Indian River Mall
Retailer / private label
UnclaimedAn enclosed shopping mall in Vero Beach, Florida, with department-store, entertainment, dining, and specialty-retail offerings.
Last updated August 25, 2026
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Overview
Indian River Mall is an enclosed shopping center in Vero Beach, Florida. It opened in 1996 after being developed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation. The mall originally combined four major department-store anchors—JCPenney, Sears, Dillard's, and Burdines—with smaller specialty retailers and services. Burdines subsequently became part of Macy's, and the store adopted the Macy's name in 2005. A food court and a 24-screen cinema were added in 1997, expanding the property beyond traditional department-store shopping. The theater operation later became associated with AMC, which remains one of the mall's principal attractions. Over time, the tenant mix changed as national chains and restaurants opened and closed. Notable departures included Gap, Disney Store, and RJ Gator's in 2008; Hollister Co. in 2021; and several major anchors and restaurants during the late 2010s and early 2020s. The property experienced significant financial and ownership disruption during the 2010s. Simon Malls initiated foreclosure proceedings in December 2014 in connection with a reported $71 million claim. At a May 2015 auction, the mall and its adjacent plaza reportedly sold for $100 to the highest bidder. In 2016, the adjacent Indian River Commons retail plaza was sold separately. That plaza included large-format retailers such as Best Buy, Ross Dress for Less, Target, Office Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, Lowe's, and Michaels; some of those stores later closed or changed occupants. The mall's anchor base contracted further when Sears closed in October 2019 under a nationwide store-closure program. Macy's announced its closure in January 2020, with the store expected to shut in April of that year. Victoria's Secret and TGI Friday's also closed in 2020, although the former TGI Friday's space later became Casa Amigos. These changes left JCPenney, Dillard's, and AMC Theatres as the principal established anchors identified in the available source material, alongside Casa Amigos and the food court. A redevelopment program described for 2026 calls for closure of the east wing and demolition of the former Macy's building and other east-side portions, including the former Sears area, the former RJ Gator's site, and part of the main entrance corridor. The proposed replacement program includes apartments, retail, restaurants, and an entertainment hub. The west wing, JCPenney, Dillard's, AMC Theatres, and Casa Amigos are expected to remain open, while the food court is expected to be renovated rather than removed. Indian River Mall therefore represents a conventional regional enclosed mall adapting to anchor vacancies, changing retail patterns, and mixed-use redevelopment pressures.
History
Indian River Mall opened in 1996 in Vero Beach, Florida, as an enclosed regional shopping center developed by the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation. Its original anchor lineup consisted of JCPenney, Sears, Dillard's, and Burdines. The project was designed to combine conventional department-store shopping with a broad selection of smaller retail tenants serving the local and regional market. In 1997, the property added a food court and a 24-screen movie theater. These additions strengthened the mall's role as an entertainment and dining destination rather than a purely transactional retail property. The theater later operated under the AMC brand and remains among the mall's continuing attractions. The anchor mix changed as the U.S. department-store sector consolidated. Burdines was renamed Macy's in 2005 after the acquisition and integration of the Burdines chain. During 2008, Gap, Disney Store, and RJ Gator's closed. The former RJ Gator's premises had previously been associated with Guytano's Italian Bistro and were discussed as a possible future restaurant location. The property underwent a major financial event in the mid-2010s. Simon Malls entered foreclosure proceedings on December 1, 2014, in relation to a reported $71 million claim. The mall and its adjacent plaza were then sold at auction on May 13, 2015, for $100 to the highest bidder. In August 2016, the adjacent Indian River Commons plaza was sold separately. The commons included Best Buy, Ross Dress for Less, Target, Office Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, Lowe's Home Improvement, and Michaels Arts & Crafts. Office Depot and Bed Bath & Beyond later closed their locations, with the former Office Depot space identified as becoming Burlington Coat Factory. Further anchor contraction followed. Sears announced in August 2019 that its Indian River Mall store would close as part of a national program, and the location shut in October 2019. Macy's announced in January 2020 that its store would close in April as part of a larger plan to reduce its store base. Victoria's Secret closed in 2020 under a national closure program, and TGI Friday's also left the mall later that year. The TGI Friday's space subsequently became Casa Amigos. Hollister Co. closed on January 6, 2021. The redevelopment plan described for 2026 reflects the mall's transition from a traditional two-wing enclosed center toward a smaller retail property integrated with mixed-use development. The east wing, including the former Macy's and Sears areas, the former RJ Gator's location, and the east side of the main entrance corridor, is planned for closure and demolition. Proposed replacement uses include apartments, retail stores, restaurants, and an entertainment hub. The west wing is expected to remain open, together with JCPenney, Dillard's, AMC Theatres, and Casa Amigos. The food court is expected to be renovated rather than demolished. This plan preserves the mall's most durable retail and entertainment components while repurposing underused anchor and corridor space.
