‘Stranger Things’ promo video of 1985-era Starcourt Mall (AKA Gwinnett Place Mall)
Originally posted Monday, July 16, 2018 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
Netflix’s “Stranger Things” has released a hilariously retro “promotional” video for a new Hawkins, Ind. mall called Starcourt.
Starcourt is actually a portion of Gwinnett Place Mall, which was once a thriving mall but is now barely breathing. Back in May, it wasn't difficult for "Stranger Things" to turn a portion of the mall into a 1985 flashback filled with stores of yore such as Wicks 'N Sticks, Chess King and Time-Out Arcade.
There’s a food court, a jazzercise studio and a movie theater featuring films like “Fletch” and “Cocoon.”
The video promotes how amazing the mall is. As the narrator intones, “Families, friends and of course, teenagers, can come together to shop, hang out, dine and enjoy with retail options for every member of the family including the Gap, Waldenbooks and Sam Goody. Starcourt Mall has it all! And don’t forget: a state-of-the-art food court is just an escalator ride away!”
Netflix has not announced a release date for season three. It will be set about a year after the end of season two around June, 1985, based on the films showing in the fake theater.
While they were shooting, someone checked it out during the weekend and shot this video. The crew had blocked off much of the visuals though you could see some of the store signs.
About the Author
Rodney Ho writes about entertainment for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution including TV, radio, film, comedy and all things in between. A native New Yorker, he has covered education at The Virginian-Pilot, small business for The Wall Street Journal and a host of beats at the AJC over 20-plus years. He loves tennis, pop culture & seeing live events.
