MCA Buenaventura Associates LP, the owners at the time, tried to revitalize the mall by expanding the available retail space and acquiring new anchor department stores.

[citation needed] In 1995, plans were announced to lure two major anchors: Robinsons-May and Sears, from the neighbouring Esplanade Mall in Oxnard.

The pending litigation, along with debate regarding the mall's sales tax agreements, stalled the expansion negotiations with the major retailers.

At the end of 1996, Macerich purchased Buenaventura Mall, as part of a deal that included two other shopping centers in the area for $125 million.

[4] In order to fill the empty building space at the north extension - located separately outside of the mall, a new Trader Joe's grocery store opened, accompanied by Staples, BevMo!

[6] Larger tenants in the mall include Hollister Co., Victoria's Secret, H&M, Sephora, Old Navy, Macy's and American Eagle Outfitters.