If you walk into Bentley Mall Fairbanks Alaska expecting the sprawling, neon-lit mega-centers of the Lower 48, you’re going to be confused. Honestly, even calling it a "mall" in the traditional sense feels like a bit of a stretch to some locals. You might hear people call it "Bentley Hall" because, well, it’s basically one long hallway.
But here’s the thing: in a town where the temperature can drop to -40°C, that one hallway is a lifeline.
It’s not about the glitz. It’s about having a place where the air isn't sharp enough to hurt your lungs while you look for a new pair of boots. Bentley Mall has survived decades of retail shifts, Arctic winters, and the rise of e-commerce by being exactly what Fairbanks needs—a concentrated, indoor hub that stays warm when everything else is freezing.
The "Bentley Hall" Identity Crisis
Most people think malls are dying everywhere, and while the "dead mall" aesthetic is definitely a vibe here, Bentley Mall is weirdly resilient. It first opened its doors back in 1977. Back then, it was the second suburban-style hub in the city, built on what used to be the Bentley family’s dairy farm.
Today, it doesn't try to compete with the massive Costco next door (which, fun fact, used to be a Sam's Club and a Pace Membership Warehouse before that). Instead, it leans into being a "service center." You’ve got your anchors like Safeway, Michaels, and OfficeMax, which provide the practical stuff. Then you have the interior shops that cater to a very specific mix of teenagers, goths, and people just trying to find a decent birthday card.
The layout is simple. You walk in, you walk down the hall, you walk out. There’s no food court—which is a major gripe for some—but you do have a Starbucks and Bagels & Brew to keep the caffeine levels up.
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Why Locals Actually Shop Here
You might wonder why anyone bothers when they could just order everything online. In Fairbanks, shipping is a gamble. "Free 2-day shipping" often turns into "Maybe it'll get here in two weeks if the plane doesn't get delayed."
Bentley Mall offers immediacy.
- The Teen Staples: Hot Topic and Zumiez are still holding down the fort. For the younger crowd in Interior Alaska, these aren't just stores; they’re the only places to get specific subculture gear without waiting for a bush plane to deliver it.
- The Basics: Foot Locker, GNC, and Zales provide the kind of standard retail experience that makes Fairbanks feel a little less like a frontier outpost and more like a functional city.
- The Practical Anchors: Having a Safeway attached to the mall is a game changer. You can grab your groceries and then pop over to Michaels for craft supplies without having to move your car in a blizzard.
The Environmental Elephant in the Room
There’s a bit of history here that doesn't make the glossy brochures. The "East Satellite Building" at the Bentley Mall complex has been under the eye of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation for years.
There was an issue with groundwater contamination and soil vapors—specifically tetrachloroethene (PCE)—stemming from old dry-cleaning operations nearby. The owners had to install vapor barriers (like the RetroCoat™ system) to keep things safe. It’s one of those "invisible" hurdles of maintaining older commercial real estate in Alaska. They’re still monitoring it, and while it’s safe for shoppers, it’s a reminder that these buildings have deep roots in the community's industrial past.
Surprising Community Events
If you think the mall is just for shopping, you haven't been there during a bazaar. Because large, heated indoor spaces are a premium in the Interior, Bentley Mall often hosts local markets.
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In February 2026, the 5th Annual Ice Loves You Bazaar is slated to take over the concourse. These events are where the mall actually feels alive. You’ll find local artisans selling beadwork, Alaskan-made soaps, and photography that puts those generic "Alaska" postcards to shame. It’s a glimpse into the real Fairbanks—rugged, creative, and surprisingly social.
Navigating the Reality of 2026
Is it "thriving"? That depends on your definition. If you're looking for a 500-store directory, you’ll be disappointed. There are a fair amount of vacant spots. The AC can be finicky in the summer, and the lighting has that slightly dim, nostalgic quality of a 1990s film set.
But for a city of 32,000 people (plus the surrounding North Star Borough), it works. It’s a place to kill an hour when it’s too dark to do anything else. It’s where you go to get your nails done at Pro Nails or pick up a gift at Claire’s because you forgot an anniversary and the internet is down.
Actionable Tips for Visiting
If you're heading to 32 College Road, keep these realities in mind:
Check the Hours: Don't assume it's open late. Most shops close by 7:00 PM on weekdays and even earlier on Sundays. The Safeway has its own hours, usually staying open much later than the interior shops.
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Park Near Your Goal: The parking lot is huge. If you’re just going to Michaels, park on the east side. If you want the mall interior, use the main central entrance. Your car battery will thank you for not leaving the heater off longer than necessary.
Support Local: While the national chains pay the rent, the local pop-ups and smaller boutiques like Loft 49 or the specialized kiosks are what give the place its character.
Manage Expectations: It’s a small-town mall. It’s clean, it’s safe, and the people are generally Alaskan-level friendly (which is to say, they’ll leave you alone unless you look like you’re struggling with a heavy box).
Stop by Sipping Streams Tea Company if you want a local taste that actually gets national recognition. They’ve won international awards for their blends, and it’s a far better "Fairbanks" experience than a standard latte. Grab a tin of tea, walk the "Hall," and appreciate the fact that you're shopping in one of the northernmost malls in the United States.