As the Camden County Commissioners begin new roadway projects, township residents have found themselves reminiscing about the former Echelon Mall as it was: a thriving shopping area.
Now known as Town Center, the site has undergone significant changes since its heyday. , leaving many in the community nostalgic for the vibrant shopping and entertainment hub it once was. Originally opened in 1970, Echelon Mall quickly became a central part of the Voorhees community with its wide array of shops, eateries, and entertainment.
For decades, it was a popular destination for both families and shoppers in South Jersey. But the mall – whose site was a former airfield – began to decline around the early 2000s, struggling to compete with more accessible locations and online shopping. And it isn’t alone: According to PBS, no new indoor malls have been built since 2006, and 15 percent of the rest are expected to close in the next 10 years.
“I remember spending weekends at the Echelon Mall with my family,” said resident Jane Doe. “It had everythin – shops, a movie theater, and a great food court. It was more than just a place to shop, it was a community hub. I would love to see something like that come back.”
The transition to Town Center included significant redevelopment efforts aimed at revitalizing the area. The center was rebranded in 2007, with a mix of retail, office space and residential units. But despite those efforts, Town Center has not lived up to its promise. Boscov’s and Modax Furniture Outlet remain its primary anchors, with a much smaller selection of stores and eateries and offices for county services.
As redevelopment plans continue to be discussed, ideas for the Town Center floated by the community and officials include introducing attractions such as microbreweries, sports bars and entertainment venues, along with potential housing.
“I miss the old Echelon Mall so much,” said Betty Harris, a longtime Voorhees resident. “Shopping at Macy’s and having all those stores right across the street was so convenient. Now, I have to drive out of town just to find a decent place to shop.
“It would be wonderful to have a lively shopping center back in our community, where we can enjoy a variety of stores and entertainment without traveling far.”
Other setbacks to reviving the center included an April fire that damaged parts of the food court and the second floor. Only the relatively new Modax Furniture Outlet at the former Macy’s may provide a glimmer of hope for a revival.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Al Dyer emphasized the importance of investing in the community’s infrastructure and amenities, including the former mall.
“As we work on improving our roadways, we also need to consider how we can revitalize key areas like the Voorhees Town Center,” he noted. “Creating a vibrant, accessible space for shopping, dining, and entertainment is crucial for our community’s future.”
