If you’ve spent any time in Central New York lately, you know the vibe around Syracuse's massive shopping hub is... well, it’s complicated. People talk about the "mall of the future" like it’s some kind of legend, but the reality of the stores in Destiny USA mall is a bit more down-to-earth and, honestly, a lot more interesting than just a list of names on a directory.
It’s huge. Like, "I need a GPS to find my car" huge. We’re talking over 250 places to spend your money, ranging from high-end luxury to outlet steals and those weirdly specific hobby shops that only seem to exist in massive complexes. But if you haven't been in a minute, things have shifted. Some of the old stalwarts are gone, and new, more experiential spots are moving in to take their place.
The Heavy Hitters: Anchor Stores and Big Names
Most people start their trek at the big ones. Macy’s is still the giant holding down the fort, and JCPenney is right there with it. These are the survivors. They’ve seen the mall go from the Carousel Center days to the massive expansion that turned it into Destiny USA. Honestly, walking through Macy’s feels like a rite of passage for anyone in Onondaga County.
Then you’ve got Apple. It’s basically the heartbeat of the first floor. If you need a screen fixed or just want to play with the latest iPad while your partner looks at shoes, that’s the spot. It’s always crowded. Always.
But the real muscle lately comes from the sports and outdoor crowd. Dick’s Sporting Goods is massive here, and if you can’t find it there, you’ve got the Dick’s Warehouse Sale store for the deep discounts. REI Co-op also carved out a significant space for the hikers and campers, which makes sense given how close we are to the Adirondacks. It’s a nice change of pace from the typical fast-fashion chaos.
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The Outlet Transition: Why Everything Is a "Sale" Now
One thing that confuses people is the "mall within a mall" concept. The expansion wing—the part with the high ceilings and the more modern architecture—is where the outlet stores in Destiny USA mall live. It’s kinda weird because you’ll see a regular Coach or Michael Kors, but then you’ve got the outlet versions too.
- Nike Factory Store: This is usually a madhouse on weekends.
- Off 5th (Saks Fifth Avenue): If you want to feel fancy without paying the full mortgage payment for a purse.
- Nordstrom Rack: Always a gamble, but sometimes you find those $200 boots for $60.
- Burlington: It’s technically an anchor, but it fits that "hunt for the bargain" vibe perfectly.
The shift toward outlets was a smart move by Pyramid Management Group. It kept people coming when traditional retail started to wobble. You get that "I found a deal" dopamine hit that keeps you walking the three miles of linoleum.
What’s New (and What’s Gone) in 2026
Retail is a revolving door, and Destiny USA is no exception. We’ve had some heartbreaks lately. Margaritaville closed its doors after a decade, which was a bummer for anyone who liked a giant blender in the middle of their shopping trip. Ardene and Boss by Hugo Boss also exited stage left recently.
But don't get too discouraged. The mall is leaning hard into what they call "transformation." JD Sports is the new king of the sneaker scene, and Lululemon continues to dominate the athleisure corner. There's also a massive Primark that has basically become the go-to for anyone who needs twenty pairs of socks and a trendy coat for under fifty bucks.
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The biggest news for 2026? The entertainment-retail hybrid. Regal Cinemas just put $15 million into a total remodel. It’s not just a theater anymore; it’s an experience. Plus, they’re finishing up a massive 40,000-square-foot indoor pickleball facility. Yeah, you read 그게 correct. You can go buy a suit at Mens Wearhouse and then go play a round of pickleball. It’s a weird world.
The "Specialty" Factor: Gems You’ll Actually Like
If you’re over the big chains, there are some specific stores in Destiny USA mall that actually have some soul. Newbury Comics is a personal favorite—it’s where you go for the vinyl, the weird Pop! figures, and the stuff you didn't know you needed.
Lush is another one. You can smell it from three hallways away. It’s a sensory overload of bath bombs and fresh face masks. And for the gamers, Jay Street Video Games is a local legend that somehow survives alongside the corporate giants. They have the retro stuff—N64 cartridges, old Dreamcast games—that brings back all the nostalgia.
Then there’s It’Sugar. It’s a giant candy store that is essentially a fever dream of sugar and bright lights. It’s expensive, sure, but seeing a five-pound gummy bear in person is something everyone should do once.
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Survival Tips for the Massive Layout
Look, if you're going to tackle this place, you need a plan. The mall is divided into levels, but it's also divided by "old" and "new" sections.
- Level 1 is mostly your standard retail and the food court. This is where you find H&M and Zara.
- Level 2 has more specialty shops and a lot of the entrance points for the massive entertainment venues like Dave & Buster’s.
- The Canyon is the massive open area where the big events happen. This is where you’ll find the Texas de Brazil and The Cheesecake Factory.
- Level 3 is almost entirely entertainment. Apex Entertainment, WonderWorks, and the Canyon Climb (that terrifying ropes course) are up here.
A quick pro-tip: Park in the garage near the Embassy Suites. It’s usually less chaotic than the open lots, and it puts you right near the expansion wing if you're looking for the outlet stores.
Is It Still Worth the Trip?
People love to complain about malls. It’s a New York pastime. But honestly? Destiny USA is still the biggest game in town for a reason. You’ve got Anthropologie and Free People for the fashion-forward, Best Buy for the tech nerds, and Build-A-Bear for the kids.
It’s not just a place to buy things; it’s a place to kill a Saturday when it’s ten degrees outside and snowing sideways—which, let's be real, is about six months of the year in Syracuse.
The mix of stores in Destiny USA mall is constantly evolving to match what we actually want. We want experiences. We want a place where we can get a new pair of Jordans at JD Sports, eat a massive slice of cheesecake, and then maybe hit a virtual reality venue all in one afternoon.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit:
- Check the directory online first: Don't wing it. You will walk five miles by accident.
- Hit the expansion wing for deals: If you're on a budget, stick to the outlet side.
- Go early on weekdays: If you want to actually enjoy Apple or Lululemon without the crowd, Tuesday morning is your best friend.
- Watch for the "Coming Soon" signs: The mall is currently building out a 14,000-square-foot VR venue and that pickleball center, so keep an eye on the construction barriers for opening dates.
The retail landscape in Syracuse is shifting, but Destiny USA is clearly betting big on staying the center of it all. Whether you're there for the high-end fashion or just a new frying pan at Macy's, it's still the definitive shopping experience in the region.