What’s Happening At The Meadows?

If you’ve lived in the Lake St. Louis area for long enough, you’ve probably heard of the outdoor shopping center, The Meadows. Originally opened for the public in August of 2008, the Meadows was a popular summer location for walking about and window shopping with the family.

The Meadows is home to many local small businesses, hoping to attract customers by the many events held during the spring and summer, including the farmers market and occasional outdoor concerts in the center of the shopping mall. 

“The Meadows is known for its big events. We have 12 big events already scheduled for 2020 that include Cinco De Mayo, Safety Day, our Summerfest series featuring seven different bands, Beerfest, and Monsters on the Meadows,” said Alyssa Kerkove, the Meadows senior property manager. 

The outdoor shopping center is popular amongst groups of all ages, families, the elderly, and the young. 

“I would say I come to the Meadows maybe once a month. I don’t really come that often but when I do I just like to walk around and I might buy something sometimes,” community college student Jose Canas said.

However, the popularity of the shopping complex has been on a decline in recent years. With the recent closing of the Nike factory, as well as multiple other businesses, the Meadows have slowly been receding into the shadows.

“There’s a lot of places that don’t have a store. I think it would be way better honestly if they brought more small business here,” Courtney Harmon, Cana’s cousin, said.

Despite the many restaurants and unique stores littering the buildings, many come to the Meadows for the department store Von Maur. Harmon has his own ideas as to how the outdoor mall can attract more customers.

“I think the problem with outdoor malls is that they make things too expensive. If they put a Chick-fil-A, this would be college central then. Or a Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A.”

But recently, the Meadows have been making significant changes and growth with bright plans not too far ahead of us, according to Kerkove.

“We have some great things on the horizon this year and it’s only February,” she said. “I am really looking forward to making those announcements. The Meadows have come so far and the community really supports us and wants to see the Meadows thrive.”