Former Salem Center Macy's to Become Skating Rink

The Expo is set to open at the former department store site on January 2.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Wide view of a large, empty, high-ceilinged retail interior space with polished concrete floors and exposed industrial lighting. — Developers are transforming a vacant Macy's at Salem Center into The Expo, a new roller-skating facility scheduled to open on January 2. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Developers are converting the vacant Macy's at Salem Center into a new roller-skating facility called The Expo. The project aims to revitalize the mall by introducing community-focused activities starting January 2.

Why it matters

The conversion aims to transform the mall into a destination for diverse community activities. Management hopes to bring back recreational opportunities that were previously staples in Salem.

The former Macy's site was listed for sale at $7.9 million in 2026. The new facility will join other mall tenants like Extreme Velocity and Thee Creative Space.

The players

The Expo

This is the name of the new indoor roller-skating facility opening within the former Macy's location.

Skateland 2 You

This skating operator is moving its base of operations from Roto-Rooter Park to the new Salem Center location.

Salem Center

This mall, located at 400 High St. NE, serves as the primary retail and activity hub for the local community.

Extreme Velocity

This business is a current tenant at the mall that provides space for interactive group activities.

Thee Creative Space

This entity is a retail and activity venue that joined the mall tenant list in August 2026.

The details

The Expo will feature a main skating rink, a designated beginner area, and an advanced section equipped with ramps and rails. This transition will consolidate operations for Skateland 2 You, which is relocating from its current site at Roto-Rooter Park.

The Macy's store at Salem Center closed in 2025.
Thee Creative Space opened in the mall in August 2026.
The Mall Rats Music Festival is scheduled for Nov. 28, 2026.
Skateland 2 You will end operations at Roto-Rooter Park on Dec. 31, 2026.
Skating operations are expected to begin at The Expo on Jan. 2, 2027.

Market Landscape

The transition of the Salem Center property reflects a broader retail trend of replacing vacant department store anchors with experiential entertainment hubs. This strategy aims to shift mall environments from traditional shopping destinations into multi-purpose community activity centers.

Residents can anticipate a new venue for indoor recreation starting in early January. This shift adds another activity-focused tenant to the mall, expanding the range of entertainment options available at Salem Center.

The takeaway

The move from Roto-Rooter Park to a centralized mall space suggests a shift toward more permanent, indoor-focused recreational venues. Locals looking for winter activities may find the new rink provides a more weather-proof option than previous outdoor-based setups.