These two stores were anchors at nearby Fashion Island, but were willing to cannibalize sales at that location due to the strong drawing power of South Coast Plaza.

In 1995, prior to the Federated Department Stores/Broadway Stores merger, Bloomingdale's was in negotiations to build a location at South Coast Plaza, but other anchor tenants would not give permission for its construction.

The former J. W. Robinson's store was redeveloped as center space at the time, housing primarily Crate & Barrel, Borders Books and Music, and Sport Chalet.

[citation needed] Festival of Children coincides with the foundation's efforts to recognize September as National Child Awareness Month.

Howard S. Wright was selected as the general contractor and construction began in summer 2006 on a $30 million remodeling project to update the center.

South Coast Plaza underwent an intense makeover, with Italian ivory marble replacing the original burgundy tile floors, and travertine to surround new water and fountain features.

Modern and contemporary oil-rubbed bronze replaced the dated brass side railings and all door/elevator hardware including a glass elevator.

[6] In 2005, French luxury design house Chloé opted to open their second United States boutique at South Coast Plaza.

[12] In August 2020, South Coast Plaza reopened after an extended closure due to COVID-19 with additional safety measures, including social distancing requirements and more frequent cleaning of this.

[13] In 2021, new stores that opened included Thom Browne, Ganni, Untuckit, Louis Vuitton California Dream, Psycho Bunny, Loewe, Sock Harbor, and Nectar Bath Treats.

[15] In November, Paris-based brand Balenciaga also unveiled its flagship location in the mall, with the new store occupying over 9,500 square feet of space across two stories.

[16] In early 2024, it was announced that over thirty new brands, including Alaia, Amiri, Mejuri, and Santa Maria Novella, would open locations in the mall.

[15] On November 2024, Belgian heritage leather goods brand Delvaux, opens its first botuque in Southern California, crafting over 3,000 handbag designs-from 1958's the Brilliant to 2024's the Léonce.

[17] The center is adjacent to Interstate 405 in an area called South Coast Metro, which includes portions of the cities of Costa Mesa and Santa Ana.