Malls have been popular since the first one came to be in 1950s. This was a place where people could shop multiple stores in a single location, a place where suburban teens could hang out, and a place to get a bite to eat while out of the house. However, the malls have not really refreshed their concept since then. The internet and online shopping have copied what the malls went to achieve the only difference is you can buy everything you need in the comfort of your living room.
With in person sales on the decline what can stores and malls do to attract clients.
Revamp the experience, suburban teens today and those in their 20s and 30s want the mall to offer more than just shopping, they want to be entertained.
Incorporating of housing into the mall, start turning malls into little city centers where people can work, mingle and live.
Fitness centers - not just gyms like 24 hour fitness, but the pop-up style workouts, such as Soul Cycle, Barre, Yoga, Orange Therapy.
Office space, bring in small businesses and make shared office spaces.
Flexible lease options to bring in pop up stores, etsy like crafts, farmers markets, etc.. Let there be a shared space where each day of the week a different vendor is there, like craft fair on Monday, Farmers market on Tuesday, etc..., give people a reason to check out vendors each week.
Hangout spots for teens and young adults, places where video games, technology can be used and enjoyed.
Day care and learning centers, locations where parents can leave their kids and enjoy an evening out (see below), with extended hours and short-term visits
Higher end restaurants and theaters to give parents a night out and date nights.
The mall needs to be more today than it ever has been. Online has become popular because of convenience. People are working longer hours today than in the 1950s, there is little time for family and shopping is what people are doing a 2am now instead of normal hours. Malls are not going to survive in a culture where everyone in the household works to support rising costs, shopping is happening at all hours of the day and teens would rather play video games than stroll around the mall gossiping with friends.