Joplin, Missouri: Regional Shopping Center and More

In the far southwest corner of Missouri, the city of Joplin is one of the Show-Me State's fastest growing towns.   The city was founded in the 1800's as a mining town and that local history still plays a role in the local scene.  Joplin is also home to both Missouri Southern State University and Ozark Bible College, two major institutions but its' real role comes as a regional shopping center for Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.

Rangeline Road runs north and south on the eastern edge of Joplin and is the city's major business throughfare.   Both US Highway 71 and Interstate 44 intersect with Rangeline Road and the multi-lane road is lined with businesses from the northern edge of Newton County (the county just south of Joplin that encompasses a small portion of the city) to northern neighboring town Webb City.

Northpark Mall has been part of the Rangeline scene for more than thirty years and is still growing.   Anchor stores include JC Penney's, Sears, and Macy's but these are just a few of the stores that fill this major mall.   Currently undergoing major renovations to bring the mall into the 21st century, Northpark is the favorite of shoppers in a hundred mile radius of Joplin.
During the holiday season, the mall is filled with busy shoppers and Santa Claus always sets up shop somewhere in the Mall.

Next door, the new Northpark Crossing Shopping Center is home to Kohl's Department Store, Dress Barn, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Michel's, and several other shops.   David's Bridal is part of this shopping center too and brides-to-be from a wide area come to buy wedding dress bargains at the popular wedding retailer.

The Target Store, ten years strong in the Joplin market, converted during 2006 into a Super Target and it borders the Northpark Crossing Shopping Center.    A complete remodel has added many square feet to the store and added things that include a coffee shop, a pharmacy, and a wide variety of grocery items.