Errand Takedown: 3 Shopping Centers in Reading, PA

Reading, Pennsylvania may not be a place that inspires much national attention, but for the locals who are familiar with Reading, it is a wonderful place to live, work, and shop. In fact, many would argue that Reading is the best city in all of Pennsylvania. It’s big enough to offer both locals and visitors plenty of conveniences and amenities, but small enough that it still has a safe and homey feel. Reading has a sense of community that few would be willing to sacrifice for the hustle and bustle of bigger metropolitan areas, and with all the local shopping centers that are mere steps away, there is plenty to offer in Reading, PA.

Reading, PA, The Outlet Capital

Outlets did not become a prevalent part of American culture until their first appearance in the 1930s. Specifically, a men’s clothing brand by the name of Anderson-Little opened one of the first outlet stores, a place that was separate from the existing factories where overstock goods could be sold at a discounted rate. The trend of an outlet store being a place to quickly move excess or damaged stock continued until the late 1970s. In 1974, Vanity Fair opened the first outlet shopping center composed of multiple stores right here in Reading, PA, and Reading soon became the outlet capital for tourists to flock to.

Before the outlet craze took over, Reading was a factory town dominated by textile manufacturers. However, by the late 1960s, the textile industry was moving south, only leaving behind a few factories that also had outlet stores. The loss of income from the previous textile manufacturers was a big problem in Reading. Soon after, the Berks County Pennsylvania Dutch Travel Association turned to the appeal of outlet shopping to bring in tourism, dubbing Reading the “outlet capital of the world.”

Soon, people were flocking all over to go outlet shopping. It was a popular craze to grab a group of friends and hop from outlet mall to outlet mall, hunting deals and bargains. The craze brought in a lot of new outlets and restaurants, bringing a ton of business to the area. This industry eventually died due to fires and businesses closing down, with the impressive outlet buildings being converted into other retail spaces and apartment buildings. Now, our quiet town is an excellent place to live, and there are plenty of places with the outlet spirit where you can get your daily errands done quickly and easily by hopping from place to place just like they did during the outlet shopping craze.

Shops at Hiesters Lane

Located just off of Kutztown Road and Hiesters Lane, we have the Shops at Hiesters Lane. This shopping center has become a hot spot for Reading locals, and there’s no question as to why. The Shops at Hiesters Lane is an outdoor shopping center that works hard to attract businesses that will work together to provide Reading locals with a convenient place to take care of multiple errands all at one time. This center offers healthcare services, community services, and several options for delicious food.

Locals who are looking for a new job can stop by the Berks County branch of the Pennsylvania Career Link and get help finding a new job that will serve their needs. The staff is very friendly and helpful. They are willing to do whatever it takes to get people working again so they can feed and take care of their families. Locals who are in need of outpatient therapy also have convenient access to the Reading Hospital Outpatient Therapy center, which works hard to help people get healthy and gain back their sense of independence.

While not technically a part of the Shops at Hiesters Lane, right across the parking lot, you will find a delicious local favorite. Sweet Street Desserts has a little cafe where you can purchase some of the most wonderful cheesecakes, cupcakes, and more. They even have allergen-friendly options, including gluten-free brownies. These delicacies would make a great gift for a loved one or a sweet form of self-care for yourself.

The Big Mill Shopping Center

The Big Mill Shopping Center is a simple shopping center with some basic necessity shops. The biggest draw of The Big Mill Shopping Center is the CTown Supermarket, where you will find a large selection of household basics such as makeup, cleaning supplies, and a whole lot of groceries. CTown is particularly known for its ethnic food selection, especially Latin foods. CTown is also known for having exceptional customer service and going above and beyond to help the customer with whatever it is they need.

Reading locals can also take care of all of their cell phone needs with a couple of mobile stores in the strip. Also, for those who are interested in helping out their neighbors, the Biomat USA Plasma Center is located in The Big Mill Shopping Center. Donating plasma is easy; you just need to be 18-69 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good health. Just taking a little bit of time out of your day can help potentially save the life of someone else. The Big Mill Shopping Center brings all these offerings to the corner of Greenwich St and 6th St.

Berkshire Mall

Finally, we have the Berkshire Mall. While technically in Wyomissing, the Berkshire Mall is very close to Reading and thus is a popular destination for Reading locals. This indoor shopping mall is located just west of the 422, between Paper Mill Rd and State Hill Rd. Berkshire Mall is one of the biggest and most popular indoor shopping centers in this part of Pennsylvania, and there are many stores to choose from.

Berkshire Mall includes traditional shopping mall stores such as Bath and Body Works, American Eagle, Clair’s, etc. You know, the popular shops that are in just about every shopping mall around the country. However, the Berkshire Mall also brings some unique offerings to Reading locals.

There is a dance studio inside the mall that teaches dance classes to all ages and genders. The Limelight Dance Studio offers a unique and exciting experience that offers dance classes to people of all ages. Get up and move in an enriching environment that emphasizes self-confidence and self-expression. Limelight Dance Studios offers classes during the day, evenings, and on weekends, so everyone should be able to find a time to get out and get moving.

You might think this shopping mall is older and less modern than some shopping centers in other parts of the country, but the staff has done a great job at keeping on top of maintenance and cleanliness to the point that Berkshire Mall has become one of the top hangout locations in all of Reading Pennsylvania, particularly on cold or rainy days. Whether you are a teen hanging out at the Game Stop, a ballerina trying to learn her craft, or a thrifty adult looking to take care of some wardrobe updates for your family, you won’t regret taking a look at the Berkshire Mall.

Where Will You Shop?

There are many places to visit and shop in Reading, PA, but these three shopping centers are some of the most popular, particularly if you are trying to get a lot of errands done in the most efficient way possible. Each shopping center offers visitors a unique selection of basic life necessities while also bringing a touch of fun and excitement to what might otherwise be a mundane shopping trip. So tell us – where will you shop next?