By Tony Gorick, Sales & Marketing Manager at Decades
A feature piece from our Spring 2025 issue of the Lancaster Thriving Publication
As a lifelong fan of Park City Center, I’m excited to spotlight one of my favorite gathering places for this issue. From shopping for new stuffed animals at Plush Place with my mom before throwing coins into the fountain as a tiny kid, to shopping for trending collectibles and candy with my nephews just a few weeks ago, Park City has always been a staple in my life–and in the economic landscape of Lancaster County.
Park City had its official grand opening in September 1971 and has evolved to maintain a strong presence in the retail and community landscape. Many guests of the mall often recall the ice skating rink that was downstairs where the current food court is located, or how a variety of the building ‘spokes’ of shops were themed to seasons.
It’s easy to find customers in Lancaster County with fond past and current memories of the mall–a gathering spot to connect and shop with others.
Keep Trending Forward
“I have seen Park City transform from the original mauve brick 80s-style design to what you see today,” says Rachel Gallagher, Senior General Manager of Park City Center. “Keeping current is very important for us as we welcome customers and retailers.”
Gallagher has been with Park City Center since 2000, seeing first-hand the many changes the mall has had in the last twenty-five years.
“We’re always looking to bring in the best retail mix,” says Gallagher. “While also focusing on high quality retailers.”
Not only is the mix important, but the idea of ‘digitally native’ retailers–businesses that started online but are now opening a physical location–is crucial.
“Warby Parker is soon coming to Park City,” says Gallagher. “Digitally-native businesses like this are finding that having a physical retail store helps to also boost online sales.”
The integration of online and in-person experiences continues to grow as a trend. “Retailers really had to evolve to make it a seamless experience for the customers,” adds
Gallagher. “And those that have done it well are really succeeding. I’ve been in the business for
a long time and it’s constantly changing– and the successful properties make sure to change with those trends.”
Malls are shifting to be multi-use spaces with a focus on activities and experiences–something Park City Center is wholly embracing.
“Thirty years ago it was all about apparel, but now we have added places like a UFC Gym and Round 1 entertainment complex.”
Raymour & Flanigan was an anchor store that opened at the end of 2024, while Lululemon just opened in February 2025. The exciting additions will continue.
“We have a full-service, sit-down restaurant that’s a new type of dining experience that is not currently in the local market,” says Gallagher. “It should be opening in late 2025 or early 2026. More details will be coming soon.”
Investing In Community
“Our purpose is to create a place for communities to thrive,” says Gallagher, referencing the Park City Center slogan. “We are part of the Lancaster community. We are not a cookie-cutter mall, we are unique to the market and we really do try to have community activities to create that partnership.”
Impactful partnerships are what drives many successful community initiatives. Park City hosts the Lancaster Stormers National Anthem Auditions, partners with the American Red Cross and the Central Blood Bank for blood drives, holds donation stations for Toys For Tots, and serves as a storage hub for Penn Medicine Park’s back-to-school backpack program.
United Disabilities Services has also had their gift-wrapping kiosk over the holiday season at Park City Center since the mall originally opened, raising over $1 million for their nonprofit over the course of those fifty-plus years. The nonprofit named Park City Center their Business Of The Year in 2024 for the incredible impact the mall has had on their mission.
A community focus has also cultivated creative business-related programs.
“Brookfield Properties, the managing property of Park City Center, also developed a program called ‘Partner To Empower’ which is designed to assist in breaking down barriers for business owners with diverse backgrounds,” says Gallagher. “This program includes a retail workshop and some funding possibilities.”
All About Economic Impact
“We are a large economic contributor to the Lancaster community,” says Gallagher. “From the number of employees we have in the building, to our contribution to City and school taxes, we have a large economic impact.”
Park City Center draws many customers regionally, bringing in a variety of guests into Lancaster County that support other businesses as well.
“It’s easy to get to from a lot of places,” says Gallagher. “The location is good for many visitors in the region who want an exceptional shopping experience.”
Having strong, local shopping destinations is important to economic growth.
With a variety of upcoming store and experience additions, combined with a focus on strategic (and impactful) partnerships, the economic footprint looks to grow even larger.
Looking To What’s Next
“We are more than just a shopping place–we are a gathering place,” says Gallagher. “I always want people to know that we are part of a bigger community.”
Many people have fond memories of Park City Center–and Gallagher, along with the team there, is eager to continue that trend.
“Both of my sons were in the Hildebrandt daycare at the mall,” adds Gallagher. “And we had someone propose while getting photos with Santa during the holidays. You always hear many stories and memories from people–I enjoy that very much.”
Park City Center continues to grow by maintaining an eclectic retailer & experience mix, focusing on blending digital & physical shopping experiences, and collaborating with partners to make an even larger impact within the Lancaster County community.
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