It’s the mall shaped like a lightning bolt. If you grew up in Northeast Philly or Lower Bucks County, you didn't call it "the outlet center" and you certainly didn't call it by its corporate rebrand. To everyone from Bensalem to Port Richmond, it was—and always will be—Franklin Mills.
But if you’ve driven past the massive property at the intersection of Woodhaven and Knights Road recently, you might have noticed the signs look a bit different. Again.
The franklin mills philadelphia mall name change isn't just a story about new paint and plastic lettering. It is a decade-long saga of corporate identity crises, a $290 million debt struggle, and a neighborhood that flat-out refused to let go of a name. Honestly, the 1.7-million-square-foot behemoth has spent the last few years in a bit of an identity tailspin.
The Rebrand Nobody Asked For
Back in September 2014, Simon Property Group decided it was time for a "style evolution." They announced a massive multimillion-dollar renovation. The goal? Turn the gritty, 1980s-era discount vibe into something more upscale.
They thought a new name would do the trick.
By swapping "Franklin Mills" for Philadelphia Mills, Simon hoped to align the mall with its other high-end "Mills" properties across the country. They brought in fancy LED lighting, new flooring, and those lounge areas with charging stations that everyone uses but no one really notices. They even ditched the iconic neon colors for a "cleaner" aesthetic.
But here is the thing: nobody in Philly cared.
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You’ve probably experienced this yourself. You tell a friend you're heading to the mall to hit up the Nike Factory Store or Marshalls, and you say, "I’m going to the Mills." You didn't say, "I am heading to the Philadelphia Mills regional shopping destination." It felt forced. It felt corporate.
Why the Name Changed Back (The Plot Twist)
Fast forward ten years. By late 2024, the retail landscape had shifted dramatically. Malls across America were bleeding, and the Mills was no exception. Simon Property Group, the titan of mall ownership, found itself in a tough spot with a $290 million loan that matured in June 2024.
Instead of doubling down, Simon basically handed over the keys.
Ownership shifted to debt holders, and Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) took over management. One of the very first things the new management did? They pulled a "retro" move. In December 2024, they officially changed the name again.
But they didn't go back to the exact original name. They landed on Franklin Mall.
What’s in a Name?
- 1989 – 2014: Franklin Mills (The Glory Days)
- 2014 – 2024: Philadelphia Mills (The Corporate Era)
- 2024 – Present: Franklin Mall (The Return to Roots)
It’s a bit of a compromise. They kept the "Franklin" to appease the locals who never stopped using it, but they swapped "Mills" for "Mall." If you walk around the exterior today, the "Philadelphia Mills" signs are largely gone, replaced by "Franklin Mall" branding that feels like a nod to the mall's 1989 opening on the site of the old Liberty Bell Park racetrack.
The State of the Mall in 2026
So, what does the franklin mills philadelphia mall name change mean for you if you’re actually planning to go there today?
Kinda a lot, actually. The mall is currently in a transitional phase that feels a bit like a ghost of its former self in some wings, while other parts are surprisingly vibrant.
The "Thunderbolt" layout—designed to honor Ben Franklin’s kite experiment—still exists, but the experience is lopsided. The mall is anchored by heavy hitters like the Walmart Supercenter, AMC Theatres, and Dave & Buster’s. These places are still packed on Friday nights.
However, the "Green" and "Red" wings have seen better days. You'll see more than a few "Style Evolution in Progress" barricades that have been up so long they’ve become part of the decor. But the big-name outlets are still holding the line. You can still find:
- Saks OFF 5TH (The high-end survivor)
- Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store
- Nike Factory Store
- Marshalls & HomeGoods
There's also a newer tenant called Reclectic, which has brought some much-needed foot traffic to the concourse. It's basically a massive clearance outlet for Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Free People. It fits the "outlet" vibe of the original 1989 mission much better than the mid-2010s "luxury" attempt did.
Real Talk: Is it Still Worth the Trip?
If you're looking for a pristine, King of Prussia-style experience, you’re going to be disappointed. Franklin Mall (or the Mills, whatever) is a bit rough around the edges. There have been ongoing concerns about security in the parking lots and the general upkeep of the common areas.
But for the bargain hunter? It’s still a goldmine.
The franklin mills philadelphia mall name change was a signal that the new owners know who their audience is. They aren't trying to be a "destination" for tourists anymore. They are trying to be a functional, value-driven hub for Northeast Philadelphia.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Visit
If you’re planning to head down Woodhaven Road anytime soon, here is the expert way to navigate the "New" Franklin Mall:
- Stick to the Anchors: The mall is over a mile long. If you're there for something specific, park near that entrance. Don't try to walk the whole "lightning bolt" unless you're looking for a workout.
- Check the Entrance Signs: Most GPS units still say "Philadelphia Mills," but look for the "Franklin Mall" signs at the Knights Road and Franklin Mills Circle entrances.
- The Food Court Situation: The themed food courts aren't what they used to be. While Dave & Buster's is great for a sit-down meal, the quick-service options are a bit hit-or-miss. The Walmart side (Orange/Yellow) tends to have more consistent traffic.
- Safety First: Like any large urban/suburban mall, stay aware of your surroundings, especially in the peripheral parking lots near the shuttered anchors.
The name change is a fascinating look at how retail branding fails when it ignores local culture. Simon tried to make "Philadelphia Mills" happen for ten years. It didn't. Now, under JLL, the return to the "Franklin" name is a quiet admission that the neighborhood was right all along.
It’s just "the Mills." Always has been.
To see the most current store directory or check holiday hours, visit the official Franklin Mall website rather than the old Simon portals, as the management transition has caused many old links to break or lead to outdated "Philadelphia Mills" pages. Also, keep an eye on local zoning meetings; there is persistent talk about converting some of the massive, underused parking lots into residential or warehouse space, which could change the footprint of the mall forever in the coming years.