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Richland Mall: Stores, Dining, and What to Expect

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Richland Mall offers and where to find it

Richland Mall is an enclosed shopping center in Columbia located at 100 Richland Mall Drive, near the intersection of Two Notch Road and Devine Street on the city's northeast side. The mall houses more than 100 retailers, restaurants, and services spread across two levels, making it one of the larger shopping destinations in the Midlands.

The mall's anchor stores include Belk, Dillard's, and Dick's Sporting Goods, which serve as the main draws for the center. Between and around these anchors, you'll find national chains like Macy's, H&M, Bath & Body Works, American Eagle, and Foot Locker, alongside local and regional businesses. The food court sits in the central area and offers a range of quick-service options, while sit-down restaurants occupy spaces throughout the mall.

Richland Mall operates year-round and is open most days, though hours vary by season and by individual store. The mall itself typically opens around 10 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, with extended hours during the holiday shopping season. Sundays generally see later opening times. Individual retailers and restaurants may keep different schedules, so it's worth checking ahead if you're planning a trip for a specific store or restaurant.

Key Takeaways

  • Richland Mall is located at 100 Richland Mall Drive in northeast Columbia and contains over 100 stores, restaurants, and services across two floors.
  • Anchor stores include Belk, Dillard's, and Dick's Sporting Goods, with national chains and local businesses filling the rest of the mall.
  • The mall's food court and sit-down restaurants provide dining options ranging from quick meals to casual table service.
  • Hours vary by season and by individual store, so checking ahead is recommended before making a special trip.
  • The mall is accessible by car with on-site parking and is served by local public transportation routes.

Anchor stores and major retailers

The three anchor stores—Belk, Dillard's, and Dick's Sporting Goods—form the backbone of Richland Mall's retail landscape. Belk carries clothing, shoes, and home goods across multiple price points. Dillard's offers apparel, accessories, and cosmetics with an emphasis on brand-name merchandise. Dick's Sporting Goods focuses on athletic wear, footwear, and equipment for a wide range of sports and outdoor activities.

Beyond the anchors, the mall includes national retailers that appeal to different shopping needs. H&M provides fast-fashion clothing and accessories. Bath & Body Works specializes in personal care products and home fragrance. American Eagle and its sister brand Aerie focus on casual apparel and activewear. Foot Locker carries athletic shoes and sportswear. Other stores include jewelry retailers, electronics shops, and specialty boutiques that rotate based on market demand.

Many of these stores offer seasonal sales and promotions, particularly during back-to-school season (late July through August), Black Friday and Cyber Monday (November), and the winter holiday period (November through December). Checking individual store websites or calling ahead can help you time your visit around sales or confirm that a specific item is in stock.

Dining and food options

Richland Mall's food court sits in the center of the mall and offers a variety of quick-service restaurants. Options typically include pizza, Asian cuisine, Mexican food, sandwiches, and burger joints. The food court provides a casual, efficient way to grab a meal while shopping, with seating shared among all the vendors.

Beyond the food court, the mall also has sit-down restaurants and casual dining establishments located throughout the center. These range from family-friendly chains to local restaurants, offering everything from Southern comfort food to international cuisine. Some of these establishments have their own entrances accessible from outside the mall, making them convenient even if you're not shopping.

Hours for food vendors vary, with most opening when the mall opens and staying open through the evening. Some restaurants may have extended hours on weekends or may close earlier on slower shopping days. If you're planning to dine at a specific restaurant, calling ahead to confirm hours is a good idea, especially on holidays or during off-peak seasons.

Parking and accessibility

Richland Mall provides free on-site parking in a large lot surrounding the building. Parking is generally abundant except during peak shopping periods like Black Friday, the week before Christmas, and back-to-school season. The lot is well-lit and maintained, with accessible parking spaces near all mall entrances for visitors with mobility needs.

The mall is accessible by personal vehicle via Two Notch Road and Devine Street. Public transportation is also available—the Midlands Public Transportation (MPTA) operates bus routes that serve the mall area, though service frequency and routes vary. If you plan to use public transit, checking the MPTA website or calling their information line will help you plan your trip.

Inside the mall, the layout is straightforward, with clear signage marking store locations and directories posted at multiple points. Both levels are connected by escalators and elevators, and the mall is wheelchair accessible throughout. Service animals are permitted in the mall, and most retailers follow standard policies regarding animals in stores.

Shopping seasons and special events

Richland Mall's busiest periods align with major shopping seasons. Back-to-school shopping (late July through August) draws families preparing for the school year. The holiday season (November through December) brings the heaviest foot traffic, with extended mall hours and special events. Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) and Cyber Monday (the following Monday) feature significant sales and promotions across most retailers.

The mall occasionally hosts special events, promotional activities, or seasonal decorations, particularly during the winter holidays. These may include holiday displays, entertainment, or community events. Information about upcoming events is typically posted on the mall's website or social media pages, or you can call the mall's management office directly.

If you prefer a quieter shopping experience, weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than evenings and weekends. Shopping on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning will generally mean shorter lines and easier navigation through the stores.

Getting there and nearby attractions

Richland Mall is located at 100 Richland Mall Drive in northeast Columbia, easily accessible from Interstate 20 via the Two Notch Road exit. From downtown Columbia, the drive takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. The mall sits in a commercial corridor with other shopping and dining options nearby, making it part of a larger retail district.

The surrounding area includes other shopping centers, restaurants, and services, so you can combine a trip to Richland Mall with other errands or activities in the same part of the city. The neighborhood is primarily commercial and residential, without major cultural attractions immediately adjacent to the mall itself, but it's within a reasonable drive of downtown Columbia's museums, parks, and historic sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does Richland Mall open and close?

The mall typically opens around 10 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, with later opening times on Sundays. Closing times vary but are generally around 9 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, with earlier closing on Sundays. Hours extend during the holiday shopping season. Individual stores and restaurants may keep different hours, so checking ahead is recommended.

Is there free parking at Richland Mall?

Yes, parking is free and available in the large lot surrounding the mall. Accessible parking spaces are located near all entrances. Parking is generally plentiful except during peak shopping periods like Black Friday, the week before Christmas, and back-to-school season.

Can I use public transportation to get to Richland Mall?

Yes, the Midlands Public Transportation Authority (MPTA) operates bus routes that serve the mall area. Service frequency and specific routes vary, so checking the MPTA website or calling their information line will help you plan your trip and confirm current schedules.

Does Richland Mall have restaurants besides the food court?

Yes, the mall includes sit-down restaurants and casual dining establishments throughout the center, in addition to the food court. Some of these have their own outside entrances. Options range from national chains to local restaurants offering various cuisines.

What should I expect during holiday shopping season?

The mall is significantly busier during the holiday season (November through December), with extended hours and special events. Parking may be harder to find, and stores will be more crowded. Shopping on weekday mornings tends to be less hectic than evenings and weekends during this period.