White Oaks Mall: A Comprehensive History and Overview of London, Ontario's Shopping Destination
Located in the heart of South London, White Oaks Mall serves as a major retail hub for the community. Situated at the southwest corner of Wellington Road and Bradley Avenue, just north of Highway 401, this expansive shopping centre has been a cornerstone of the White Oaks neighbourhood for decades. With a massive floor area of 698,500 square feet, it offers a diverse array of shopping and dining experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Key Facts
- Location: 1105 Wellington Road, London, Ontario, N6E 1V4
- Opened: 1973
- Current Owner/Management: Westdell Development Corp
- Total Stores: Approximately 145 to 150
- Parking Capacity: 3,350 spaces
- Major Anchors: IKEA, Walmart
Mall Overview and Accessibility
White Oaks Mall is a single-story facility designed for easy navigation. It is highly accessible via public transit, serviced by multiple routes from the London Transit Commission. Specifically, the Jalna Boulevard terminals provide access to routes 4A, 4B, and 93, while the Wellington Road entrance features four terminals serving routes 10, 13, 13A, 28, 30, 90, and 95. Looking toward the future, the mall is expected to serve as the southern terminus for a one-way section of the planned London Rapid Transit system.
Retail Diversity
The mall hosts a wide variety of retailers ranging from international brands to essential services. Notable tenants include H&M, Urban Planet, American Eagle Outfitters, Sephora, Lush, and Roots. For household needs and specialty items, shoppers can visit Kitchen Stuff Plus, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Dollarama. The facility also features a food court to accommodate hungry shoppers.
Evolution and History
The site originally housed a small outdoor plaza built in 1962. To accommodate the growing needs of the surrounding neighbourhoods, the plaza was rebuilt in 1972, officially opening as a fully enclosed shopping centre in 1973. At its inception, the mall was anchored by Woolco and featured over 150 stores.
Expansion Eras
Throughout the late 20th century, White Oaks underwent several significant transformations:
- 1976: A major renovation of the former Sayvette location brought in a Simpson's department store and added a new hall of stores.
- 1983: The mall introduced Marks and Spencer and replaced the Loblaws grocery store with a modern food court.
- 1986: A brand new wing was opened to increase retail capacity.
- 1988: The most recent major expansion occurred, adding over 50 new stores.
In more recent years, the mall has seen shifts in ownership and tenant composition. Following ownership by the CPP Investment Board and later Bentall Kennedy, the property was acquired by Westdell Development Corp in August 2023. While the mall has faced criticism regarding the replacement of long-standing independent retailers, new developments are underway to modernize the facility.
Modernization and Future Developments
In 2022, plans were announced to revitalize the mall's exterior by replacing concrete walls with a modern aesthetic featuring restaurants and patios. Significant changes to the anchor lineup have also occurred; following the closure of Hudson's Bay in 2025, the space was partially repurposed to house a smaller IKEA concept store and the Footlab football training and entertainment facility in 2026. New ownership has also expressed interest in exploring mixed-use possibilities, such as adding office spaces and residential apartments.
Summary of Mall Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Floor Area | 698,500 sq ft |
| Number of Floors | 1 |
| Parking Spaces | 3,350 |
| Primary Anchor Tenants | IKEA, Walmart |
| Management | Westdell Development Corp |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is White Oaks Mall located?
The mall is located at 1105 Wellington Road, London, Ontario, at the southwest corner of Wellington Road and Bradley Avenue.
What major stores can I find at White Oaks Mall?
Current retailers include IKEA, Walmart, H&M, Urban Planet, Designer Depot, Kitchen Stuff Plus, Shoppers Drug Mart, American Eagle Outfitters, Sport Chek, and Bath & Body Works.
How do I get to the mall using public transit?
The mall is serviced by the London Transit Commission via terminals at Jalna Boulevard (routes 4A, 4B, 93) and the Wellington Road entrance (routes 10, 13, 13A, 28, 30, 90, 95).
Is there parking available at the mall?
Yes, the mall provides a large parking area with a capacity for 3,350 vehicles.
What are the recent changes to the mall's ownership?
After being owned by the CPP Investment Board and Bentall Kennedy, the mall was purchased by Westdell Development Corp in August 2023.