Overview:

Maria, one of our writers, took time out of her day to visit South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach and visually inspect the premises. What she found paints a more nuanced picture than the rumors circulating online. While many stores have closed, the mall itself is not shutting down but rather preparing for a large-scale redevelopment.

A Mall With 40 Years of Local History

Los Angeles, California – The South Bay Galleria has been a landmark in Redondo Beach for roughly four decades. Generations of locals have spent time there shopping, meeting friends, and catching movies at its AMC theater. For years, it stood as a hub of activity, rivaling other malls in the South Bay region.

But in recent years, the mall’s once-busy atmosphere has quieted. The parking lots that used to be full now hold only scattered cars. Compared to the much larger and thriving Del Amo Fashion Center just a few miles away, South Bay Galleria feels subdued.

Rumors of Closure — And What’s Really Happening

On social media and in neighborhood chatter, speculation has grown that the South Bay Galleria is “closing for good.” This impression has been fueled by a wave of store closures. Major retailers such as Nordstrom, Forever 21, Bath & Body Works, Claire’s, and GameStop have exited, leaving behind empty storefronts.

Adding to the confusion, a large sign posted by Kennedy Wilson, the real estate company that now owns the property, has been spotted outside the mall. Many locals assumed the sign meant the mall was being sold off or shut down entirely.

However, according to mall employees and public filings, this is not the case. While individual stores are indeed closing, the mall itself remains open — albeit with fewer options than in its peak years.

Ownership Change and Redevelopment Plans

The South Bay Galleria was recently acquired by Kennedy Wilson through foreclosure after its former owner, L. Catterton, defaulted on the property. Far from abandoning the site, Kennedy Wilson has signaled a strong interest in reshaping it for the future.

Plans under the banner of the South Bay Social District aim to transform the property into a vibrant mixed-use community. The redevelopment concept includes:

Hundreds of new residential units (with some set aside as affordable housing).
A boutique hotel featuring around 150 rooms.
Modern retail and dining spaces with open-air layouts.
A town square-style public plaza designed to bring the community together.
Office space and flexible-use areas.

The idea is to reposition South Bay Galleria as not just a shopping destination but a lifestyle hub — one where people can live, shop, dine, and socialize in a single space.

What Maria Saw on the Ground

During her recent visit, Maria confirmed that the mall is still active but noticeably quieter than in previous decades. While shoppers continue to visit the AMC theater and a handful of open stores, foot traffic is light and some sections of the mall feel nearly empty.

The visual inspection highlighted the contrast: long stretches of closed storefronts beside still-functioning retail and entertainment spaces. It is this mix that creates the perception of decline, even as redevelopment plans move forward.

Looking Ahead: An Uncertain but Active Future

The South Bay Galleria’s transformation won’t happen overnight. Redevelopment will be phased, meaning parts of the mall will stay open while construction unfolds. This ensures the mall won’t disappear suddenly but instead evolve over time.

Whether locals embrace the South Bay Social District vision remains to be seen. Some shoppers may miss the traditional mall experience, while others may welcome the addition of housing, a hotel, and new dining spaces. For now, one thing is certain: South Bay Galleria is not closing — it’s changing.

Sources

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