Concord Mills: Shopping, Entertainment, and What Makes It a Cabarrus County Destination

More Than a Mall: What Concord Mills Means for Cabarrus County

Concord Mills isn't just a shopping center — it's one of the most visited destinations in North Carolina. Located at 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, just off I-85 at Exit 49, it draws visitors from across the Charlotte metro region and beyond. But for Cabarrus County families, it's also simply a practical resource: a place to find outlet-priced goods, entertainment options that work on a budget, and a year-round destination that doesn't depend on the weather.

The center recently completed a three-year redevelopment that included expanded amenities and interior and exterior upgrades throughout. With more than 200 stores, a redesigned Dining Pavilion, and a lineup of family-focused attractions all under one climate-controlled roof, Concord Mills has positioned itself as a full-day destination rather than just a retail stop.

Concord Mills — North Carolina's largest outlet and value retail shopping destination

Shopping: Outlet Pricing on Recognizable Brands

Concord Mills is North Carolina's largest outlet and value retail shopping destination, which means the draw for many shoppers is the ability to access name-brand merchandise at reduced prices. The tenant lineup includes adidas, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Best Buy, Coach, Dick's Sporting Goods, H&M, HEYDUDE, Hollister, J.Crew Factory, kate spade new york, LEGO, Lucky Brand, Michael Kors Outlet, Nike Clearance Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Primark, Under Armour, and Vera Bradley Factory, among others. For families stretching a clothing or gear budget, this concentration of factory and outlet stores in one location is genuinely useful.

Dining: 13 Food Court Options Plus Full-Service Restaurants

The renovated Dining Pavilion features 13 quick-service restaurants including Firehouse Subs, Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen, Salsarita's, Maki of Japan, Poke 'n Ramen 360, and Auntie Anne's. For a sit-down experience, Concord Mills also houses BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, Bonefish Grill, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Dave & Buster's, and Outback Steakhouse — all accessible within steps of the main shopping floor. There is a dining option at practically every price point, which makes it a workable outing for families on varying budgets.

Attractions: A Full Day Without Leaving the Building

What distinguishes Concord Mills from most retail centers is the entertainment draw. The 24-screen AMC/IMAX Theatre anchors the entertainment wing. SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium (located near Entry 7) brings visitors face to face with over 5,000 sea creatures, including an underwater ocean tunnel experience. The Escape Game offers team-based puzzle challenges for groups. Dave & Buster's combines a full dining menu with a large arcade floor. And The Speedpark provides go-kart racing and additional amusement options for families. A new LuminoCity's Dino Safari experience is also coming to the center — a walk-through illuminated prehistoric world that will be a draw for younger children and families.

Practical Notes for Families and Visitors

Concord Mills runs a free mall walking program — doors open one hour before retail stores, and one full loop of the mall (including all entrances) equals one mile. Starbucks opens at the same early time for those who want coffee with their morning walk. The center has 7,233 parking spaces and free Wi-Fi throughout. Youth supervision is required: visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older after 3 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Simon Youth Foundation (SYF), a 501(c)(3) organization, operates a scholarship and education initiative through Concord Mills. SYF supports Simon Youth Academies for at-risk students and provides scholarships targeting first-generation college students and those with demonstrated financial need. Donations can be made at Guest Services in Neighborhood 5 or at wishing wells throughout the center.

Getting There and Hours

Concord Mills is located at 8111 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC 28027. From I-85 North or South, take Exit 49 (Concord Mills Blvd/Burton Smith Blvd) — the center is just minutes from Uptown Charlotte and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. General hours run Monday through Saturday 10 AM to 9 PM and Sunday noon to 7 PM (verify current hours at the center or online). Mall Management can be reached at (704) 979-0001 and the Shopping Line at (704) 886-5000.

For current store listings, deals, and upcoming events, visit Concord Mills on Simon.com directly. Their News & Events page keeps current with seasonal promotions, new store openings, and community programming.

Solo Faith Church includes Concord Mills in our Concord community guide because access to affordable goods matters to the families we serve — and a venue where a Cabarrus County family can stretch a budget on clothing, footwear, and school supplies while also having a meaningful family outing is worth knowing about. We share resources like this alongside our food pantry work because practical information helps people plan and provides stability. To learn more about Solo Faith's community programs, visit solofaith.org.

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Community Note: This community guide was prepared by Solo Faith Church Inc. based on publicly available information from Concord Mills' official website (simon.com/mall/concord-mills) and publicly accessible records. Solo Faith Church is a faith-based nonprofit located at 587 Old Charlotte Rd SW, Concord, NC 28027. We share community guides like this to help our congregation and neighbors stay connected to resources in Cabarrus County.