Construction on Asheville Mall began in 1972, and when the complex opened two years later it was the first enclosed shopping center in Western North Carolina. Originally owned by the Coleman company, the mall was anchored by Sears & Roebuck, Montgomery Ward, Belk’s,
JC Penney and Dillard. Today, Asheville Mall is the region’s premier shopping center, housing
more than 100 retail and specialty stores within its 1 million-plus square feet.