For those who don’t want to buy all of their gifts on their phone, Mayfair mall has been available for 65 years to Milwaukee and Wauwatosa area shoppers.
During the decades, the mall has taken on different shapes, vendors and even had an indoor ice skating rink.
Here is some background on the mall and what it has to offer, including when you can visit with the big guy from the North Pole.
When did the Mayfair open? And how many stores did it have at that time?
Mayfair opened Oct. 9, 1958, with 55 stores and restaurants.
How many stores does Mayfair have now?
It has 161 stores, including the food court and restaurants.
There’s also a hotel (Renaissance Milwaukee West Hotel).
What is the breakdown of stores (clothing, gifts, adult, children, athletic, etc.)?
The mall has:
- 14 accessories stores,
- eight children’s clothing stores,
- two department stores (Macy’s and Nordstrom),
- 10 electronics and entertainment stores,
- 26 food options,
- 19 health and beauty stores,
- eight home and houseware stores,
- 12 jewelry and watch stores,
- 32 men’s clothing stores,
- 17 shoe stores,
- 21 specialty stores (like The Lego Store, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Hot Topic, Spencer’s Gifts, etc.),
- 11 sport and fitness stores,
- 47 women’s clothing stores.
How many restaurants are on the property? How many options are there in the food court?
Mayfair has 26 food options.
Inside the food court, options range from mall classics like Auntie Anne’s and Rocky Rococo to more sit-down places like Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Panera Bread.
But the property’s standalone restaurants outside draw a lot of customers to the area. Those restaurants include The Cheesecake Factory, ELDR and RIME, Maggiano’s Little Italy, P. F. Chang’s China Bistro and Texas de Brazil.
What some people might not realize is there is an Ebar in Nordstrom, which serves a variety of hot and cold drinks.
What are Santa Claus dates and hours? And what should parents know if they’re planning to take their kids there?
Santa Claus has arrived at Mayfair already! He made the trip from the North Pole to Wauwatosa on Friday and is available daily until Dec. 24.
Santa’s schedule:
- 2 to 7 p.m. Monday-Wednesday
- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday
- noon to 6 p.m. Sunday
Can I reserve a spot to see Santa at Mayfair?
Yes. Families can book their Santa visit at whereissanta.com but need to create an account. Reservations are encouraged; walk-up guests are welcome. A variety of photo packages are available for purchase after the Santa visit.
Users can search “Mayfair” to find the mall, or any other mall in the area.
Is there anything brand-new at the Mayfair in 2023?
Mayfair welcomed The North Face and Diamonds Direct in 2023, and also expanded JD Sports and relocated Ann Taylor and Hot Topic.
Which parking lots get full the fastest at Mayfair?
The west lots along North Mayfair Road get full the quickest, so shoppers are advised to try different lots.