Origins and Growth
Southcentre Mall opened in 1974, designed with a "dumbbell" layout anchored by major department stores (Retail Insider). As Calgary’s southeast grew, so did the mall—expanding in the 1980s and 1990s with new wings, a food court, and enhanced amenities. The 2000s saw further diversification of tenants, welcoming both national chains and independent stores (Southcentre Mall Community).
Modernization and the End of the Department Store Era
The closure of legacy stores like Sears in 2018 marked a pivotal transformation. Southcentre repurposed these large spaces to introduce new anchors, specialty retailers, and entertainment venues—most notably PowerPlay—mirroring the broader trend of malls moving beyond traditional retail (Retail Insider).
Visiting Hours and Tickets
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Mall Hours
- Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Holiday hours may vary; check the official website for updates.
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Admission
- Mall entry is free for all visitors.
- Certain entertainment venues, such as PowerPlay, require separate tickets, which can be purchased onsite or online (PowerPlay FAQs).
Mall Layout and Anchor Tenants
Southcentre Mall’s design is user-friendly, with two main retail levels and a straightforward rectangular layout (Wikipedia; Oxford Properties). Wide corridors, natural lighting, and clear signage make navigation easy. Main entrances are on the north (Anderson Road) and south (Bonaventure Drive), with additional access from east and west parking lots.
- Parking Over 4,000 stalls, including accessible and family-friendly spaces.
- Public Transit Located across from Anderson C-Train Station for direct LRT access.
Anchor Tenants (as of 2025):
- Hudson’s Bay Flagship department store at the north end (Calgary.com).
- Sporting Life Large-format sporting goods retailer at the north entrance.
- Winners Discount fashion and home décor on the ground floor of the former Sears space.
- Dollarama Value shopping, also in the former Sears footprint.
- PetSmart Pet supplies and services.
- Indigo Books, gifts, and lifestyle products.
- PowerPlay Entertainment complex on the third floor of the former Sears area (Wikipedia).
Unique Retailers and Dining
Fashion and Beauty
- Sephora Beauty and cosmetics.
- Lululemon Athletica Athletic wear and yoga apparel.
- Aritzia, RW&CO., H&M, Pandora Popular fashion and accessories for a range of styles (Southcentre Offers).
Home, Lifestyle, and Family
- Crate & Barrel Modern home furnishings (Wikipedia).
- QE Home Bedding and textiles.
- Indigo Books and unique gift items.
- Children’s Place, Build-A-Bear Workshop Clothing and interactive experiences for kids.
- Children’s Play Area Safe, engaging space for families (Calgary.com).
Supporting Local and Indigenous Retailers
Southcentre actively supports local and Indigenous entrepreneurs, hosting pop-up markets and events like Indigenous fashion shows in partnership with organizations such as Authentically Indigenous Inc. (Calgary Herald; Authentically Indigenous). These initiatives bring unique, culturally significant products to shoppers.
Dining Options
The centrally located food court offers a wide selection of international cuisine and local favorites, while sit-down restaurants like Earls Southcentre provide upscale dining in a welcoming, art-filled environment (Calgary.com).
Entertainment and Experiences (PowerPlay)
PowerPlay Calgary: The Ultimate Family Entertainment Venue
Occupying 80,000 square feet on the third floor, PowerPlay transforms Southcentre into a premier entertainment destination (PowerPlay FAQs). Entry is via external east and south entrances.
Attractions
- Bowling 16 lanes with dynamic lighting and in-lane food and beverage service (Avenue Calgary).
- Arcade Classic and modern games with lounge seating.
- Micro Cinemas Ten dine-in theaters with chef-led menus delivered to your seat.
- Sports Simulators Realistic baseball (Strikezon) and golf (GolfZon) simulators with bar service.
- Augmented Reality Game Rooms Immersive digital/physical play experiences (Curiocity).
- Full-Service Restaurant and Bar Wide-ranging menu including Korean fried chicken, pizza, and seafood pasta.
- Upcoming Expansion (2025) Laser tag, rooftop patio, speakeasy, and Starbucks (Retail Insider).
Hours and Tickets
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Hours
- Monday–Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
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Tickets
- Purchase online or at the venue. Advance booking is recommended for bowling, cinemas, and simulators.
Accessibility
Accessible entrances, elevators, and dedicated seating ensure PowerPlay is welcoming to all guests.
Amenities, Accessibility, and Travel Tips
- Accessibility Wide corridors, elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout the mall.
- Family Facilities Family washrooms, nursing rooms, stroller rentals.
- Digital Tools StyList platform for browsing and shopping online (Southcentre Mall).
- Travel Tips
- Use public transit during busy periods to avoid parking congestion.
- Visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons for a quieter experience.
- Combine your mall trip with local attractions like Fish Creek Provincial Park or the Calgary Zoo.
Community Engagement and Cultural Initiatives
Southcentre is deeply embedded in Calgary’s community life:
- Cultural Programming Hosts events such as Asian Heritage Month, Indigenous fashion shows, and seasonal festivals (Todo Canada – Asian Heritage Month; Calgary Herald).
- Commitment to Reconciliation Acknowledges traditional Indigenous territories and partners with local Nations to support inclusivity and dialogue (Southcentre Mall Community).
- Sustainability Initiatives include urban beehives and partnerships with environmental organizations.
FAQs
Q: What are regular mall hours?
A: Monday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM; Sunday: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM. Individual store and holiday hours may vary.
Q: Is parking free?
A: Yes, including accessible and family spaces.
Q: How do I access the mall by public transit?
A: Use Anderson C-Train Station, located directly across from the mall.
Q: Are there tickets needed for entry?
A: Mall entry is free; tickets are required for some entertainment venues like PowerPlay.
Q: Are there family facilities and accessibility features?
A: Yes, including family washrooms, play areas, elevators, and ramps.
Q: Does the mall host special events?
A: Yes, including cultural celebrations, community fundraisers, and pop-up markets.
Plan Your Visit
To maximize your Southcentre Mall experience:
- Check official hours and events before your visit.
- Use the StyList or Audiala apps to browse store promotions and plan your itinerary.
- Combine your trip with nearby attractions, such as Fish Creek Provincial Park, Calgary Zoo, or Glenmore Reservoir.
- Stay connected via the mall’s social media channels for the latest updates.
For more details, visit the Southcentre Mall official website.
