The mall is located along Interstate 5 at its interchange with State Route 539 (Guide Meridian Road) north of downtown Bellingham.

Bellis Fair opened in August 1988, at the site of a former USDA Soil Conservation Service plant-materials center.

[2] Plans to build a regional shopping center north of Bellingham were announced in 1980 by the Trillium Corporation, who had acquired 1,200 acres (490 ha) for retail and office development.

[10] Bellis Fair Mall is the last place North Carolina student Leah Roberts was seen in March 2000 before she disappeared.

The developer stated an intent to improve the mall's nearly 80% occupancy rate by attracting nontraditional tenants.