How Retail Is Evolving at Ontario Mills in San Bernardino County

Smith: “Nothing beats the benefit of ‘trying before buying’ or the social camaraderie that occurs while finding the perfect outfit or enjoying a bite with friends.”

ONTARIO, CA–We’ve heard it before: “The mall is dead, e-commerce is ascendant.” But that doesn’t mesh with what Marc Smith is seeing. As general manager of the Ontario Mills shopping center located in inland Southern California’s San Bernardino County, he says that people still want an in-store shopping experience. The center sees about 28 million visitors a year, 10 million more than Disneyland.

Since opening in 1996, Ontario Mills has been offering what it sees as the ultimate shopping experience, with more than 200 stores that range from luxury retailers and popular affordable brands to entertainment destinations. It’s the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in California. GlobeSt.com spoke with Smith to learn what draws shoppers to this high-profile destination.