's original style of brown tiles and green railings.

The regional mall first opened in 1984 as a two-floor 1,000,000 square foot indoor shopping mall anchored by Jordan Marsh, Macy's, J.C. Penney, and Sears.
It is located off Interstate 95 at Route 85, exit 82, and off Interstate 395 at Route 85, exit 77.

Currently, the mall is open Monday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. while department stores and restaurant hours may vary.

Junior anchor D&L joined the mall shortly after the mall officially opened and was located on the lower level near Sears before it went out of business.

Currently the mall has 137 stores, according to the Largest Connecticut Shopping Malls Web site.