A few years ago, this mall was not much to write home about. A now-defunct Macy's had hardly any customers, and the only real stores worth visiting included a Marshalls and Pathmark that were constantly a 20-minute wait at the cashier. Other stores include Old Navy, Burlington Coat Factory, and Circuit City.
Last year, an addition was completed, and the mall has begun to revive. The new addition has the famed DSW discount shoe chain. Endless aisles of shoes at discount prices for women, men, and children include brands such as Cole Haan, Puma, Merrell, Rocket Dog, and many, many more high-heeled designer shoes.
On the main floor, you'll find a Payless Shoe Source, Mandees, Game Stop, McDonalds, Starbucks, The Children's Place, and soon a Stone Cold Creamery and Guitar Center. On the second floor is a Daffy's (New York discount store that sells designer duds on sale, most being from Italy), Rockaway bedding, and the much anticipated Target. The Target is two full floors but remains smaller than most Targets in less urban environments. Still, it's great to have an alternative to the corner bodega or grimey grocery store in the neighborhood. Also, there's something to be said for not having to leave Brooklyn to get the shopping done!
On the third floor is a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant for the kiddies. It appears to be a self-service place with a bunch of arcades...the perfect distraction for kids after a long day of shopping.
Below the mall is train station that has trains departing to all parts of Long Island. This whole mall and station is brand new, and I'm looking forward to making trips to Long Island without having to go all the way to Penn Station in the city.
Also underneath the mall is a subway station with the 4, 5, N, Q, R, B, D, 2, 3, and M trains all stopping there. There are also a number of buses in the area that go straight through the Fulton Mall.
The shopping center can get really busy, so I tend to go in the evening or early in the morning. You can find really great bargains if you have the patience to look around. It's our little slice of Middle America consumerism... which we love to hate but can't/don't want to do without. Living in a big city, you quickly realize how much those big malls are convenient and easy on the wallet. The great thing about Brooklyn is that you also have the option to do the opposite and visit the butcher, the baker, and the vegetable man to get all the shopping done. Just hit Court Street in Cobble Hill.