Is Del Amo Fashion Center Truly the Biggest Mall in the States? Unveiling the Count.

Stretching across over 1.6 million square feet of retail space, Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance, California, stands as a dominant force in Southern California’s shopping landscape. But does it earn the title of “biggest mall” in any definitive sense? The claim draws interest not just for its size, but because it reflects regional dominance, iconic status, and public perception—complex factors that go beyond just square footage.

Leading sources and retail analysts confirm Del Amo is one of the largest malls in the U.S., but the full picture involves nuanced comparisons, evolving definitions of “biggest,” and shared competition in a dynamic market.

Del Amo Fashion Center, opened in 1970 and substantially redeveloped in 2018, occupies a pivotal position in Southern California’s retail ecosystem. Located at the intersection of Hawthorne Boulevard and Del Amo Boulevard in the heart of Torrance, it serves a large, affluent catchment area encompassing Los Angeles, Long Beach, Inglewood, and surrounding communities.

With over 200 stores, including anchor tenants like Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue, Del Amo emphasizes upscale and diversified retail, positioning itself as a premier shopping destination beyond mere size.

Defining “biggest” in the context of malls involves multiple metrics. Most commonly, size is measured in total leAS (leasable area), but other factors like annual foot traffic, tenant diversity, and economic impact often influence perceptions. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Del Amo ranks among the largest enclosed malls in California.

At approximately 1.6 million square feet, it exceeds many regional malls but trails national giants like the Mall of America ( Brussels-sized, over 4.2 million sq ft) and Chicago’s Syria Center (though not fully enclosed). Yet within its region, Del Amo remains unrivaled: no mall in the greater L.A. metro area surpasses its retail footprint.

Size Metrics and Rankings: Where Del Amo Stands

Internal data from the ICSC and industry reports consistently position Del Amo among the top 10 largest enclosed malls in the United States by leasable area, especially within California.

The 2018 expansion, which added over 100,000 square feet of luxury retail, cafes, and experiential amenities, cemented its dominance. This transformation included modernized architecture, improved wayfinding, and enhanced public spaces—changes that amplified both its physical scale and user appeal.

While Square Footage Is Critical, Retail Ecosystem Matters Too

Though Del Amo leads in size, its impact is shaped by more than square footage.

For example, the mall’s tenant mix emphasizes premium fashion and lifestyle brands—providing a concentration of high-end options not found in every large mall. This strategic focus attracts discerning shoppers and contributes to higher average spending per visitor. In contrast, larger malls like the Westfield Century City or Kissing Hook (Chicago) prioritize sheer diversity or entertainment beyond shopping, diluting their “biggest” label when measured by operational intent.

Competition and Market Shifts Reframe the “Biggest” Narrative The definition of “biggest” evolves in today’s retail landscape. Many traditional mega-malls have struggled with declining foot traffic and anchor vacancies, especially post-pandemic, shrinking their effective presence. Del Amo, however, has adapted with targeted renovations, experiential offerings like curated events and dining hubs, and investment in customer experience—ensuring its physical scale translates into real-world relevance.

In this context, Del Amo’s strength lies not just in size, but in sustained relevance and community integration.

Public Perception and Regional Influence

Surveys among Southern California shoppers frequently cite Del Amo as a top regional shopping destination, often ranking it among the “must-visit” malls—driven by convenience, variety, and climate-controlled comfort. Its prominence in local media and events—from fashion shows to seasonal festivals—further reinforces its status.

While no single mall holds universal “biggest” designation across all metrics, Del Amo Fashion Center clearly asserts regional dominance through scale backed by strategic execution and sustained engagement.

In essence, Del Amo Fashion Center is not merely a large mall—it is a major commercial hub whose size reflects both physical reality and cultural significance. While national benchmarks remain reserved for true behemoths, Del Amo’s position as the largest in California—and a key node in Southern California’s retail network—is firmly established, blending impressive dimensions with dynamic relevance that keeps it at the forefront.

As retail continues to evolve, the question of scale remains vital—but so does adaptability. Del Amo’s success shows that being “the biggest” isn’t just about feet under ceiling, but about how effectively a space serves its community, draws visitors, and sustains long-term appeal in a shifting marketplace.