Over one million square feet of shopping space under one roof? That’s a serious amount of ground to cover, especially when so many American malls have struggled to keep their doors open.
This enormous New Hampshire shopping destination continues to bring together major department stores, popular retailers, specialty shops, and dining options. Its two-level layout gives visitors plenty of room to browse, compare prices, and wander between stores without worrying about the weather outside.
I like that a traditional mall can still offer the simple pleasure of spending an afternoon exploring different shops. You might arrive with a specific purchase in mind and end up checking out several places you hadn’t planned to visit.
There’s also something convenient about having so many options together. With that much space available, comfortable shoes seem like a pretty sensible choice.
No Sales Tax Is The Secret Weapon Here
Every receipt at The Mall at Rockingham Park comes without a sales tax line. New Hampshire has no general sales tax, and that single fact shapes this whole mall.
The location makes the deal even sweeter. The mall sits close to the Massachusetts state line, roughly 30 miles north of Boston.
For shoppers coming up from the south, that’s a short trip with a nice reward at the register.
Big purchases are where the savings really show up. A new laptop, a set of school clothes, or holiday gifts for the whole family add up fast.
Skipping tax on all of it feels like a little bonus nobody had to earn.
Simon Property Group manages the property, so the mall follows the polish you’d expect from a major operator. The setup is clean and organized, with two levels of stores to roam.
You won’t feel like you drove up for a bargain bin.
Smart shoppers plan bigger trips around this perk. Make a list before you leave home, then knock out several errands in one stop.
Your wallet will notice the difference.
Honestly, it’s hard to find a better reason to cross a state line. Few shopping trips give money back just for showing up in the right state.
That Grand Central Staircase Is Your Best Compass
A circle sits at the heart of this mall, on both floors. The central walkway loops around, and a prominent staircase connects the two levels right in the middle.
That staircase arrived during a major renovation in 2015. The same project updated the mall entrances and gave the food court a fresh look.
Rich finishes and plenty of seating areas came along with the upgrade.
Getting lost is tougher than you’d think in a building this big. Two main corridors stretch out from the center, leading toward anchor stores and other shops.
Once you know the hub, the layout makes sense quickly.
So use the center as your meeting point. Splitting up with family or friends is easy when everyone knows where to regroup.
Tell the kids to head for the big staircase, and you’re set.
Escalators and an elevator near the food court help too. Strollers and wheelchairs can move between floors without a struggle.
That matters when you’re hauling bags from one end to the other.
Skylights add natural light overhead in parts of the mall. On a gray New England afternoon, that brightness makes wandering a lot more pleasant.
It’s a smart design that still feels fresh.
Big Anchors Still Hold This Ship Steady
Plenty of malls lost their anchor stores years ago. The Mall at Rockingham Park still has Macy’s, JCPenney, Dick’s House of Sport, and Casino Salem holding down its corners.
JCPenney has been here since the mall opened in 1991. Filene’s and Sears were original anchors too, and Jordan Marsh joined in 1994.
Both Jordan Marsh and Filene’s eventually became Macy’s locations.
Dick’s has an especially interesting story. The store expanded into the old Sears space and evolved into the House of Sport concept.
That format is built for athletes, with far more room than a typical sporting goods shop.
Anchors matter because they pull steady traffic through the whole building. People come for a big department store and then wander past smaller shops along the way.
That flow helps the entire mall stay lively.
Here’s a handy tip for longer trips. Park near the anchor you plan to visit last, so you’re not carrying heavy bags across the property.
Your arms will appreciate the planning.
Seeing these names still standing feels almost old-school in the best way. It’s proof that a strong mix of big stores can keep a New Hampshire mall humming.
A Casino Moved Into The Old Department Store
Casino Salem opened on July 9, 2025, inside the former Lord and Taylor building. Lord and Taylor had closed in 2020, leaving a big empty anchor space behind.
Just one week after opening, the casino was acquired by Churchill Downs. That’s a fast twist for any new business.
Now the space is being redeveloped into something much larger.
The future Rockingham Grand Casino will cover about 160,000 square feet over three levels. Plans call for 825 historical racing machines and 32 table games.
A 900-seat live entertainment venue is also part of the project.
Food will play a role as well. Multiple dining options are planned, including a full-service sports restaurant.
The expanded venue is projected to open in mid-2027.
The name itself nods to local history. The mall sits on the site connected to the old Rockingham Park name, and the casino carries that legacy forward.
It gives the project a sense of place.
Most malls don’t get a second act this bold. Turning an empty department store into an entertainment hub shows real confidence in this location.
Watching it grow should be fun.
Hungry Shoppers Have Plenty Of Choices
Crepes, cheesesteaks, and burgers all share this roof. The food court and restaurants cover a lot of cravings without forcing you to leave the building.
