Stranger Things 80s nostalgia is an interesting topic that we can’t get enough of—from arcade games and neon lights to classic pop music. Though one thing that topped it all is the Starcourt Mall, the ultimate shopping and hangout spot in Hawkins, shown in season 3. The mall played a huge role in the plot, from Steve and Robin’s Scoops Ahoy adventures to the secret Russian laboratory hidden beneath it.


But did you know that Starcourt Mall is based on a real location? It’s not some made-up set. Instead, Duffer brothers transformed an actual shopping mall from the ‘80s into the now-famous Starcourt Mall. Here’s the scoop behind this nostalgic landmark!

What real mall served as the inspiration for Starcourt Mall?

Starcourt mall shown in Stranger Things season 3 Gwinnett Place Mall, located in Duluth, Georgia. What’s more strange about this mall is it is actually from the 80s period; built in 1984, this mall was once a lively shopping destination, but then abandoned for more than a decade—until the Stranger Things crew discovered it.

The production team decided to revamp Gwinnett Place Mall into a fully functional 1980s shopping center, rather than recreating something from scratch. From carefully restoring storefronts to adding period-accurate signage, and even creating an entire food court, they brought the nostalgia to life.

Also read: Stranger Things cars – Are they accurate to the 80s?

Why did Stranger Things choose Gwinnett mall for filming?

Finding the perfect ‘80s mall for Stranger Things wasn’t easy. It must be authentic and suit the 80s vibe better. Here are some reasons that ticked boxes for Gwinnett Place Mall:

  • It was built in the 1980s, hence the architecture and design fits well.
  • It was largely abandoned, hence transforming and using the place is easier without disrupting anyone’s business.
  • Stranger Things story needed large-scale set designs, including Scoops Ahoy and other classic stores.
  • On top of that is the decline in popularity of the place that worked well for the production team to carry ahead with filming without interruptions. 

How was Gwinnett Place Mall Transformed into Starcourt Mall?

The production team had to do a lot of modifications and revamp up to 40 stores; storefronts and insides included. Here are the major shops you could have spotted in this revamped building.

  • Time-Out Arcade – The famous 80s gaming arcade filled with pinball machines and Pac-Man, where the kids used to play all the time.
  • Scoops Ahoy – A fictional ice cream shop where Steve and Robin worked.
  • The Gap, Waldenbooks, and RadioShack – Real brands that existed in malls during the 1980s.
  • Sam Goody – A music store that was a go-to spot for cassette tapes.

A complete overhaul of the food court was also done—period-appropriate fast-food signs, menus, and a neon design that could authentically pass off for 80s style.

The transformation wasn’t just visual—the crew paid attention to every detail. You could have noticed period-appropriate 80s shopping bags, clothing, and even background music playing in the mall.

Also read: Season 4 filming locations

Aside from fictional stores like Scoops Ahoy, Stranger Things included many real brands that were popular in the 1980s, such as:

  • The Gap – A major fashion retailer in the ‘80s.
  • Waldenbooks – A go-to bookstore for kids and adults alike.
  • Burger King & Orange Julius – Iconic fast-food and drink spots in mall food courts.
  • RadioShack – A must-visit store for electronics and gadgets.
  • Sam Goody – A music store that sold records, cassettes, and CDs.
  • Zales & JCPenney – Popular department and jewelry stores of the time.

These brands added extra layers of authenticity and made Starcourt Mall feel like a real, living place from the past.

Also read: How Stranger Things changed the way we see the 80s

If you visit Stranger Things Starcourt mall, here are things you can do

1. Grab an Ice cream at Scoops Ahoy

The iconic Scoops Ahoy, where Steve and Robin worked. Enjoy some retro-themed ice cream flavors, just like in the show—even try the infamous USS Butterscotch.

2. Play Classic arcade games at time-out arcade

Relive the ‘80s arcade experience by playing Pac-Man, Dig Dug, Dragon’s Lair, and Space Invaders at the neon-lit Time-Out Arcade. Just don’t let Billy catch you slacking!

3. Go Shopping for 80s fashion and music

Browse through stores like The Gap, Sam Goody, and Waldenbooks, where you can find El’s classic jumpsuit, cassette tapes, and books that fit the ‘80s vibe.

4. Hang Out in the food court

Grab a nostalgic meal at Burger King, Orange Julius, or Hot Dog on a Stick, all while soaking in the mall’s bright neon decor.

5. Watch a movie at the cinema

Catch a screening of a classic ‘80s movie at the mall’s theater, just like in the show. Maybe Back to the Future is playing!

6. Take pics for Instagram

There’s a big neon Starcourt Mall sign, the food court fountain, or even next to a lifesize cutout of Steve in his sailor uniform—all perfect places to click some pictures.

What happened to Gwinnett place mall after Stranger Things?

After filming wrapped, Gwinnett Place Mall went back to its old state, being largely abandoned. Almost all the ‘80s storefronts were taken down, with a few sections of the mall still operating. However, Stranger Things fans from all over the world visit the site now and it has become a place of interest.

But apparently there are some dark history associated with the Gwinnett place mall too;  In 2017, the body of a missing woman was found in an abandoned store inside the mall—reasons why the mall got a spookier reputation, making its role in Stranger Things even more fitting. While there are talks to redevelop 

Currently, there are plans to redevelop the mall. Some proposals include turning it into a sports complex, office space, or even affordable housing. Whether it will maintain its Stranger Things legacy remains uncertain.

Also read: Real-life locations in Stranger Things – You can actually visit them

Can fans visit the Starcourt Mall location?

Starcourt mall from season 3 of Stranger Things is real

Yes, fans can visit the real Starcourt mall – the Gwinnett mall place with some limitations. While Gwinnett Place Mall still exists, most of it is closed to the public and only a few stores remain open, and the Starcourt Mall set has been dismantled. Hence, if you are planning to visit, set appropriate expectations beforehand.

Meanwhile, if you are exploring Stranger Things filming locations, there are other places nearby in Georgia that were used in the show, including:

  • Palace Arcade (Douglasville, GA) – The real building where the arcade scenes were filmed.
  • Hawkins Middle School (Stockbridge, GA) – The real-life school where many Season 1 scenes took place.
  • Hawkins Lab (Emory University, GA) – The spooky facility where Eleven escaped from once.

Visiting these sites, you could relive some of the favorite moments from Stranger Things and click some GRAM-worthy pictures.

To sum up,

Starcourt Mall wasn’t just a set—a time capsule of ‘80s mall culture, carefully crafted from a real, once-thriving shopping center. Gwinnett Place Mall’s transformation into Starcourt Mall showcased the show’s dedication to authenticity, making Season 3’s setting feel both nostalgic and immersive.

Although the mall itself is fading away, its legacy in Stranger Things lives on. Whether through its detailed recreations of ‘80s stores, its role in key plot points, or its impact on fans, Starcourt Mall remains one of the most memorable locations in the series.