Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Retro Mall Video: Wausau Center Mall Commercial


Wausau Center Mall commercial (1983)

Here's a fun 1983 TV commercial for the grand opening of the Wausau Center Mall in downtown Wausau, Wisconsin. This shopping mall (which underwent a mall-wide, multi-million dollar renovation in 2006) is currently anchored by JCPenney, Sears, and Younkers stores.

Watch more Retro Mall videos here!

26 comments:

  1. Oh look, we're so modern, we have even got computer animated logos.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I kind of like those cheesy computer logos. Reminds me of the 80s in a good way.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've been in this mall several times in the late 1990s, and it still boasted its 1983-vintage appearance then, as did about half the storefronts. I still remember vividly, that somewhat musty chlorine-type smell the closer you got around to the center of the mall where the fountain was.

    Of course, as Keith pointed out, it's all updated now, and a new food court is going to cap off the whole project.

    To be honest, the mall looks rather 'blah' today than it used to. The remodel ditched all the wood tones, all the stained-glass lighting, and just that overall 'post-1970s' moodiness. They really made it look sterle.

    The only anchor changeover is Prange's becoming Younkers in 1992, otherwise, most of the store changeovers happened within the mall itself, mostly due to chains shutting underperforming stores, or going out of business altogether.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Whoa, I've never seen that Sears logo before...Not my cup of tea. Was that really an official Sears logo? If so, it apparently didn't last too long...

    Matt (that sounds weird), I went to their website and they have a picture of the "Boy with the Leaking Boot." What's that all about? A boot? Seems odd...

    Matt

    ReplyDelete
  5. I should also note that Wausau Center was once fronted by a block-long 'pedestrian mall' that was closed off to vehicle traffic. This was completed around the same time or just before the mall's opening.

    A couple of years back this was torn up and traffic was allowed through once again.

    I really doubt that was an 'official' logo. In 1983, Sears was still using that older one with thinner letters (looks sort of like Times-New Roman). I guess they didn't have the required graphic to use in this commercial.

    Ah yes, and that logo for the mall (seen at the end of the ad)....used from 1983 until CBL's acquisition of the property, which they then introduced a new logotype. The mall was originally developed by the Richard E. Jacobs Group. Gotta love that cheezy old computer animation.

    ReplyDelete
  6. In about a decade that cheesy computer animation will be retro!

    ReplyDelete
  7. LOVE how the old guy gives his wife the evil eye then harshly punches the glove. "How dare you mock my love of baseball mitts..."

    ReplyDelete
  8. I remember going to the mall when I was little, and them having the fountains. My mom used to tell me to throw a penny in there, and wish for something. I always wished for an orange julius, of which I always got when we were there. I then remember as I got older, they tore up the fountains and paved it over to make it on level with the aisles. Ohh what memories...

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ooooh, the styles!

    You could make a tasty sandwich with all that "ham" acting and "cheesy" music :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Pool Express is one of the largest online pool stores in Australia. To purchase any type of information related to swimming pool products just go to - PoolExpress.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  11. I appreciate your post, I have book marked this internet site so ideally I’ll see much more on this subject in the foreseeable future!

    http://www.viaam.com/upload/Normal-Bags-1565554919.aspx

    ReplyDelete
  12. Keep deals is one of the leading Internet Shopping Sites USA, which provides an amazing collection of different daily life products for you. The store offer Laptops & computers, Camera accessories, Tablets accessories, Mobile and much more. Visit https://www.keepdeals.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Buy Good quality baby food online Pakistan at best prices from medisense. Order Now and enjoy fast delivery at your doorstep.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Buy Good quality lilly insulin pen price in Pakistan with affordable rates at your door step. Fast delivery.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I smashed every ho in this commercial over a seven-month period. they still cant walk right

    ReplyDelete
  16. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS KIND OF GREAT INFORMATION.

    ReplyDelete
  17. GREAT ARTICLE,THIS WHAT TOTALLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you for every other great article.

    ReplyDelete
  19. whoah this blog is wonderful i really like studying your posts.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Come on over and talk over with my site .

    ReplyDelete
  21. Lot of informative blog are provided here, Happy to read this good post. Thanks a lot

    ReplyDelete
  22. Type of fantastic informative web site, Awesomeness! Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  23. It’s really a great and useful piece of information. Keep doing it!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I am glad that you shared this useful information with us. Thankyou

    ReplyDelete
  25. Please keep us up to data like this. Thanks for sharing and Keep on writing

    ReplyDelete