TOWSON (WBFF) — Shoppers who once packed Towson Town Center say the mall has changed dramatically in recent years, with crime concerns and a growing number of vacant storefronts reshaping what was long one of the region’s premier shopping destinations.
Shirina Cannon, who lives in Baltimore City, said she has watched the mall evolve over time.
“I feel like I grew up with Towson Town Center,” Cannon said. She said she attended Towson University and has noticed a steep decline in visitors. “Over the years, I would say the foot traffic has gone down substantially. I’ve seen a lot of stores come up, come down — restaurants, as well — but definitely say it’s a lot less traffic,” Cannon said.
Towson Town Center’s website lists more than 180 storefronts, but a walk through the mall shows many spaces now sitting empty. About 40 storefronts were counted as vacant, roughly 25 percent of the mall, with more expected to close soon.
Some shoppers point to the shift toward online retail.
Towson University student Aidan Tippery said the vacancies are disappointing, but not surprising. “I think its a little surprising but when you really look at it i mean people are just online shopping now it makes sense, but it’s really sad,” Tippery said.
Others say crime has played a major role in keeping people away.
Gabriel Ragler, who lives in Baltimore, said he avoids the mall at night. “You can go to the mall early morning—don’t go at night time—don’t hang out late but people are crazy out here they’re stealing out here. They need their parents to come out here and watch them,” Ragler said.
In October 2025, a woman was stabbed in the Towson Town Center parking lot.
The next month, In November, a juvenile was stabbed and robbed inside the mall; Baltimore County police said the teen was cut with a screwdriver, and four teenagers were arrested in connection with the incident.
In recent years, there have also been reports of juveniles fighting, robbing and assaulting people at the mall.
Signs posted around the property include one that reads, “No minors allowed unaccompanied in mall after 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.”
Teen “takeovers,” where crowds of kids visit malls such as Towson Town Center, have become a top concern. Another takeover is being advertised online and is scheduled within a week.
As vacancies increase, some store owners say the current climate is influencing decisions not to renew leases.
Capitol Luggage & Leather, which has been in the mall for 15 years, is set to close its Towson location this month.
Owner Ellen said, “It’s time for me to finish my lease and combine it to the Columbia location.” She also described how quickly the mall’s occupancy shifted. “It was very sudden since beginning of the year that everyone was moving out ,so there’s a lot of vacancy in the mall,” Ellen said.
The Apple Store has also announced it will close its Towson Town Center location, citing the departure of several retailers from the mall and “declining conditions.” A worker said the store will close on June 20.
In the past two years, several well-known retailers have closed at Towson Town Center, including Banana Republic, Tommy Bahama and Madewell.
Local economist Anirban Basu said the Apple Store’s departure is a significant blow to the mall’s future.
“People might remember that this is a mall that used to have a Burberry, Louis Vuitton, many other upscale stores. The closure of the Apple Store at Towson Town Center is another nail in what might turn out to be a coffin,” Basu said.
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