This is basically a building for mall walkers. If you're going to mall walking, I would suggest a…read morewarm coat and gloves. no rent equals no money to pay for heat. I think there are about 7 stores still open. not sure how they are still making it. It's a very sad situation.

This used to be one of my favorite malls...and it still is to a certain extent. I keep crossing my…read morefingers and praying for a revival. With Younkers and Von Maur exiting the only anchor store left is JCPenney. And JCPenney isn't what it used to be... Every now and then Valley West Mall lands a gem like Blaze Pizza and recently European Taste that sticks, but for the most part it seems to be a dying environment. I don't feel the drive-in or carnivals are a good idea. It seems to bring problems to the area that those of us who live in the Clive West Des Moines area don't need. Personally I feel it's more trouble than it's worth. Some businesses may benefit from the people it brings to the West side. Valley West Mall doesn't have the quality of a food court that Merle Hay Mall does... Though foodie traffic would probably go a long way in bringing this mall back. While I now spend more time and money shopping at Jordan Creek and the Outlets in Altoona...I continue to shop at Valley West Mall when I can. I'm rooting for a comeback!

We stopped here on our trip to Omaha. We grabbed lunch at the Greek restaurant, and had a place for…read morethe children to get some movement. The mall is nice. I wasn't sure what to expect with the reviews saying it's dated, but it doesn't seem to be (updated maybe?). It has a good selection of stores, and a place with rolled ice cream (intriguing, but sadly I didn't have the time to try it out). The restrooms were nice and clean. About the only strange thing was the kids play area, it was filled with young guys - mid to late teens, and about 8-10 of them. They seemed to be hanging out in there, and when we came near, they made no attempt to move. I hadn't planned to use the play area unless it was amazing (with a good slide, etc), but since it wasn't I wasn't too disappointed, but it was strange and there was really no room for anyone to go in and play with their children.

The selection of stores are limited. Most stores seem to be either closed or have no value to…read moreevery day retail life.

We went in yesterday around lunch time. We wanted to pick up some of the rubs that y husband likes…read moreto use. One we got and the other one they were out of, but they have it on order. There are so many to choose from, how on earth would you narrow it down if you didn't know what you wanted. That's my complaint right there. I have way to many choices. That's a good complaint. They have smokers, plants, rock, you name it for BBQing and landscaping. Lady that checked us out was pleasant and polite. Did not require us to wear a mask. We'll be back in the next few weeks for Mary's Cherry rub.

From the owner: Shop Where The Pros' Shop…read more Hawgeyes BBQ complete outdoor cooking center. It's stocked with everything you need for fabulous cookouts: Choose from our smokers, gas grills, and pellet grills. We have Horizon Smokers for backyard BBQ to Barbecue competition grilling, Green Mt. Pellet grills for all sorts of cooking.Try one of our sauces, rubs, and marinades, or try them all! Blues Hog Sauces, Russ & Franks, Slabs, Horizon, Rufus Teagues BBQ Sauces, Chef Williams' marinades, Butcher.Select from our woods, natural charcoal, and wood pellets including: Hardwood Charcoal, Hickory wood, Cherry chunks, Pecan chips, Sasafrass, and other BBQ woods.

Several shops in the area. Ok parking available. A visit every now and then is a nice change of…read morepace.

Very classy, upscale apartment with wood floor, nice view, conveniently located near anything you…read moreneed, grocery, shopping, dining and entertainment. Management is very nice people, helpful, honest and professional to work with. Great experience. Tikam-

The Merle Hay Mall looked a little depressing. Keep in mind, I am a California resident visiting…read moreIowa for some time. I also happened to visit on Veterans Day. On this day, this was such a depressing mall. There was barely any people for miles (exaggeration). Although there were some employee, the mall almost looked abandoned. They have all the classic essential stores that I love to go though, like Ross, Old Navy, and more that I can't remember because it didnt stand out enough....

It is filthy beyond words. It looks as if it has not been cleaned for years…read more I've seen nearly abandoned malls that were immaculate compared to Merle Hay mall. I even called the mall office to complain. A robot voice giving no information and then disconnected. If you are looking to get COVID or worse from this clearly neglected mall, with also no apparent security of any kind, please visit. If not, BEWARE and STAY AWAY!