Were it not for the anchor stores and bus station located behind the mall, South Common would have folded a long, long time ago.
A lot of people visit South Common. But how many of you actually try walking around inside the mall during the day? I'd wager that there aren't many. The interior is a sad, depressing affair filled with the same old tired mom-and-pop stores that plague virtually every mall (that's not Square One) in Mississauga these days.
I've been coming here frequently since the early 2000s (when there was a movie theatre), and it seems that the selection of businesses and food court options hasn't changed at all. Same Subway, same knockoff outlet stores, same Pizza Pizza, same Sweet Rosie's... more than anything, it's a mall that smacks of being old and tired. Yes, they added a Dollarama a few years back, but that's the same anywhere you go. The only reason to go inside the mall at all is for the food court, and that's only if you're stopping by on your way to another destination via the bus station.
The only saving graces of the mall are the anchor stores and the various businesses that have popped up on the perimeter of the lot. The Wal-Mart is a solid (if over-trafficked and raucous) store with lots to see and choose from, while the No Frills near the back of the lot offers a massive assortment of foods, and is one of the biggest I've been to. Likewise, there's a nice Starbucks out near the corner of Erin Mills and The Collegeway, and the Shoppers Drug Mart is also a solid location with friendly staff.
Honestly, this would be the classic definition of a "dead mall", were it not for the places I just mentioned. Any time a mall gets to the point where the majority of spaces are leased by small independent retailers, you know the ship is sinking. Still, at least it's (very slightly) better than Westdale down the road, which doesn't really have any anchors to speak of (besides FreshCo).
Unless you're in need of groceries or something quick, it's not worth venturing into the mall. They only get two stars from me for the anchor stores and associated outdoor businesses listed above. read more