[4] In 1982, the Fair Oaks Mall was one of the first sites used by Sears as part of its effort to offer financial services to customers, including stocks, bonds, insurance and real estate, from its Dean Witter, Allstate and Coldwell Banker subsidiaries.

In 1988, seeking to reach out to a broader range of patrons, the Fairfax library system opened a 10,000-volume branch at the Fair Oaks Mall.

The interior was updated with new floor tile, seating areas, technology tables, lighting, furniture, and the Michael & Son Fun Zone for children (since renamed).

[citation needed] In March 2021, it was announced that in anticipation for the proposed Orange Line extension as well as the planned transit hub in the vicinity, that Taubman, the mall development firm, has won amendment approval to allow them to construct an open air addition at the center which includes 2000 housing units, offices, and hotel uses, totaling up to 4.8 million square feet.

[11][12] By 2023, since the government lockdown, Fair Oaks Mall has also announced several newest additions, among them are Ardene, Lovisa, Showcase, Miniso, as well as an upcoming location for Movement, an indoor climbing gymnasium which is also set to feature fitness and a yoga studio.