You know that feeling when you drive past a place that used to be the absolute center of your universe on a Friday night, and now it feels like a quiet time capsule? That’s basically the vibe of the Prince of Orange Mall in Orangeburg SC right now. If you grew up in the area, you probably remember when this was the spot. It wasn't just about the shopping; it was about the orange julius, the neon lights, and seeing everyone you knew.
But things are different in 2026. The retail landscape in South Carolina has shifted dramatically. While big hubs like Columbia and Charleston are seeing massive new developments, the Prince of Orange Mall is navigating that weird, transitional space that many "hometown malls" find themselves in. It’s not dead, but it’s certainly not the 1980s anymore.
What’s Actually Happening at Prince of Orange Mall?
Let’s get the facts straight. The mall is located at 2390 Chestnut Street Northeast. Honestly, if you’re looking for a massive, multi-level experience with a Tesla showroom and a luxury food hall, you’re in the wrong place. This is a 336,000-square-foot regional mall that serves a very specific purpose for the local community.
The anchor situation is usually the first thing people ask about. Right now, Belk is the heavyweight champion holding things down. For a long time, the mall had the "big three" setup, but Sears packed up back in 2013, and JCPenney followed suit in 2020 during that massive wave of national closures. The loss of JCPenney was a hit, no doubt about it. It left a big footprint to fill, and in a town like Orangeburg, losing a major department store feels personal.
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Hull Property Group, who owns the place, has a very specific way of managing these properties. If you walk through the corridors today, you’ll notice something interesting—and maybe a little controversial. They use a "mural and wall" strategy. Instead of leaving a dark, empty storefront that looks like a ghost town, they put up high-quality graphics and local historical photos. Some people think it makes the mall feel cleaner and more "boutique." Others think it’s just a way to hide the fact that occupancy isn't what it used to be.
The Store Lineup as of 2026
It’s easy to focus on what’s gone, but there’s still a surprising amount of life inside. You’ve still got the staples:
- Bath & Body Works (because the mall wouldn't be a mall without that scent wafting into the hallway).
- Hibbett Sports and Snipes for everyone looking for fresh kicks.
- Shoe Dept. is still a major draw for families.
- It’s Fashion Metro and Denim Lab cater to the local style scene.
The "outparcels"—the buildings in the parking lot—are actually doing quite well. You’ve got the McDonald’s, Church’s Fried Chicken, and PetSense. These spots often have more consistent traffic than the interior of the mall because they’re just easier to zip in and out of.
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The Reality of Safety and Community Perception
We have to talk about the elephant in the room. A few years back, there was a shooting at the mall that really shook people’s confidence. It happened on a Saturday afternoon in November—peak shopping time. While the victim recovered and the mall went back to normal operations quickly, that kind of news sticks in a small town.
Safety is the number one thing I hear people talk about when they discuss why they do or don't shop here. The management has stepped up security measures, and for the most part, it’s a quiet place to get your errands done. But in 2026, when everyone is used to ordering everything from their phone, any negative perception makes it harder to compete.
Is there a "Grand Plan" for Redevelopment?
Here is where it gets tricky. If you look at downtown Orangeburg, there is a ton of excitement. The Railroad Corner Redevelopment is a huge deal, and the city is pouring money into revitalizing the Russell Street corridor. You’ve got projects like the Louis Building being turned into mixed-use condos and retail.
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The Prince of Orange Mall, however, is a private property. While the city wants it to thrive, its fate is largely in the hands of Hull Property Group. Their strategy across the Southeast has generally been to stabilize malls rather than do massive "lifestyle center" overhauls. They focus on keeping the roof fixed, the floors clean, and the lights on. It’s a "slow and steady" approach rather than a "knock it down and build a park" approach.
Why You Should Still Visit
Look, I get it. It’s easy to drive up to Columbia to go to Columbiana Centre or Sandhill. But there’s a reason to keep the Prince of Orange Mall in Orangeburg SC on your radar:
- Convenience. If you need a specific gift from Belk or a new pair of jeans, you can be in and out in 20 minutes. No fighting for parking in a massive garage.
- Local Jobs. The people working in these stores are your neighbors. Supporting the mall keeps those paychecks in Orangeburg.
- The Military Presence. The mall is a hub for recruitment offices—Army, Marines, and Navy. It’s a point of contact for a lot of young people in the area starting their careers.
Actionable Steps for Orangeburg Residents
If you want to see the mall survive another decade, you actually have to use it. Retailers look at "footfall" data. If the numbers aren't there, they leave.
- Check the Directory First: Before driving 45 minutes away, check the mall’s website. You might be surprised that a store like GNC or Jewelry World has exactly what you need.
- Support the Food Court: The dining options like Adrian’s Restaurant and Hot Wok are what keep the "community" feel alive.
- Give Feedback: If you have ideas for what should go into the old JCPenney space—maybe a trampoline park or a local craft market—reach out to the management. They are more likely to pivot if they know there’s a demand.
The Prince of Orange Mall isn't going to become the Mall of America overnight. It’s a functional, local shopping center that reflects the current state of the American middle-market mall. It’s survived the rise of Amazon and a global pandemic. It’s still standing, and for Orangeburg, that still matters.
To stay updated on the latest store openings or local events, visit the mall during their standard hours (Monday-Saturday 10 AM - 9 PM, Sunday 12 PM - 6 PM). Keep an eye on the city's comprehensive plan updates for any future zoning changes that might allow for more diverse uses of the mall's massive parking lot, such as community events or seasonal markets.