The Decline of American Malls

Photo by Victor Xok on Unsplash

   The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated a process that everyone had already seen coming: the death of America’s beloved malls. Malls have always been an iconic staple in American culture and its economy since as early as the late 1950s. The large buildings have always provided all of the consumer’s needs in one central location, whether it be food, clothes, or technology, while also creating an enjoyable outing experience. As harrowing headlines such as “25% of US malls are set to shut within 5 years” cloud the thoughts of fellow American shoppers, we can’t all help but wonder how it got this bad. 

   To put it simply, malls in the United States have not kept up with the times. Convenience, money, time, and effort are all factors that play a huge role into the demise of American malls, as well as the growing laziness and immobility spreading among the younger generations with distractions such as cell phones and television prompting the youth to stay home. The dreaded question needs to be asked: “Why take the time and effort to shop at a mall a half-hour drive away when online shopping offers convenience and simplicity from the comfort of your own home?” These thoughts kept mall business owners anxious before 2020, before a disease outbreak flipped the world upside down. In modern times, with the looming fear of catching the coronavirus creeping behind every consumer of small and large businesses alike, the very idea of a mall seems rather ridiculous.

    Needless to say, the mall industry is not completely doomed, and can be redeemed, with the right strategy and guidance. If malls were to introduce new concepts and ideas that adapt to the changing times, the industry could be revived, such as a majority outdoors mall. A mall with primarily outdoors restaurants, seating areas, and walkways would not only significantly lower the risk of contracting COVID-19, but would also add an element of natural beauty that most malls in the US lack, with fluorescent lights and cracked tiles being thought of as sufficient decor. With this sort of concept, not only would the building of malls be significantly less expensive, but the cost of lighting and air conditioning would also be reduced. Malls should also introduce new ways to be green, as using clean energy and being environmentally friendly would not only paint the industry in a new light, but would also target progressive individuals who would usually avoid shopping malls on accounts of moral ethics, thus expanding its consumer base. The death of malls in America is not completely irreversible, and can be saved with introductions to new concepts and innovation.