- 2026
East-wing redevelopment begins
[1]The east wing is planned for closure and demolition, with mixed-use redevelopment proposed for the former anchor and east-side spaces.
- 2020
Macy's closes
[1]Macy's closes its mall store after announcing the decision in January.
- 2019
Sears closes
[1]Sears closes its Indian River Mall store in October after announcing the location's inclusion in a national closure plan.
- 2016
Indian River Commons is separated from the mall property
[1]The adjacent retail plaza is sold separately from Indian River Mall.
- 2015
Property is sold at auction
[1]The mall and adjacent plaza are reported to sell at auction for $100.
- 2014
Foreclosure proceedings begin
[1]Simon Malls initiates foreclosure proceedings involving the property.
- 2005
Burdines becomes Macy's
[1]The Burdines anchor is renamed Macy's following Macy's acquisition of the chain.
- 1997
Food court and cinema are added
[1]A food court and a 24-screen movie theater are added, broadening the center's dining and entertainment offer.
- 1996
Indian River Mall opens
[1]The enclosed shopping mall opens in Vero Beach with JCPenney, Sears, Dillard's, and Burdines as its original anchors.
Products and positioning
A regional enclosed shopping and entertainment destination serving Vero Beach and the surrounding Indian River County market, with a tenant mix centered on department stores, specialty retail, dining, and cinema.
Department stores · 1996
Department-store retail
The mall's principal retail offer historically centered on department stores. JCPenney and Dillard's remain identified as active anchors in the available material, while former anchors included Sears, Burdines, and Macy's.
Apparel and specialty stores · 1996
Specialty retail
Indian River Mall has hosted a changing mix of apparel, accessories, gifts, and specialty retailers, including national chains such as Gap, Disney Store, Hollister Co., and Victoria's Secret at various points in its history.
Cinema · 1997
AMC Theatres
The mall's cinema operation began as a 24-screen movie theater added in 1997 and is identified in the available material as AMC Theatres. It functions as a major entertainment anchor.
Food and beverage · 1997
Food court and dining
A food court was added in 1997 and remains part of the mall's retained facilities. Restaurant tenants have changed over time; the former TGI Friday's location later became Casa Amigos.
Brand decisions
2026
East-wing mixed-use redevelopmentStrategyBackground
Vacant anchor spaces and the east wing are being addressed through a redevelopment plan.
Action taken
The east wing and former Macy's building are planned for closure and demolition, with apartments, retail, restaurants, and an entertainment hub proposed.
Aftermath
The west wing, JCPenney, Dillard's, AMC Theatres, and Casa Amigos are expected to remain open, while the food court is expected to be renovated.
2016
Sale of Indian River CommonsM&ABackground
The adjacent Indian River Commons plaza was treated as a separate property from the enclosed mall.
Action taken
The plaza was sold separately in August 2016.
Aftermath
Its retail portfolio continued to change as Office Depot and Bed Bath & Beyond later closed.
2014
Foreclosure action involving the mallOtherBackground
The property became subject to foreclosure proceedings initiated by Simon Malls in connection with a reported $71 million claim.
Action taken
Foreclosure proceedings were initiated on December 1, 2014.
Aftermath
The mall and adjacent plaza were later sold at auction in 2015.
Reported foreclosure claim. $71 million claim reported (2014)
Sources1 sources
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