Ghost mall snapped up by Walmart as last remaining stores given April 2027 deadline before demolition

A MALL that was immortalized as an iconic Hollywood movie set has been confirmed for demolition next year.

The Monroeville Mall in Pennsylvania, which was used as the set for George A. Romero’s 1978 horror classic Dawn of the Dead, will be replaced by a Walmart supercenter.

Tenants have been given until next April to vacate Credit: Reddit

The mall was used as the set of George A. Romero’s 1978 horror classic Dawn of the Dead Credit: Reddit

Tenants at the mall have been told they have until April next year to vacate the space.

Earlier this month, thousands of horror fans descended on the Monroeville Mall for a three-day celebration: the annual Living Dead Weekend convention.

But many attendees couldn’t help but notice the empty storefronts.

Monroeville resident Jessica Monning said: “It’s very sad to see all the empty storefronts.

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“We’re really trying to soak up as much of it as we can while it’s still here.”

And longtime visitor Matt Blaizi added: “When it comes to a location like the Monroeville Mall that means a lot to people, don’t wait until the opportunity is perfect

“You never know what’s going to happen.”

Several malls have beenforced to close this year, with many shutting due to safety concerns and failed inspections.

US braces for '45,000 store closures'

Some 45,000 bricks-and-mortar stores could close in the next five years, experts have warned.

Several major retailers have announced store closures or gone out of business altogether in recent years.

In 2023, chains such as Foot Locker announced plans to close up to 400 outlets by 2026.

While, other well-known retailers like Tuesday Morning and Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams filed for bankruptcy in 2023.

Bed Bath & Beyond has closed all of its brick-and-mortar stores and is now an online-only retailer.

The most affected retailers have been clothing, consumer electronics, sporting goods, hobby, book, music, and home furnishing stores since the start of 2019.

UBS has predicted the total number of retail stores will drop by 45k from 958k to 913k.

Despite that, the report says that certain stores should thrive while others decline.

It said retailers such as Walmart, Costco, Home Depot, and Target, could be among the winners.

Walmart purchased the 1.2 million-square-foot property earlier this year through South Saturn Ridge LLC for $34 million.

Redevelopment plans will see Walmart join an open-air retail space, featuring the Walmart supercenter, Sam’s Club, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

Walmart will reformat 650 locations to match its new layout, which features better signage and wider aisles.

The retailer plans to build 150 storesover the next few years and has already opened various locations in 2026.