After the Ames and Montgomery Wards had closed and the JC Penny moved to the Morgantown Mall, the Mountaineer mall was repositioned as a "discount mall". This is when Goodwill, Gabriel Brothers(now Gabes) and Walmart were opened. I think I took these around 2002-2004? I'm not sure.
Wow, these early 2000s snapshots of Mountaineer Mall really bring back that era’s unique vibe—there’s something strangely nostalgic about those storefronts and the buzz of foot traffic that malls used to command. It got me thinking how spaces we once took for granted change and evolve, much like the transitions in our own lives. For instance, I recently went through a big relocation and found that having reliable packers and movers made all the difference in staying sane amid chaos, and if you’re moving out of state, having that move managed well can help you focus on what’s next rather than what’s behind—sort of like passing through a changing mall landscape, taking in what was, and looking ahead.