The boarded-up anchor store was causing the mall to lose it’s appeal combined with an outdated decor made up of a mix of 1979 style with 1992 renovations. Many vacant spaces became temporary stores selling cellulars, books, real estate or local crafts. 

The mall was in need of new stores, new anchor and new appeal. Good news finally came when local businessman George Schott acquired the mall and planned to bring it back to life. C.J.Banks opened in 2006 and PacSun also opened a store. Then, fake plants in the mall were replaced by live ones. The new owner also painted entranceways and skylights.

In a visit in 2007, I did notice the changes and the mall already looked better. It had more stores, more customers and more life.  The biggest boost for the mall was the opening of Steve & Barry’s store in the former Porteous. It really helped put the mall back to it's past glory. Unfortunately, Steve & Barry's had to close in 2008 as part of a reorganization of the company which later went out of business. In 2011 Waldenbooks closed as part of Borders' company closure. 

Today, TD Bank occupies the former Steve & Barry’s. Many new retailers were added to the Auburn Mall but mostly in new free-standing buildings added in the mall's parking lot near the former Porteous: Town Fair Tire, Goodwill, Aspen Dental and Panera Bread. Papa Gino's abruptly closed in November 2018 when the company filed for Chapter 11.