[PapaBear3625]

With respect to malls the first sign a regional mall is in trouble is when teens begin hanging in packs and displaying disruptive behavior, driving shoppers away.

As a precursor to that, a sign that a mall is about to go downscale is when they allow a bus stop in their parking area, allowing people, especially teens, from downscale areas to get there.

[minnesota_bound]

they allow a bus stop in their parking area, allowing people, especially teens, from downscale areas to get there.

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That happened to the Brookdale mall in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Some of the comments mention it at dumpystripmalls below. They have since torn down most the mall and are rebuilding it with lower rent stores. The area around there has high crime now and the home values are generally under $100k.

Flickr photos
https://www.flickr.com/photos/marje/sets/72157624490320816/

Dead malls
http://dumpystripmalls.com/2008/08/brookdale-mall-brooklyn-center-mn/