Franklin Mills

Franklin Mills is a large outlet shopping mall located in Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 1455 Franklin Mills Circle. It opened in 1989 on the site of the former Liberty Bell Park Racetrack, making it one of the earliest outlet malls in the United States. The mall is situated near major highways, including Interstate 95, providing convenient access for both local residents and visitors. The surrounding area is primarily suburban, with a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial developments. Northeast Philadelphia is not a traditional tourist region but serves as a significant retail destination for the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area.

The mall covers approximately 1.8 million square feet and was originally designed with a unique, zigzagging layout intended to maximize storefront exposure along its winding concourses. Over the years, Franklin Mills has evolved and undergone several rebrandings, including a period when it was known as Philadelphia Mills. It has been a popular shopping destination for discount and outlet shoppers, attracting millions of visitors annually during its peak years.

Franklin Mills features a diverse mix of outlet stores, including fashion, footwear, sportswear, and home goods retailers. The mall has housed a variety of brand outlets ranging from mid-tier to some luxury discount brands. Anchor tenants have changed over time, with past anchors including Sears Outlet, J.C. Penney Outlet, and Phar-Mor, while more recent anchors include Walmart Supercenter, AMC Theaters, Marshalls, and Burlington. The mall also offers a range of dining options, from fast food to casual sit-down restaurants, and amenities such as ample parking facilities, free Wi-Fi, and charging stations. Additional services have included entertainment venues like movie theaters and arcades, although some of these have changed or closed over time.

Typical mall hours generally follow standard retail schedules, often opening around 10 AM and closing between 8 PM and 9 PM daily, with some variations on weekends and holidays. Franklin Mills remains a significant retail hub in Northeast Philadelphia, serving a broad customer base with its combination of outlet shopping and traditional mall offerings.