Fall River's Harbour Mall Lives On In Sweet Memories

Decades before Fall River had SouthCoast Marketplace, the site was home to Harbour Mall.

Opening its doors in 1971, this shopping hub quickly became a beloved fixture in the community. Anchored by the iconic Bradlees and Grants department stores, Harbour Mall offered everything from electronics and clothing to jewelry and furniture, making it a one-stop destination for many shoppers.

Bradlees' diverse product range made it a standout, but it was the mall's evolving offerings that truly shaped its appeal. In 1975, with the closure of the Grants chain, Kmart stepped in, known for its famous "blue light specials" and discounted offerings. As the mall's popularity soared, additional attractions such as Loews movie theaters and Papa Gino’s were introduced, alongside an arcade that delighted children and allowed adults ample shopping time.

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Papa Gino’s, with its retro booths and tabletop jukeboxes playing tunes for a quarter, offered a nostalgic dining experience. It was a popular spot for movie-goers to unwind after catching a flick at the theater. The mall also featured a grand water fountain, filled with coins tossed in by hopeful wishmakers.

Personal memories of the Harbour Mall are deeply woven into the fabric of Fall River life. For many, like myself, childhood visits to Shear Genius for a quick haircut were a ritual, while spare change was eagerly spent at the arcade, navigating Bart Simpson’s mischievous skateboard antics in The Simpsons game.

In 1993, a major renovation revitalized the mall, rebranding it as New Harbour Mall, although people continued referring to it as Harbour Mall. New stores breathed fresh life into the space (briefly). Over time, changes in retail landscapes led to the closure of beloved spots like the fountain and Papa Gino’s, though staples like Bradlees, Kmart, and Loews endured for a while.

The eventual departure of key stores such as Bradlees and Loews marked the beginning of the mall’s decline. Attempts at revival, including Walmart’s brief time, weren't enough. By 2016, the mall shuttered its doors for good, leaving behind a trove of memories etched in the hearts of Fall River and SouthCoast residents alike.

While Harbour Mall may no longer dominate the local landscape, its legacy lives on in the fond recollections of those who strolled its corridors, made wishes at its fountain, and savored slices at Papa Gino’s.

Kelly Pavao contributed to this report.

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See How Much This Fall River Intersection Has Changed in a Decade

Well this is surely a blast from the past. While exploring Google Maps' street view feature recently, I came across an old still from 2012 mixed in with the more recent ones. It showed an almost decade-old look at Fall River's New Harbour Mall, which is now dead and has been replaced by the stores at the SouthCoast Marketplace. The more I looked around the intersection on William Canning Boulevard, the more I began to see remnants of the past, some that may now be long-forgotten for some. This Fall River intersection has changed so much in the past near-decade, but if you're needing a little look in the rearview to see how far it's come, check out some of the following stills.

Gallery Credit: Kari Jakobsen