[WhyisaTexasgirlinPA]

The heat is bad for shopping - which is why I have been stunned at the new trend in shopping in the south - the open air "mall" with fountains and parking at the door of shops. Jacksonville Florida has a really nice open air mall and Sugar Land built one in recent years....There is a big new outlet mall in northwest houston area that is all outdoor.

I have heard the gang problem (are middle schoolers considered a gang as well?) in malls has prompted this new/old style of shopping.

[meyer]

The heat is bad for shopping - which is why I have been stunned at the new trend in shopping in the south - the open air "mall" with fountains and parking at the door of shops.

I've noted that new trend as well. Build a shopping center, put all kinds of planter/barricades in the parking lot to make it impossible to get around, and then call it a "mall". In my less-than-humble opinion, if it doesn't have an indoor walkway between stores, it is not a mall.

I have heard the gang problem (are middle schoolers considered a gang as well?) in malls has prompted this new/old style of shopping.

I think what's really prompting this trend is lower construction and maintenance costs. The heating/cooling of the indoor areas of a mall has to be somewhat expensive.

[RikaStrom]

I agree with you, I’m seeing a huge trend in the outdoor mall thing. There is a really nice one up San Antonio way, where the big water park is, as for the one out on 290, I haven’t been there.

I am such an online shopper kinda a girl.

Merry belated Christmas Whyisa! :-)