The Future of Malls

Over the years, malls have become an integral part of our retail culture. The trend started in the United States in the 1950s after a major economic boom. By the 1980s malls had become so popular that they were named “one of the top 50 wonders that have revolutionized the lives of consumers” (The Rise and Fall of the American Mall). Now, malls must reinvent themselves to compete with this emerging online market and to stay in business. 

Malls must alter their focus. They can no longer just be a provider of goods and services. Malls must become a hub of activity and a place for the community to gather and enjoy themselves. “Xanadu, a mall 30 km from Madrid, for instance, has gone out of its way to provide the means for parents to spend quality time with their children. The mall features a ski slope, go-karts, balloon rides, bowling and billiards” (The Future of the Shopping Mall). This has not only increased the mall’s revenue but also increased customer satisfaction as well. 

Malls are — and always have been — customer-oriented. They cater to the needs of their consumers and adapt to changes in such. Malls are still an important part of our retail culture. They just might look different than the malls of the past.

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Neon Carrot is a design company located in Northeast Ohio. We help our clients with insights, strategy, and design services that holistically solve problems and connect brands with people wherever they live, work, and play.