Can this Mall Have it All?

Sprawling over three blocks in the heart of the city stands Fashion District Philadelphia. Opened on September 19 of this year, the gleaming beacon of consumerism stands where the Gallery Mall once was at 901 Market Street. The Gallery Mall was opened in 1977 with the intent to draw shoppers into the city with a suburban mall experience. The mall never bounced back after multiple major store closures in the 1990s, and became home to several discount stores such as K-mart and Burlington Coat Factory. Today, the only remaining tenant from its 1977 opening is Tiffany’s Bakery. Fashion District Philadelphia’s swanky new complex has 35 retail vendors, an indoor amusement park, and interactive exhibits, but does it have what it takes to survive in a world of online retail?

In a market ruled by online shopping, opening a mall during what is deemed the retail apocalypse is a risk. A report from the banking company Credit Suisse estimated in 2017 that by 2022, 25% of malls in America will close. To lure shoppers into brick and mortar stores, experts believe malls need to offer consumer experiences such as arcades and selfie worthy exhibits. PREIT, the mall’s original owner, coined this idea “retailtainment.” PREIT and a real estate investment trust partnered to bring this concept to life in Fashion District Philadelphia. Not all of the mall’s amenities have opened yet, although the mall is slated to have an eight screen movie theater, a bowling alley, and traveling consumer experiences. According to recent visitor Mikaela Finlay (10-1), the mall’s approach to bring in customers will work. “I think it will do pretty well. For me, if I’m going there to do other stuff, I’ll probably shop. As more stores open, I’d love to go back.” In addition to interactive opportunities, the revamped mall has more stores open to the sidewalk than the original design. To increase foot traffic, Fashion District Philadelphia has over two dozen entrances and exits opposed to the Gallery Mall’s three.