A high-end Mid-Century Modern Food Giant anchored the east end of SEARS EL MONTE CENTER. The store opened in the spring of 1959.
Drawing from Stiles & Robert Clement Architects 

SEARS EL MONTE CENTER was the second freeway-friendly shopping mall in -or around- the City of the Angels. It encompassed approximately 392,000 leasable square feet, with free parking provided for 2,000 autos. Charter inline stores included Woolworth's, Rand Jewelers and Bond Clothes.

Although the physical structure of the SEARS EL MONTE mall still exists, the shopping hub has been virtually forgotten. Here is the one and only vintage photo I have been able to find of the mallway. It was probably taken in the early 1970s.
Photo from "Explore Vintage, California History, and more!" / Margie K.

A more recent snapshot shows some of the "Mid-Mod" detail from the old Sears building.

Photo from Jeff Arellano