Northpark celebrates 40th anniversary

Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee speaks at the 40th Anniversary of Northpark during a reception on Tuesday.

Shawn Cochran, Northpark General Manager, presented some of the events and celebratiosn that will be on tap this year at the mall.

Darrell Wilson, an indepenedant life and fashion stylist, presented some memorabelia from Gayfer Girl Joyce Cole. Cole was one of the original members of Gayfer’s embassador program at Northpark which started in 1984. Wilson said Cole now works as a physician in Ridgeland.

Posted Wednesday, April 3, 2024 12:00 am

By DUNCAN DENT

RIDGELAND — Northpark launched its 40th-anniversary celebration Tuesday morning by announcing a series of events including a Gayfer Girls reunion.

“We’re excited to finally share our plans for this year,” says Laura Antoon, Marketing and Business Development Manager at Northpark. “We can’t wait to celebrate 40 years of style with our community and are so grateful to our guests that support our family of national and local businesses that call Northpark their home.”

Many community partners were present including Northpark team members, city of Ridgeland officials, local business owners, and influencers. Several key figures shared remarks to commemorate the anniversary.

“The City of Ridgeland is proud to be Northpark’s home,” said Mayor Gene F. McGee. “Northpark has significantly contributed to our community over the past 40 years, bringing numerous business opportunities, hosting engaging events, and serving as a central hub for residents to gather and connect.”

McGee called the facility “top of the line” and said it has benefited not just the economy of Ridgeland but the Jackson area and state as a whole. He said his family has enjoyed shopping at Northpark.

“We look forward to what is yet to come,” McGee said.

In addition to McGee, speakers included Antoon; Cecil Harper, President of the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce; Barbara Travis, Former Marketing Manager of Northpark; and Shawn Cochran, Northpark General Manager.

Northpark opened on September 12, 1984, and has steadily expanded since then, Antoon said.

“Beyond serving as a community hub and shopping destination for the past four decades, Northpark has also provided numerous employment opportunities and stimulated economic growth in the Jackson metro area,” Antoon said. “In addition to department stores, Northpark has welcomed hundreds of small businesses over the years, offering them a centralized location for growth and exposure.”

Harper said the facility has a roughly “$60 million influence” on the local economy.

“It has been an economic driving force since the day since the day it opened,” Harper said.

Northpark representatives also commended the city of Ridgeland for its immense support over the years.

“Through collaborative efforts, initiatives have been implemented to foster economic growth and community development,” Antoon said. “This partnership underscores Northpark's commitment to creating a vibrant retail destination and enriching the lives of Ridgeland residents.”

Cochran announced Northpark will host a variety of events to celebrate its 40 years. In celebration of their anniversary year, he said Northpark plans to celebrate locally owned businesses through a reoccurring bi-monthly segment titled “Shop Local Spotlight” and 601 Day on Saturday, June 1.

The city of Ridgeland and Northpark are preparing already for the Celebrate America Balloon Glow on Friday, June 28th. Balloon Glow will feature food trucks, fireworks, bounce houses, live music, and colorful hot air balloons.

For its 40th Birthday weekend, festivities will commence on Thursday, Sept. 12, with the reception of a historical marker. This is part of a slate of 20 markers the city looks to unveil as part of its 125th-anniversary celebration. Cochran said the event will include a ribbon cutting and swag bags for visitors.

On Friday, Sept. 13, Northpark will host a Gayfer Girls reunion, honoring the department store's former ambassadors.

Before Gayfers was taken over by Dillards in 1998, young women could apply to be Gayfer Girls, ambassadors that promoted the store’s clothing. Some of Northpark’s former Gayfer Girls will reunite at Northpark for the 40th anniversary and take part in a program as an ode to their days as Gayfer Girls.

Local life and fashion stylist Darrell Wilson was present at the announcement Tuesday as the Gayfer Girl Reunion coordinator with vintage Gayfer Girl “G’s” on display from the 1984 season.

“Becoming a Gayfer Girl back then was everything,” he said. “When they announced the new girls each year there was huge presentation. Some girls nearly fainted when they found out they made the cut and others cried when they found out they didn’t!”

The 40th Anniversary celebration will conclude on Saturday, Sept. 14, with "Decades Day," inviting customers to dress in attire from their favorite era.

To learn more about Northpark, visit www.visitnorthpark.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram TikTok, and LinkedIn (@shopnorthparkms).