Shopping Malls Are Not Dead

The local mall with all the stores we love can be saved and prosper if it adjusts to the times. When nothing changes and business is done the way it was done in the 80s & 90s people will and are looking elsewhere. When not anything of value over a brand product that's the same, people look at the lowest price, why not it's the same final result and product. But when more is added, a customer experience, people will go where they find it. Mall management is not just the landlord, they are a partner with their tenants. If the tenant does well so does the overall mall. The old adage that "when the sea rises all ships rise with it", is still true.

They are many ways to inject new life into shopping malls by giving shoppers more than they can get on the internet. The online shopping experience offers little other than 24 hour availablity and lower prices. The low res 78 dpi pictures can't take the place of holding, feeling and trying on an item before the sale. At a mall you can do all these things and more because you have a real person to help and advise you. Many activities can be planned to attract shoppers on busy and slow days. The mall is not dead it just needs new ideas to change with the times and create the Customer Experience you can't get on the internet.

Barry has a presentation for mall management and tenants to increase traffic and sales. www.idealetter.com