Appleseed Crepe and Bread offers a lighter option. Charleys Philly Steaks, Sbarro, Master Wok, and Wayback Burgers handle bigger appetites.
Red Robin works well for a sit-down break.
Snack lovers get their own lineup too. Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Dairy Queen and Orange Julius, and Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt are all on the list.
Milkshake Lovers and IT’SUGAR bring even more sweet stops.
Coffee fans can grab a cup at Caffe Nero. It’s one of the newer additions, joining the mall around mid-2025.
A warm drink makes a long shopping loop much easier.
Timing helps when you bring a group. Pick a meeting spot in the food court, then let everyone choose their own meal.
Nobody has to argue about pizza versus noodles.
The food court received an upgrade during the 2015 renovation. That project added seating and fresher finishes to the space.
So refueling here feels comfortable, not like an afterthought squeezed between stores.
The New Store Lineup Keeps Getting Longer
Fresh store openings are a great sign for any mall. The Mall at Rockingham Park keeps adding names, and 2026 looks especially busy.
Carter’s is already open for parents shopping for little ones. Rowan, an ear-piercing service, plans to open its first New Hampshire location in late May 2026.
New Balance is expected in early summer.
POP MART should follow in summer 2026. The brand is known for collectible toys, and fans love hunting for surprise figures.
Expect plenty of excited kids, and maybe a few excited adults.
The momentum started earlier, too. In 2025, the mall welcomed or expanded LOFT, Kendra Scott, OFFLINE by Aerie, Five Below, and Lululemon.
That’s a solid mix of fashion, jewelry, and budget-friendly fun.
Variety keeps the mall useful for all ages. Grandparents, teens, and toddlers can each find something on the same trip.
Few shopping centers can still say that.
Check the mall directory before you go. With stores arriving through the year, the map changes often.
A quick look will save you from wandering past a spot you meant to visit.
Movies And Game Day Fun Round Out The Visit
Shopping bags full? A movie might be the perfect cooldown.
Cinemark Theatres opened a complex here in 2020, near the site of the former Sears Auto Center.
The theater operates separately from the main mall building. That makes it easy to catch a show before or after shopping.
Families can split the day between stores and the big screen.
More entertainment is on the calendar. Game On and Loretta’s Last Call are planned for fall 2026.
Both concepts bring a Fenway Park game-day atmosphere to the mall.
That Boston baseball flavor fits this spot nicely. Plenty of shoppers come from Massachusetts, so a Fenway-style hangout should feel familiar.
Red Sox fans will likely feel right at home.
Entertainment is a big reason this mall keeps drawing crowds. People want places to spend an evening, not just run errands.
Adding fun gives everyone another reason to stay longer.
Planning a group outing gets easier with options like these. Shop, eat, and watch a film all in one trip.
Then head home happy, without driving to three different towns.
Early Birds Can Walk The Halls Before Shopping Starts
New England winters make outdoor walks tricky. Luckily, this mall opens its doors an hour before regular store hours for mall walking.
That gives you climate-controlled laps with zero icy sidewalks. The circular walkway and long corridors make an easy loop.
Plus, the scenery beats a treadmill.
The mall offers other helpful amenities too. Complimentary wheelchairs, strollers, and baby changing stations make visits easier for families.
EV charging stations sit outside for drivers with electric cars.
A security and police substation adds extra peace of mind. It’s a small detail that matters in a building this large.
Parents especially appreciate knowing help is nearby.
Wishing wells are another fun feature. Kids love tossing a coin and making a wish between stores.
It’s a cheap thrill that never seems to get old.
Store hours generally run 10 AM to 8 PM most weekdays, with later closings Friday and Saturday. Sunday hours are shorter, from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Double-check times before heading out, especially around holidays. A little planning keeps the day relaxed.
Know Your Route Before The Bridge Work Begins
Getting here is usually simple. The mall sits at 99 Rockingham Park Blvd, Salem, NH 03079, right beside Interstate 93.
Direct access comes from Exit 1 on I-93. You can also reach the mall from Route 38, which has multiple entrances.
Drivers coming from Massachusetts barely leave the highway before arriving.
Parking is plentiful. A large two-level lot sits on the east side of the building.
More lots spread out to the southwest and north.
One big heads-up for 2026, though. The flyover bridge leading to the mall is scheduled to fully close from April 1 to November 13, 2026, for repairs.
More lane closures are expected in spring and summer 2027.
So check your GPS before leaving home. Route 38 may become your best friend during construction.
Allow a few extra minutes, especially on busy weekends.
History adds a fun layer to this trip. The mall opened in August 1991 as the third mall in New Hampshire.
It became so popular that it changed the regional shopping scene. More than three decades later, this giant still draws drivers from across New England.
