Troy malls find ways to keep community interest

TROY — Though some malls appear to be struggling in the metro Detroit area, shopping centers in Troy, like Somerset Collection and the Oakland Mall, appear to be adapting or looking for different ways to continue to bring in more foot traffic.

“I am in frequent contact with the ownership and management of both the Somerset Collection and The Oakland Mall,” Troy Mayor Ethan Baker said in an email.

“While two very different properties and experiences, both seem to be the anomalies in the overall trend of mall suffering and closures throughout Metro Detroit and the nation. Having good relationships with the decision-makers for both, it seems both continue to evolve and work hard to provide unique retail stores and overall ambiance. 

“Somerset is the premier shopping destination in the Midwest, and the Oakland Mall is reinventing itself as both a shopping mall, and also a place for family entertainment. I look forward to watching their continued success and growth, and am thankful for their partnerships and commitment to Troy.”

Somerset Collection, located at 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, originally opened in the 1960s, and currently The Forbes Company LLC handles operations for the shopping center.

“Somerset Collection is dedicated to bringing best-in-class retail to the Michigan market, and is often the first and exclusive location in the state for global brands such as Buck Mason, Reformation, Gorjana, and Travis Matthew,” Kate Millea, general manager at Somerset Collection, said in an email. 

“This approach to retail, along with offering exceptional dining options and one-of-a-kind experiences, has allowed Somerset Collection to continue to attract and engage guests throughout its history.” 

For the holiday season, guests may visit the crystal holiday castle to meet Santa Claus. Shoppers may meet and get their pictures with Santa starting Nov. 18 through Dec. 23, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-7:55 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5:55 p.m. 

Guests can also reserve a photo session with Santa up to 14 days in advance by visiting somersetevents.as.me/SantaPhotos. Traditional photos with Santa are $35 for six poses, and selfie photos are $10. Nonphoto visits with Santa are available on a walk-up, as-available basis. 

Holiday hours for Somerset Collection include: 

• Nov. 27, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

• Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving), closed 

• Nov. 29 (Black Friday), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

• Nov. 30 - Dec. 14, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. 

• Dec. 15, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

• Dec. 16-21, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

• Dec. 22, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

• Dec. 23, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

• Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

• Dec. 25 (Christmas Day), closed 

• Dec. 26-30, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

• Dec. 31-Jan. 1 (New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

These hours may vary for different departments, and normal business hours will resume on Jan. 2 from Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. 

Somerset Collection has also welcomed multiple new brands to their market including Alo Yoga, Buck Mason, Gorjana, Monica Rich Kosann, Prada, Reformation and Rolex as well as a pop-up store for Amiri in the South Rotunda area for the holiday season. Additionally, the mall has seen major expansions for the stores Arhaus, Tapper’s Jewelry and Madewell.

Oakland Mall, located at 412 W. 14 Mile Road, was also opened in the 1960s and was recently taken over by MKiezi Investments LLC in 2022. They implemented rotating exhibits/experiences such as Chocotown, FunBox, and Slime Studio to enhance shopper experiences.

“While we see many retailers struggle throughout the country, both of our Troy Shopping Centers continue to thrive,” Troy Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Tara Tomcsik-Husak said in an email.

Some once-vibrant metro Detroit shopping centers have gone beyond struggling – they have closed. 

Previously, the Northland Center closed in 2015, though there are plans from the Contour Development Group to redevelop this area into the Northland City Center, which would include residential units as well as space for retailers, dining spots and entertainment.

This development could take roughly five years to complete, and around $403 million is planned for the first phase, but the numbers could change due to inflation.

Southfield Mayor Ken Siver previously said the funding for the 100-acre property comes from $60 million in tax incentives offered by the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and investors that Contour Development Group has lined up. Around $20 million has been contributed to this by the city of Southfield, which will be returned to the city through brownfield tax credits in the coming years.

Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights is another example of a shopping center closing, which occurred recently in July 2024. However, that area may also see changes coming soon as there are plans to redevelop that area into Lakeside City Center. This is a billion-dollar project that would include an estimated 110 acres of mixed-use neighborhoods, apartments, retail shops, office space, green space, a hotel, and a community center among other amenities.

For more information, visit thesomersetcollection.com or oaklandmall.com.