Southern Park Mall

Cafaro’s Southern Park Mall Move: Strategy or Stifling Competition?

For decades, the Cafaro Company has dominated local retail with Eastwood Mall in Niles, Ohio. Their July 2019 purchase of the former Dillard’s building at Southern Park Mall in Boardman, a direct competitor, has raised eyebrows.

Control or Investment?

Cafaro’s subsidiary, Boardman SC LLC, acquired the Dillard’s building for $8.92 million just before the retailer announced its exit. Despite years of vacancy, the property remains untouched, fueling speculation that the move was less about redevelopment and more about limiting Southern Park’s growth. With control over a key anchor space, Cafaro could potentially stifle competition, ensuring Eastwood Mall remains dominant.

A Block on Southern Park’s Future?

Critics argue Cafaro’s ownership hinders redevelopment. The building isn’t listed for lease, and rumors swirl that Cafaro actively resists improvements to Southern Park Mall, allegedly opposing redevelopment efforts and blocking upgrades that impact their portion of the property. This has led to further speculation that their true goal is to suppress competition rather than invest in revitalization. Meanwhile, company representatives claim they’re exploring options, but after five years of inaction, doubts remain.

What’s Next?

Will Cafaro revitalize the space or continue to hold it as a strategic play? Until they act, the former Dillard’s remains an empty question mark in Boardman’s retail future, with speculation growing about whether their ownership is just business—or something more calculated.