Malls had been a popular hangout spot for teenagers since the 1970s. However, today, teenagers hanging out at malls has become less common.
Over the last twenty years, malls across the US have been losing stores at a rapid rate. Fewer customers are visiting malls, and businesses are struggling to support themselves. According to statistics from Capital One Shopping, 1,170 malls closed each year from 2017 to 2022 and 18,730 mall stores have closed in the US since 2016.
The trend of closing stores can be seen in the Ithaca Mall, starting with JCPenney closing in 2002 and Borders going out of business in 2011. Borders became Ulta Beauty and Designer Shoe Warehouse, which both closed with Ulta’s relocation to South Meadow Street. In 2014, the Ithaca Mall’s Sears shut down, and in 2018, Bon-Ton closed all its locations, which included the one located in the Ithaca Mall. More recently in October 2022, Dick’s Sporting Goods relocated due to lack of customers who visited the Ithaca Mall.
Some empty spaces in malls are used for retail space, warehouses, medical facilities, and college or university spaces. Cayuga Medical Center used empty space in the Ithaca Mall during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic for vaccinations and tests. They also opened a Cayuga Health facility in March 2024. Cornell University also uses space in the mall for their annual check-in for moving in or arrival.
In the late 2000s, online shopping began gaining popularity rapidly. What used to require a trip to the mall or grocery store can now be done simply by clicking a few things on a computer or smartphone. Consumers preferred the convenience of online shopping, and this new shopping method started the decline of malls.
The Great Recession from late 2007 to 2009 also contributed to the decline of malls. The recession reduced consumer spending, which caused the overall number of mall customers to drop even further.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic has played the most predominant role in the decline of malls. The lockdown and health concerns pushed many people towards online shopping. Stores like Amazon allowed people to purchase just about anything online. With online shops like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and Walmart+ InHome, even fresh groceries could be ordered online and delivered to your doorstep.
Online shopping not only provides convenience, but it also gives customers access to a wider selection of products than what is offered in stores. Online stores also have more frequent sales and promotions, which makes shopping on a budget easier.
The decline of malls and the increase in online shopping have a severe negative impact on local businesses. More online shopping can increase competition for small businesses, and for those without a digital storefront, foot traffic may decrease, leading to less profit and even going out of business.
In order to save small businesses from the same fate the malls had, we must step away from online shopping sometimes to support our local businesses.