Grand Central Mall Holds Grand Reopening
The Vienna shopping center unveiled renovations and a larger Books-A-Million store after upgrades that kept the mall open.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Grand Central Mall held its grand reopening in Vienna on Friday, November 7, following renovations that added new flooring and lighting, refurbished food court furnishings, and expanded its bookstore. A Books-A-Million store opened Thursday, November 6, three or four times larger than its previous location in the mall.
Why it matters
The renovation and expanded bookstore signal continued investment in the Vienna shopping center, which the Cafaro Company purchased last year. Contractors worked nights and weekends so the mall could stay open to shoppers throughout the project.
The Books-A-Million store is three or four times larger than its prior location in the mall, and the Cafaro Foundation donated $25,000 to Wood County Schools. Renovation cost and exact square footage were not disclosed.
The players
Cafaro Company
The Cafaro Company is a privately held real estate firm that owns and operates shopping centers across the United States, and it purchased Grand Central Mall in 2025.
Books-A-Million
Books-A-Million is a United States bookstore chain that operates retail locations across the country, and it opened a larger store inside Grand Central Mall.
The details
Contractors installed new flooring and lighting and refurbished food court furnishings while the mall remained open, working nights and weekends. The ribbon-cutting ceremony included performances by the Parkersburg and Parkersburg South high school bands.
Timeline
Last year (2025): The Cafaro Company purchased Grand Central Mall.
Thursday, November 6, 2026: The Books-A-Million store opened.
Friday, November 7, 2026: The grand reopening ceremony was held.
January 1, 2027: Early access for mall walkers resumes.
Market Landscape
The Cafaro Company purchased Grand Central Mall in 2025, and the reopening extends that ownership's investment in the property. The company plans to continue adding stores and experiences to the center.
Shoppers can now visit a Books-A-Million three or four times larger than the previous in-mall location. The mall's renovated food court and expanded bookstore offer more options for daily shopping and dining.
The takeaway
Retail centers that renovate while staying open can keep customers engaged and attract new tenants. Local shoppers may find expanded bookstore and dining options worth exploring when visiting the mall.
What happens next
Residents are encouraged to attend a Christmas tree lighting, fireworks, and Santa's arrival at the mall.
Further reading
For more retail openings in the area, see Openings & Closings in Vienna.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mariettatimes.
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Do you plan to visit the renovated Grand Central Mall in the coming weeks?
