The mall opened in 1981 anchored by JCPenney, Mervyn's, Montgomery Ward, and the May Company. Westfield America, Inc., a precursor to The Westfield Group acquired the shopping center in 1994. In mid-2006, the former Wards store, which had been the location of seasonal retailers was stripped and gutted and a new plan was announced to the public that the South end of the mall would be demolished and rebuilt. The mall opened in 1981 as the first enclosed shopping center in the area of South Bay and anchor stores like JCPenney, Mervyn's, Montgomery Ward, and May Company. The original design included a large razo sky orange and silver, wood designs. The entire shopping complex was stuck in the middle with a great source of two stories high, but was dismantled in mid 2002. Westfield America, Inc., a precursor to The Westfield Group acquired the mall 1994, and in 1998 appointed him to "Westfield Shopping Town Plaza Bonita", removing the name "Shoppingtown" in June 2005. In mid-2002, America Westfield shopping center, went through several phases of renovations to modernize and have a more modern and youthful design. The new design of the new mall is similar to most Westfield shopping centers. The whole mall was painted again and new ceramic tile and the food court was renovated and built in a more central place were installed. That same year a restaurant Outback Steakhouse, opened and revitalized a part of the shopping center located near the parking lot. It was the second full restaurant to open after the Applebee's in which opened in 1993. In mid-2006, the former Wards store, which is especially dedicated for festive seasons was dismantled and a new plan was announced that the south end of the mall demolished and rebuilt serious. In 2008 the Westfield Plaza Bonita shopping center was finished being remodeled. The new stores that opened in the part that was remodeled includes Target, AMC Theatres, Borders bookstore, a new food court, parking on three levels, as well as new shops and restaurants. The new part of the mall opened on May 16, 2008. In 2008 Target, Borders, AMC, The Former Montgomery Ward Corridor opened back up. In 2011 Borders closed.
Current Anchors and Major Tenants
JCPenney: since 1981, moved from Downtown San Diego location from 1971 to 1981
AMC Theatres: 14-screen complex since 2008, formerly half of Montgomery Ward until June 2001, replaced Mann Theatres until 2003
Macy's: converted since 2006, formerly May Company until 1993 later Robinsons-May until 2006
Target: since 2008, formerly Montgomery Ward until June 2001
