Hilltop Mall

If I can hear my own voice echo from the other end of the mall, then you know this mall is dead.
Location:
It’s right off the I-​80 Freeway. You know you’re in the right spot as soon as you come across people who don’t know how to drive or park plus a kazillion pot-​holes.
Ambiance:
One word, DEAD. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the idea that this mall used to be the place to be! Now that this mall aged, it’s pretty much empty with no one around basically with the exception of a couple potheads and crazies trying to cause some drama.
Store Selections:
Weak as shit… I never realized how much I took my own local mall for granted. Really though… About a good 90 percent of stores were closed down. However, you got your basic Macy’s, JcPenney’s, Sears, and did I mention they have a Wal-​Mart?! They do have a couple of stores where you could possibly buy some cute dresses, but sadly, it’s the poor quality type of stuff.
Overall:
I’m extremely depressed with the Hilltop Mall. Despite having many memories buying my communion and prom dress over there, all the good things seemed to vanished into thin air.

A sample list of bigger chain stores at this mall: JC Penny, Macy’s, Claire’s, Sam’s Jewelers, Payless Shoes, Foot Locker, Sears, Sheikh, Wal-​Mart (Wal-​Mart?! At a mall!!!), Mrs. Field’s Cookies, Champs, Things Remembered, Lids.
On top of these, there are multiple local stores for hair and nail salons, eyebrow places, coat stores, general accessories, clothing, toys, and food. Men: there are two hair salons just for you. There’s all the major cell phone carriers (Sprint, AT&T, Cricket, Verizon), sunglass places, at least six major shoe stores, three or four Jewelers, a watchmaker and watch repair (yes, I know, but people still buy them), and key chain kiosks and stores.
The mall itself is two-​story, with four wings (towards Penny’s, Wal-​Mart, Macy’s, and Sears), a carousel, sitting areas, and cool walkways and statues. I like that the second floor has tons of cool-​looking bridges from one side to the other so you’re not stuck walking down to the end and back. There’s a slight food court down at the Macy’s end on the second floor. What I mean is, there’s a collection of food stores in this area, but the seating is inside each store. Only Burger King is a chain there, but there’s still pretzels, smoothies, subs, and teriyaki, and a Surf City Squeeze above Penny’s.
I really like this place and wondered about the lack of shoppers and the low rating. I only saw four closed stores, but no one showed up until after school; then it was a slow stream. I asked an employee of Payless, and she listed a bunch of chain stores (Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21, See’s, etc.) that closed up shop and the locals that left to follow them. Plus, the theater moved up the street. She said this place is a ghost town. Ha! Try Manchester Shopping Center in Fresno – it IS almost half-​closed, similar in size and looks, has almost NO chains but Sears and Toys R Us nearby – and its rating is higher than this mall!!!
If they want to revamp it, they might add a couple of more chains, but I think it needs more of things to do. Add a seating area near the restaurants and make it a real Food Court. There’s a carousel already there; add a children’s play area and a couple more toy stores. Sorry the theater is gone; a Barnes and Noble would be nice.
In my opinion, there are still a lot of good places to go, and I like that it’s not overcrowded. Nice place. When I’m in town, I’ll stop by again.