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  • Potomac Mills Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Sweepstakes and Giveaways
The grand opening ceremony at Potomac Mills Mall in 1985
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Potomac Mills Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Sweepstakes and Giveaways

Virginia’s largest retail, entertainment, and dining destination is turning the big four-oh.

By Debbie Williams September 4, 2025 at 3:30 pm

Potomac Mills in Woodbridge is celebrating a milestone year. The mall opened in September 1985, so this month marks its 40th year in operation.

When it first opened, it housed stores like Linens ‘n Things, Books-A-Million, and the Sears Outlet, along with regional favorites such as Hamrick’s and the Waccamaw Pottery. Shoppers could also explore the Elvis Presley Museum and Waxie Maxie’s Records. 

Shoppers in Potomac Mills in 1985
Courtesy Potomac Mills

Over the past four decades, Potomac Mills has expanded from 650,000 square feet into more than 1.6 million square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space. It’s now home to more than 225 retailers and 25 eateries. It also hosts events such as Lunar New Year festivities, Cherry Blossom celebrations, Military Appreciation Month programming, National Outlet Shopping Day and a variety of holiday activations. 

Sweepstakes and Giveaways

To celebrate 40 years, from September 5 through 30, visitors can enter a shopping sweepstakes for a $500 gift card, and those who spend $200 or more will receive a limited-edition 40th anniversary tote bag (while supplies last).

Potomac Mills will also showcase a historical photo collage at the main entrance near the dining pavilion. The collage will feature images from its 1985 opening, milestone events, retailers, and renovations. The center will also host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 18 from 9 to 10 a.m. to celebrate the anniversary.

Feature image of 1985 opening ceremony courtesy Potomac Mills

Debbie Williams

Debbie Williams

Senior Editor

Northern Virginia Magazine Senior Editor Debbie Williams is a George Mason University graduate and longtime NoVA resident. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for a variety of nonprofit, lifestyle, and government publications, including for AARP.org and USA TODAY magazines.

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