Winston-Salem is a town of landmarks, but few are as sprawling or, honestly, as confusing as the corridors of Hanes Mall. It’s the largest shopping center in North Carolina by some metrics, spanning over a million square feet of retail space. If you’ve ever parked at the wrong end of Stratford Road and realized your destination is a twenty-minute hike away, you know why a map of Hanes Mall isn't just a suggestion—it’s a survival tool. People think they can just "wing it," but this layout isn't a simple circle. It’s a complex, multi-level puzzle of wings and anchors.
Navigating this place requires a bit of strategy.
Most folks walk in through the main entrances near the food court and immediately lose their sense of direction. The mall is basically shaped like a giant "T" or a cross, depending on how you look at it. You have major anchors holding down the ends—Belk, Dillard’s, and JCPenney—but the space between them is where the real chaos happens. It’s easy to get turned around near the center court where the elevators live. I’ve seen people circle that glass elevator three times before realizing they were on the wrong floor for the Apple Store.
The Layout Breakdown: Making Sense of the Map of Hanes Mall
The sheer scale of this place is wild. When you look at a map of Hanes Mall, the first thing you notice is the "Lower Level" versus "Upper Level" divide. This isn't just about stairs; it’s about vibes. The upper level tends to house the heavy hitters and the food court, while the lower level often feels more service-oriented or tucked away. If you’re looking for the big-name tech or high-end fashion, you’re usually heading up. If you need a specialized kiosk or a quick exit to a specific parking lot, the lower level is your friend.
Parking is where the map becomes truly essential.
The mall is bordered by Hanes Mall Boulevard and Silas Creek Parkway. If you park near Dave & Buster's, you are essentially in a different zip code than someone parked near the old Sears wing (which has seen plenty of changes lately). The north side of the mall near Stratford Road is often the most congested. If you want a "secret" entry point, I usually suggest the back lots near the lower-level Dillard’s entrance. It’s typically less of a nightmare than trying to navigate the main ring road during a Saturday afternoon rush.
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The Anchor Strategy
Anchors are the North Star of any mall map. At Hanes, they define the wings.
- Belk: This occupies a massive footprint on the eastern side. It’s actually split into two parts—the main store and the Men’s & Home store. If you tell a friend to "meet at Belk," you might end up waiting at two different buildings. Always specify.
- Dillard’s: Situated on the south end. It’s a reliable landmark for finding the more "department store" vibe of that wing.
- JCPenney: This anchors the western side. It’s a bit of a trek from the food court, so don't plan on a quick snack if you're shopping deep in the Penney's wing.
The Food Court Hub
The food court is the heart of the upper level. It’s where the map of Hanes Mall converges. Most of the foot traffic flows through here, especially around lunch or dinner. It’s also where you’ll find the restrooms, which are surprisingly sparse in other areas of the mall. If you have kids, this is your base of operations. The proximity to the carousel makes it the loudest part of the building, but it’s the easiest place to regroup if your party gets separated.
Why the Digital Map Often Beats the Physical Kiosk
We've all seen them. The giant, glowing plastic boxes with a "You Are Here" sticker that’s slightly peeling off. While those physical kiosks are nostalgic, they aren't always up to date. Retail is fast. Stores close, pop-ups appear, and brands relocate. Using a digital map of Hanes Mall on your phone is usually the smarter play.
The official Hanes Mall website (owned by CBL Properties) keeps a pretty tight inventory of who is where. They use a numbered system that correlates to the storefronts, but honestly, nobody looks at store numbers. You’re looking for landmarks. "I'm near the LEGO store" or "I'm right by the Sephora" works much better for navigation than "I'm at suite 402."
The "Dead Zones" and New Growth
The mall has gone through some transitions. The departure of Sears left a massive gap, which has since been partially filled by entertainment options like Dave & Buster's. This changed the flow of the map of Hanes Mall significantly. What used to be a quiet corner is now a high-traffic entertainment zone. If you haven't been in a few years, the map you have in your head is likely wrong. The flow of people has shifted toward the newer entertainment and dining hubs.
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Navigating the Multi-Level Maze
Stairs or elevators? That is the question. The central elevator is iconic, but it’s also slow. If you’re in a rush, the escalators near the major department stores are your best bet. There’s a specific staircase tucked away near the food court that most people ignore, which is great if you're trying to bypass the crowds.
One thing the map of Hanes Mall doesn't always show clearly is the grade of the parking lot. Because the mall is built on a bit of a slope, you can enter on the "lower level" on one side and find yourself on what feels like the "upper level" on the other. It’s a bit of architectural trickery. Always check the sign on the door as you enter so you remember if you’re on Level 1 or Level 2. Your car will thank you later.
Accessibility and Comfort
For those with mobility issues, the map is crucial for locating the elevators. They aren't as frequent as you'd hope. The main ones are in the center, but there are others inside the anchor stores. If the center elevator is packed—which it often is on weekends—walking into Belk and using their internal elevator is a pro move. It’s usually quieter and much faster.
Real Talk: The Shopping Experience in 2026
Is Hanes Mall still worth the trip? Absolutely. While online shopping is easy, there's something about the scale of Hanes that makes it an "event" mall. You don't just go for one shirt; you go for the experience. The map of Hanes Mall reflects a shifting retail landscape. You see more "experience-based" tenants now—gyms, play areas, and entertainment venues—mixing in with traditional retail like H&M or American Eagle.
It’s a reflection of how we live now. We want everything in one spot.
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If you’re planning a trip, check the map for the "Power Centers" located just outside the mall proper. Sometimes people get confused and think Target or Best Buy are inside the mall. They aren't. They are part of the surrounding shopping complex. If your map of Hanes Mall shows you walking outside, you've likely clicked on a peripheral store.
Avoiding the Crowd
If you want to shop in peace, the map tells you where the "quiet zones" are. Usually, the wings furthest from the food court and the main entrance (near the anchors) are the most chill. Tuesday mornings are a ghost town. Friday nights are a zoo. Plan accordingly.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
To make the most of your time and avoid wandering aimlessly, follow this protocol before you put the car in drive:
- Identify Your Must-Haves: List the 3-4 stores you absolutely need to visit. Look at the map of Hanes Mall online first to see if they are clustered in one wing.
- Pick a Strategic Entrance: Don't just park at the first spot you see. If your stores are in the JCPenney wing, park there. You’ll save yourself a half-mile of walking.
- Screenshot the Directory: Mall Wi-Fi can be spotty, and cell signals inside those thick concrete walls are notorious for dropping. Have a picture of the map ready to go on your phone.
- Note the Anchor Points: Use the big stores (Belk, Dillard’s, JCPenney) as your directional beacons. If you know where they are, you can’t truly get lost.
- Check for Recent Moves: Retailers move. Always check the "New Openings" section of the mall's website before assuming a store is still in the same spot it was two years ago.
By understanding the layout and the logic behind the map of Hanes Mall, you turn a potentially exhausting trek into a streamlined, efficient shopping trip. Whether you're there for a quick gift or a full day of "retail therapy," knowing the terrain is half the battle.