The Shoppes at Parma: Evolution of a Retail Landmark

Recent Developments After Shoppers World Closure

The Shoppes at Parma, a cornerstone of retail in the greater Cleveland area, is facing another significant transition following the closure of Shoppers World on March 5, 2025. Management is currently evaluating two potential paths forward: either subdividing the existing 81,675-square-foot space to accommodate multiple smaller businesses or completely demolishing the structure to make way for a new national tenant.

This decision represents more than just a change in tenancy—it reflects the broader evolution of retail in Northeast Ohio and the shopping center’s continued adaptation to changing market conditions. Either option would significantly impact the shopping center’s layout and tenant mix, which currently includes stores like Walmart Supercenter, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Burlington, Marc’s, and numerous specialty retailers and restaurants.

Historical Context: From Parmatown Mall to The Shoppes at Parma

Understanding the current redevelopment requires context about the property’s storied history. The shopping center originally opened as Parmatown Center in 1956, featuring an open-air design typical of mid-century retail developments. In 1968, the center was enclosed and renamed Parmatown Mall, beginning decades of operation as a traditional enclosed shopping mall.

After years of declining foot traffic—a challenge faced by enclosed malls nationwide—the property underwent a comprehensive transformation beginning in 2013. This multi-phase redevelopment, managed by PECO Real Estate Partners (PREP), ultimately converted the enclosed mall back to an open-air shopping center, rebranded as “The Shoppes at Parma.” The redevelopment completely demolished the indoor mall corridors while retaining and modernizing the anchor spaces and perimeter buildings.

The Shoppers World store, which opened in 2021, occupied the former JCPenney space. JCPenney had been one of the center’s longtime anchors until its closure in 2020, representing the last of the original department store anchors to leave the property.

Strategic Significance of the Current Decision

The management’s approach to the vacant Shoppers World space will likely be guided by several key factors:

1. Market Research: Understanding what retail concepts are expanding in the region and which would complement the existing tenant mix.
2. Consumer Preferences: Recognizing how shopping habits have evolved, particularly following the acceleration of e-commerce during and after the pandemic.
3. Space Utilization: Determining whether a single large tenant or multiple smaller businesses would generate more foot traffic and revenue.
4. Long-term Viability: Considering which option provides the greatest stability and growth potential for the shopping center as a whole.

If management opts to subdivide the space, it would follow a trend seen in many retail centers where former department store spaces are reconfigured into multiple smaller storefronts, often including non-retail uses such as fitness centers, medical offices, or entertainment venues. Alternatively, demolishing the building could create an opportunity to design a purpose-built space for a high-profile national retailer not currently in the Parma market, potentially serving as a new traffic driver for the center.

The Shoppes at Parma in the Regional Retail Landscape

Located in a densely populated suburban area with daily traffic counts exceeding 60,000 vehicles, The Shoppes at Parma occupies a strategic position in the Cleveland retail market. The 756,000-square-foot center is situated south of I-480 between I-71 and I-77, providing excellent accessibility for shoppers throughout the region.

The center’s ongoing evolution mirrors broader retail trends, where successful shopping centers have transitioned from purely retail destinations to mixed-use community hubs offering diverse experiences beyond shopping. This adaptation has been critical for brick-and-mortar retail spaces to remain relevant in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Looking Forward

As The Shoppes at Parma management evaluates options for the former Shoppers World space, their decision will reflect both immediate market conditions and longer-term strategic vision for the property. The center has demonstrated remarkable resilience through multiple transformations over its nearly 70-year history, successfully navigating changing retail landscapes and consumer preferences.

Whether through subdivision or demolition and rebuilding, this next phase in the center’s evolution will aim to strengthen its position as a vital commercial hub for Parma and the surrounding communities. The outcome will not only impact the physical landscape of the shopping center but will also influence the broader retail ecosystem of Cleveland’s southwestern suburbs.

For small businesses and entrepreneurs in the area, these developments present both challenges and opportunities as the retail landscape continues to evolve. The Shoppes at Parma’s next chapter will undoubtedly be watched closely by commercial real estate professionals, retailers, and community members alike.