Suburban Square

They are losing tenants like water over a damn. Next to go is White House/​Black Market, and Chicos. Kimco is difficult to deal with. Kimco over charges rents and just will not provide the right parking.
Save you gas and go elsewhere.

I love the whole idea of Suburban Square, one of the oldest outdoor shopping centers in the country. It’s within walking distance of my home, it features some stunning architecture, and, of course, my favorite store — Trader Joe’s. It is a nice shopping center, and now with the addition of Parlor, Not Your Average Joe’s, and a new Mexican joint, it’s even nicer. Unfortunately, thanks to management, it also features a revolving door of high-​end chain stores and no local businesses. Because, face it, even Williams and Sonoma didn’t want to pay the rent. You get the distinct impression that the Suburban Square management could give a rat’s ass about the community or about creating the truly unique experience they could have here. Instead they think everyone on the Main Line is made of money and dripping with jewels and they want to scam them for all they can get.

The worst parking ever! I parked in front of the Gap on a Sunday at a Meter. There were no signs or information but I checked that no other cars were paid on Sunday and shopped for ½ hour. Then, I received a $ 15 violation. There were no signs and no info on the Internet regarding Sunday Parking. Meanwhile, I can just as easily go to King of Prussia or Britton Lakes where Parking is quite easy, so I will never return to Suburban Square.

See Tory M’s review as I feel much the same. Parking is a challenge here even on weekdays. Today it was an absolutely cold, nasty nor’easter and still no parking. But, we push on and are rewarded with some high end shopping. It’s not quite as swanky or upscale or fun as say 10 – 12 years ago when the highlight of my Christmas season was when they had live reindeer for the kids but its still nicer than some malls.

I’ve tried this restaurant more than a few times and it always disappointed me. I tried it one last time with my mother. I ordered the burger and she ordered a chicken sandwich. On my first bite of the sandwich I found a little piece of bone. That was it for me. My mother’s chicken cutlets were dry as a bone and difficult to swallow without drinking water with the bite. Our server was great but it wasn’t her fault. I spoke to the manager. «sorry» «is there anything else I can get you»
I said I’d just eat the sweet potato fries. Won’t go again. Learned my lesson!

I have been shopping in suburban square since I was able to walk. I have seen it change a lot over the years, and it has slowly become so high end that I am essentially priced out. Besides the Gap and Urban Outfitters (which isnt cheap) there are almost no affordable stores to shop around in anymore. However, they have done a great job with the renovation of the square. It feels much more walkable, welcoming and friendly! It’s too bad that the St. James is as expensive as it is, or this would be a really fabulous summer time lunch spot. It’s the perfect place to sit outside and enjoy a meal and cocktail!
The parking is absolutely horrendous. When will they figure out how to get a multi– level parking garage in close by???
Overall, Suburban Square is a main line staple! Fun for kids, adults, shopping, eating, walking, close to train, etc etc etc…
Oh yeah — Francescas is great. They should get more stores like it!

A nice shopping center located on the Main Line. The Court Yard is a great place to grab a seat. Center is filled with a lot of high end shops. Check it out you wont be disappointed. Best to walk around at night when the sun goes down. Gets hot during the day with all the concrete.

I have always loved shopping in Suburban Square. For me it was a sumptuous escape from the seedy malls of Southeast Delco. I could go there, try my best to blend in with the affluent clientele, and forget I was a poor kid from the wrong side of the tracks. The stores were upscale and unique and the shopping atmosphere peaceful.
While I’m still a Suburban Square fan, I have to admit that this shopping mecca is starting to decline. A recent visit showed a staggering vacancy rate, not to mention the unfortunate exodus of some of Suburban Square’s best stores: Lucy, American Eagle Outfitters, and Victoria’s Secret, to name a few. If Lilly Pulitzer, Free People, and Urban Outfitters should ever jump ship, I won’t have any more reasons to come here. As for Macy’s, there’s really no difference between Suburban Square’s Macy’s and Springfield Mall’s, so I can go to the one at the Springfield Mall and have the same experience.
I hope that someday in the future Suburban Square’s management will notice this decline and bring back more high-​end retailers. I would hate to see this wonderful shopping area fall to pieces the way so many others have.

I agree with Pamela.
However I must admit that I enjoy stopping in for various items as I need them.
I think this place could benefit from a BYO. I never really eat hear, just quick bites from Starbucks or maybe sweetgreen.

Pamela is right. What was once an upscale shopping center is slowly deteriorating as the management pushes away the few tenants they have left. Although City Sports has just moved and upgraded their store, American Eagle (arguably one of the top contenders for traffic), Lucy’s, Victoria’s Secret, and Priscillas of Boston are all calling it quits with the square, although apparently a new restaurant (BYOB since they are having issues with their liquor license) is looking to move center stage in the square.
Personally I think there is better selection of stores (and parking) at King of Prussia. Just sayin’, I wouldn’t bother with Suburban when KOP is mere minutes away.

mega malls aren’t my thing. shopping? so not a fan. but sometimes, i just gotta do it, and this outdoor cluster of shops (and eateries) is often the perfect «one stop shop» for most of my needs.
when in need of a new pair of comfy shoes, i head to the walking company. new threads? i’ve got urban outfitters, free people, the gap, macys… and more! laptop/​iphone troubles? i hit up the apple store. friends getting married/​having babies/​celebrating birthdays? i pick up some stylish cards at paper source. hungry? i grab groceries at trader joe’s, a salad at sweetgreen or pretty much anything i can imagine at the ardmore farmer’s market. and if i want to eat said food outside (or just sit and read a book), there are plenty of tables to be found on the sidewalk or in the courtyards.
parking is a mix of free and metered spots, lots and street-​side. on summer days, a free spot is never hard to find, but like all shopping meccas, good luck during the holiday season!

A nice, quiet surburban plaza with a fair selection of stores. I enjoyed strolling through Surburban Square on a peaceful Sunday morning. You’ve got Macy’s and an Apple store and a Starbucks and smaller boutique-​type places. Unfortunately I couldn’t get any shopping done, because every store was closed until noon! So I had to remain content with window shopping and sitting by the bubbling fountain.