Anchor tenants include Dick's Sporting Goods (formerly Galyan's), Dillard's, JCPenney, Kohl's (formerly Mervyn's), and Macy's (formerly Robinsons-May).

In 1986,[4][5] southern Nevada developer Leslie Dunn showed a group of prospective investors the vacant property that would eventually become the site of the Galleria at Sunset.

Most of the investors joined Dunn to construct the mall, forming Ranch Property Development and partnering with Forest City Enterprises.

[13][14] Construction eventually began in January 1995,[15][16] and it spurred a period of rapid commercial development in the surrounding area, including the Sunset Station hotel-casino across the street.

[22][21] Approximately 300,000 people lived within a 10-mile radius of the Galleria, which planned to stage family-oriented activities throughout the year to appeal to those residents.

[24] In 1997, there were plans for the Santa Fe Galleria Hotel to be built on property adjacent to the mall, with the two buildings being connected.

[25][26][27] The Galleria Mall partnered with Santa Fe Gaming to build an ice rink at the new casino,[28][29] although both projects were later canceled.

[39] The 600-seat food court,[40] decorated with chess-piece topiaries,[20][23] included 12 eateries,[41] such as Cinnabon, Dairy Queen, and Hot Dog on a Stick.

[34][52] Other notable retailers have included Abercrombie & Fitch, Buckle, Coach, Forever 21, and Victoria's Secret.

[52] Indoor palm trees and fountains were removed during the expansion, providing more room for shoppers and events.