By 1808Delaware
Walk through Polaris Fashion Place in 2025 and it feels different than it did even a year ago. Storefronts are turning over, national brands are experimenting with interactive concepts, and local businesses are finding room alongside the big names.
The biggest splash so far is Dick’s House of Sport, which opened in August. Instead of just aisles of gear, the store includes turf, demo stations, and community programming. Shoppers aren’t browsing in silence. They’re taking swings, testing shoes, and showing up for events.
Inside the mall, Lululemon expanded. Piercings N More opened in November with a clean studio vibe. Local additions like IrieJam Island Grill and The Candy Spot bring new flavors and energy that feel slightly unexpected in a regional mall.
Polaris continues to lean into seasonal experiences. Igloo dining pops up in winter. Santa shows up at 6:00 PM during the holiday kickoff. The walkways fill with holiday kiosks. People don’t just shop here. They linger.
Looking Ahead to Wayfair
Wayfair is planning something big just outside the mall.
In late 2026, the online home goods giant will open its first physical store in Ohio at 1552 Gemini Place. The building, a former Art Van Furniture location, is being remade into a 70,000-square-foot design center. Shoppers will be able to test furniture in person, work with design staff, and arrange same-day pickup on select items.
The store sits close enough that it will naturally feed traffic into the mall. It’s a strong signal that retailers see this part of Delaware County as the place to be.
More Arrivals on Deck
Several brands are already here or coming soon.
- Hickory Farms returns for the 2025 holiday season
- FARAH, LUKE 1977, and Original Penguin have opened recently
- The Candy Spot adds another local food option
- Candy Cane Raceway is listed as “coming soon,” hinting at an interactive family activity
- Vans, Bramble & Birch, and Adore Cosmetics are confirmed, with Vans being new to Central Ohio
None of these are one-off seasonal experiments. Together, they build momentum.
A decade ago, malls were places where you bought something and left. Polaris is leaning hard into destination retail. You can grab dinner, pierce an ear, hit a batting cage, and finish the night with dessert.
Time becomes as important as the purchase.
The Takeaway
Polaris Fashion Place isn’t just hanging on. It’s evolving. With Dick’s House of Sport bringing active experiences and Wayfair preparing to launch its first Ohio store nearby, Polaris is shifting from a retail center to a regional destination.
Photo: Creative Commons License
