[1] Opened in 1979, the mall has three anchor stores with 650,000 square feet (60,000 m2) of gross leasable space located on and two floors.

Salem Center's roots can be traced back to 1955, when Meier & Frank opened a two-level department store and parking garage, which was the first branch location in the chain.

[6] In 2009, the center started an annual tradition of having a Lego menorah built and lighted to celebrate Hanukkah.

On March 1, 2024 Salem Center was purchased by OGSC2, LLC, ending a 5 year period of ownership by Rialto Capital Management.

On August 29, 2024 the adjacent Macy's property was acquired by OGSC Macy's LLC which will be redeveloped and incorporated into the Salem Center regional entertainment district.