This mall has gone through many changes through the years. The demographics have definitely changed, as the mall seems more diverse than ever before.
Most recently the food court was moved to the opposite side of the mall, and a 10 screen Regal Movie Theater was added. I like the design of the new food court, however the food choices are very limited. Does a mall really need four Asian food places? The new movie theater is nice, but is expensive & has no outside access.
As for the store variety, I would say that the store selection at Great Northern is average. Nothing really stood out to me, all the same stuff that you will find everywhere else. More low end stores over high-end stores. I also noticed several vacant stores, this is not the same Great Northern that I remember from ten years ago.
I found the parking to be very poor on the North End of the mall, & better on the Southwest side of the mall. The parking lots are very dark at night, & feel unsafe!
Overall, Great Northern is okay mall, but there are better shopping choices & variety Southwest of Cleveland.