History
1980s
The mall originally opened in February 1986 with JCPenney, May Company, Nordstrom, J.W. Robinson's, Sears, and The Broadway as its original anchors. Two separate bank buildings were part of the development and located on the northern side of the mall but have since been demolished and replaced with additional parking.
1990s
In 1993, both the Robinson's and May Company anchors became Robinsons-May locations. [2] In 1996, The Broadway became Macy's.
2000s
Westfield dropped the “Shoppingtown” from the names of all centers they operated in June 2005. [3] In 2006, following Federated Department Stores' merger with May Company, the two Robinsons-May locations closed. [4] The former Robinson's location has been subdivided into Forever 21, H&M and Old Navy, while the former May Company location is now Target. [5] [6]
2010s
North County Tavern + Bowl opened on the second level of the mall in December 2010, replacing Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co. and three adjacent stores. The 15,000 square foot facility encompassed a 300-seat restaurant, a 30-foot bar, and eight bowling lanes. [7] The tavern closed in 2017 and was replaced by a Comic Book and Memorabilia store. [8]
In 2012, Westfield announced a $55 million revitalization plan and included renovating the mall's interior, updating the exterior mall entrances, and resurfacing the parking lot. [9]
2020s
On May 7, 2020, Nordstrom, which also maintains several additional outposts in San Diego, announced plans to shutter along with several additional locations as a direct result of pulling back because of the COVID-19 pandemic. [10]
On June 22, 2020, it was announced Sears would shutter as part of an ongoing decision to eliminate its brick-and-mortar format. [11] Plans were announced for Costco Wholesale to lease the previous Sears outpost [12] however a year later those plans were canceled. [13]
On February 7, 2023, it was announced that Westfield had sold the mall to a joint venture of Bridge Group Investments and Steerpoint Capital, with Spinoso Real Estate Group taking over management duties. As part of the sale the mall was renamed to North County Mall. [14]
In June 11, 2025 the Escondido Public Library opened a temporary location in the mall. It is expected to remain open for one year as their library is renovated. [15]
In August 2025, North County Mall rebranded as Mershops North County because of Bridge Group Investments rebrand as Mershops, which was a portfolio wide change across all of their properties. [16]
As of 2025, Round1 Entertainment is currently constructing an arcade in the former Nordstrom building. The arcade looks to open in the fall of 2025. [17]
