The “mall” will go the way of the all purpose stores (e.g., Marshall Fields) that sold everything from fishing rods to furs. This recession is just speeding the process along.
BTW, 90+% of my (non-food) shopping has been done by catalog or on line for the last 7-8 years. I cannot see wasting my time at bricks& mortar stores.
There are some fine tobacconists in the Malls. I am a cigar guy. I just took delivery of 34 fine Acid Def Seas, for the price of 10 at those mall stores. I bought them from an online auction! Same factory, less overhead in a warehouse.
I have been castigated online for seeking to make money. I am going direct to the customer, like Fuller Brush. But, my headquarters will be in a local Mall. I can get exposure, while also getting some cheap rent. They are eager to rent space.
People still shop at malls, but most are just browsing the goods! I went to the Apple store to look at laptops. I will buy it online from a discounter. The Apple store is in ...the mall! Some just have to have it NOW!
