For many people, a mall is simply a place to shop. But at Golden Triangle Mall in Denton, community involvement is paramount.
From spotlighting local changemakers through its Faces of Denton campaign to hosting fundraisers, student showcases and nonprofit events, the mall has evolved into a hub where organizations, artists, students and families come together.
“We do a lot of community outreach,” general manager Aaron Ball said. “We’re really more of a community mall than anything else.”
Faces of Denton puts local stories front and center
One of the clearest examples of that mission is Faces of Denton, an annual campaign launched in 2019 that highlights people making a difference across the city.
The initiative invites community members to apply each year, with hundreds of submissions narrowed down through questionnaires, video applications and a selection process led by the mall team. Those selected are featured in marketing materials and promotions throughout the year.
The campaign is centered on people who have impacted the lives of others through their professional and personal contributions to the city. Past honorees have included local firefighter and American Ninja Warrior competitor Gary Weiland, as well as Breanna Nix, who was a runner-up on American Idol.
Supporting small businesses
While malls are often associated with national chains, local entrepreneurship plays a major role in the identity of Golden Triangle Mall.
The mall is home to more than 20 small businesses. One example is Boka Feliz, a Mexican restaurant in the food court that won the Minority-Owned Business of the Year award through the Denton Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant’s success at the mall helped the owners expand with a second location downtown.
“People don’t usually think of the mall as a place to shop locally or to shop at small businesses,” Ball said. “But with over 20 small businesses on the property, we’re able to help support them more than any other center.”
A space for nonprofits, students and community groups
Throughout the year, the mall opens its doors to nonprofit organizations, schools and community programs.
One of its largest recurring partnerships is with the Kiwanis Club’s Taste of North Texas fundraiser, which brings together around 50 local restaurants and more than 1,000 attendees in a single evening. The event raises money for programs supporting children in the area.
The mall also hosts the Salvation Army’s annual kettle kickoff event, launching the organization’s holiday fundraising season with appearances from local officials, schools and community groups.
Other partnerships have included:
- Girl Scout lock-in events that welcome more than 1,200 scouts overnight
- Training opportunities for local canine units
- Community church concerts during the holiday season
- Supporting Health Services of North Texas, which expands access to health care
- Informational events and job fairs with RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), which helps with disaster services, economic opportunity, education and more
Many of these collaborations have developed organically through ongoing involvement in local events, chamber meetings and university partnerships.
“It is so rewarding to see the gratitude that people show for us helping and being out [in the community],” Ball said.
Creating opportunities for local students and artists
The mall has become a venue for student creativity and academic programs.
Recently, the University of North Texas used a former Macy’s space to host its senior fashion showcase, featuring 31 graduating design teams and 600 attendees. UNT’s art department has also displayed student artwork throughout the property and hosted artist meet-and-greet events inside the mall.
Those partnerships not only give students exposure, but they also create opportunities for residents to engage with local art in a more accessible setting.
In addition, the mall hosts the Otaku Food & Anime Festival several times each year. The festival brings together anime fans, food vendors, voice actors and entertainment guests for a weekend event that has drawn crowds of up to 20,000 attendees.
As the mall continues expanding its partnerships, the goal remains simple: to provide a welcoming place where the community can gather, celebrate local talent and support organizations making a difference across Denton.
Click here to learn more about Golden Triangle Mall today.
The above story was produced by Senior Multi-Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.