How To Tell When a Mall Is In Trouble

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The guy kept saying US is an "aspirational" society, so we will go back to the old way. I am not so sure. I think there is a fundamental shift in the psyche of US citizen. They still will dose out money for a good deal but not necessarily to continue to accumulate THINGS. For me, shopping has lost all its glossy seduction for me.

coc of CO 8:09AM July 15, 2010

what a shame, not to notice that We are in a new ERA. We are coming back to reality. The thought of not buying is a good thing. not buying all the un American goods. Maybee is WE could have work here, we could start going back.

Pat of IL 11:13AM March 25, 2010

A good way of telling how a mall is doing is by how many weekday people there are along with the weekends. Also look to see how many people are there at the beginning of a month (like around the 2cond week) after people have paid most of their bills. A large amount of people during these times is a great sign, even if they are just hanging around.

Another good sign is even more stores opening (though yes some will die) and mall expansions. If a mall is expanding check out the info that is posted through out the mall. Look at how many stores or restaurants that are opening. Also look to see if there are any anchor stores that will be appearing at the new part. This is really good if it is a still sturdy company or a company that is good but a small chain (meaning they mostly have stores in places such as NY and don't do a lot of expanding to be a bit more exclusive). This likely means that these exclusive stores feel save adding a store in that mall. Especially if this is a really high end store it is a very good sign.

At AJ : I live in Houston and i have noticed what you said to be the trend with most of the malls in the Houston/Galveston/Pasadena area. This seems to be predominately w/ the much older malls (especially the ones in old neighborhoods). The newer ones like Memorial city (notice i said newer not new lol) and the Galleria are the thriving ones. The others just never seem to keep up w/ the times. Yet Gulfgate has recently revamped it's self.( and if they can do it anyone can).

alli of TX 1:25AM February 01, 2010

There is room for a new type of business in malls. If people in wheelchairs can go from home to shop or socialize, then we have something. Build housing attached so going to the mall does not require a car or good legs.

Though these people may not buy a lot, they are a captive audience.

Suzanne Seale of MA 11:45AM January 27, 2010

Look to see how many people are carrying bags. That will tell you if people are buying or not. A lot of people are looky-lou's, that can hurt.

Robert S. Pierce of CA 11:05AM January 10, 2010

In endangered mall listing above title mall some how was not listed. The Current Mall occupancy is less than 40% and it will get lower after the Holiday Season. In this Mall,There are only two Anchor stores (Macy's & Sears).

AJ of TX 4:18PM November 29, 2009

in Canada, a lot of people wander on the mall, but few of this buy things. In the USA, a lot of malls are closing due to job unemployments. When the anchor store closes, then the tndency of people goes to other malls where they have big names. Shopping in China is really trendy. Wonder how can all this people goes for shopping all day long! you have to push your way to get to where you want to check some items.

business now aday goes thru internet shopping where you can have a nice day at home and relax till the doorman delivers the item to your doorstep.

rem 9:44PM November 23, 2009

in Canada, a lot of people wander on the mall, but few of this buy things. In the USA, a lot of malls are closing due to job unemployments. When the anchor store closes, then the tndency of people goes to other malls where they have big names. Shopping in China is really trendy. Wonder how can all this people goes for shopping all day long! you have to push your way to get to where you want to check some items.

business now aday goes thru internet shopping where you can have a nice day at home and relax till the doorman delivers the item to your doorstep.

rem 9:44PM November 23, 2009

as long as credit system exist, human being will always stretch to the last cent that they have to spend now that will be paid by future income - 20 yrs from now. what we have done so far is to accelerate our future money to the present time so that we can enjoy life consistently throughout our life insted of waiting till our tail end life to spend our supposedly life time saving.

david of ME 2:22AM November 09, 2009

Sue of NJ told it very much like it is. Her thoughts are very true. But, there's another thing that I observed. When the internet finally "took off and started flying high", many retailers took a risk and decided to try selling their merchandise on the web. Guess what? For many, that risky move - at the time - payed off BIG. Now, let's fast forward to today. Even if prices are about the same, the consumer doesn't have to leave his or her home to buy something. Mr. or Mrs. Consumer can just place an order on the web, pay for it however, and sit back and wait for it to arrive. These days, it doesn't take long for your order to arrive. No more hassles of driving to the mall, searching for a parking space, dealing with crowds, and dealing with rude sales people - and other rude customers. Is it any wonder that a large number of malls are in danger of "biting the dust?"

Dave J of Boston MA of MA 9:04PM November 08, 2009

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Rick Newman

Rick Newman

The global economy is mysterious, even scary. Chief Business Correspondent Rick Newman connects the dots. In addition to his writing for U.S. News, Rick is the co-author of two books: Firefight: Inside the Battle to Save the Pentagon on 9/11, and Bury Us Upside Down: The Misty Pilots and the Secret Battle for the Ho Chi Minh Trail.


Read Rick's latest blog entries here.

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