[FrankR]

They’re going to have to make malls into “membership clubs”, requiring a yearly fee, and card access only. The “fee” will need to be hefty - to much to pay for just a place to “hang out”. And, plenty of security in the parking lots.

If not, between thugs and Amazon, malls will die a slow and agonizing death.

[socalgop]

malls are already dying - https://www.wsj.com/articles/what-to-do-with-dead-malls-1508936402

[FrankR]

“to much”...should have been, “too much”....early morning typo.

[SkyPilot]

If not, between thugs and Amazon, malls will die a slow and agonizing death.

I have not been to a mall in years. When I was growing up, we went to the mall to get pizza, play video games, and shop. Our high school band and choir used to play in the malls by the fountain courts, and they were safe, family friendly places to go.

No more.

[niteowl77]

If not, between thugs and Amazon, malls will die a slow and agonizing death.

It has been happening for many years even out here in Flyoverville. The old "shopping center" or "plaza" of the early '60's that sucked traffic from the parking-metered mess of downtown gets bought by some outfit from Ohio or New Jersey; it gets roofed over, expanded and called a "mall." The rents go way up and make local businesses fold, leaving a collection of mediocre national chains or undercapitalized businesses which fold and end up leaving an empty space. Things are bad enough without the "teen" factor, which makes people either avoid the place or do a buy-and-dash regardless of what retailers are left there.

Now, if we need an asian "day spa," hair extensions, glamour nails, gaudy cell phone cases, eyebrow painting, next-day clothing alterations or just want to mix with "teens" having poor manners and worse attitudes, the local mall is still the place to go.

[WayneS]

Malls already are dying a slow agonizing death.

[dp0622]

Because of amazon yes.

Because of a few places a year that this happens, that’s absurd.

When was the last time it happened at a mall near you?

And how many times does it occur in the same place?

Sometimes FReepers are just as guilty of sensationalizing occurrences.

[GOPJ]

The press reports are saying "parents dropped their kids off unsupervised." Most of them came in via NJ Transit buses to the mall, they were not "dropped off" by mommy and daddy.

You're right - COSTCO type malls might be the answer. Eighty dollar annual membership fee... with a caveat that members receive a semiannual coupon (July and December) for $30 off any purchase. That reduces the membership fee to $20, encourages shopping, cuts down on theft, AND stops flash mobs...

[Carl Vehse]

Don’t penalize the innocent; punish the guilty, at least those who survive apprehension.

[Kenton]

If not, between thugs and Amazon, malls will die a slow and agonizing death.

It's too late. Malls all over the country have closed or are closing because they weren't profitable. Places that were filled with high end businesses in the '70s were driven out of business precisely because of of the presence of gangs of "teens".

White people abandoned the malls out of fear for their safety and took their purchasing power with them. They were replaced by "teens" who flocked to the malls to do their Christmas shoplifting.

Now Amazon owns American commerce, which is the death blow to large urban shopping malls. And all that's left are the "teens", who are looking for a new place to hang out.

[HotHunt]

"They" don't have to do anything to malls.

Just don't go and the problem will solve itself.

I shop online. Wouldn't even think of going to a mall to buy something.

I can proudly say that I have never been to a mall in any city I have ever lived in.