, Columnist
Goodbye, Malls of America
Shopping malls are dying around the U.S. as more people shop online.
This article is for subscribers only.
Last week, Slate published photos of empty, decaying shopping malls from a new book, "Black Friday.'' The images are arresting, and the timing couldn't be better. Abandoned malls are hot: The Dead Malls Enthusiasts Facebook group boasts almost 14,000 members; a Google search of "dead malls" produces 5.7 million results; and the desolate interiors of these unused retailing meccas keep making cameos in thrillers and horror films.
The images point to some fundamental changes in suburban America and the retailing experience, though urbanists who hope that failing malls will aid downtown revitalization may be disappointed. The reality, as one might expect, is more complex.