The mall had its first opening on September 30, 2011, with its anchor tenant SM Hypermarket, along with Watsons and other smaller stores, began operations.

[1] On October 29, 2022, J Centre Mall's management sent out a notice of pre-termination of lease contract to its tenants and indicating its closure on January 31, 2023.

The mall's closure was attributed to difficulties stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, where many brick-and-mortar stores faced stiff competition from online retailers due to pandemic-related restrictions.

SM J Mall is billed to feature a blend of modern and "Japan-inspired" elements in its architecture.

[3] The mall includes an Asian-inspired Food Hall, and is the second SM Supermall in Cebu to feature the Food Hall concept after SM City Cebu.