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Kitchen Table Kibitzing October 1, 2023 [1]

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Date: 2023-10-01  

Malls

When I grew up in the 50s Milwaukee had three big department stores, Boston Store, Gimbels, and Schusters. There were indeed departments, each product area being supported by knowledgeable associates and plenty of clerks at the cash registers. These stores were mostly accessed by public transportation, which was easily available at the time. Post WWII, cars were only then becoming available and plentiful. Soon enough, due to the automobile, suburbs became more common, and along with that, shopping malls.

Over 1,200 shopping malls shot up in the US after the earliest examples were built in the 1950s. With typical American excess, Minnesota’s Mall of America is the nation's largest shopping and entertainment destination featuring over 520 stores, 60 restaurants.

But as anchor stores close and many states banning indoor dining and other activities that place people in close proximity, it’s leaving many malls wondering about their next move – many shuttering for good. Mall of America, an iconic fixture for nearly 30 years in Minnesota, could be next.

Malls were built with a department store at both ends, called anchor stores. This is true with both of our city’s malls. We seldom go, but occasionally have to, such as the Apple Store. Never crowded, they seem sad and depressing. Recently we explored both department stores at one mall. Very few employees to be seen. Most departments had no-one around, neither clerks nor customers. We dragged a potential purchase, a suitcase, across the store only to stand in line to ask a question. Had we wished to purchase it, it would be the same procedure.

On-line shopping is the cause. There are reasons to hate Amazon. We have friends that as a matter of principle won’t shop there. But not only do they have everything , they have things unavailable anywhere else. It seems immoral, but it is standard practice for some to check out a purchase in a store, then buy it cheaper on line. It’s a quandary I’m still dealing with. I do wish to support local merchants, and do…..when possible.

Do y’all have a shopping mall nearby? Is it thriving? Do you shop there? How do you deal with the on line vs. local shopping?

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/10/1/2196742/-Kitchen-Table-Kibitzing-October-1-2023

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