Originally Posted by MolsonExport
I recently visited White Oaks Mall (one of two such large regional malls remaining in the London area). Hitherto, the mall has been primarily a fashion centre (Bay, Gap, H&M, Tommy Hilfiger, etc., etc.). But now it seems to be showing early signs of struggle. This is what I noticed:
1) an almost 1:1 ratio of cellphone joints/kiosks to vacant storefronts. The greater number of vacancies, the greater number of cellphone joints. Christ, the White Oaks mall in London had at least a dozen places that sold only cellphones/packages, plus another dozen stores that sold cellphones in addition to other wares (e.g., "The Source").
2) profusion of places not normally associated with fashion malls: pedicure places, shiatsu massage parlours, dollar-stores, niche craft joints (the stamp store, porcelain collectables, hippy/hipster collectable crap, free-earth soaps and garbage), mortgage brokerages, etc.
3) they had a gaming place where people (all male, all appearing somewhat socially awkward) seemed to be gathered around a big table playing dungeons & dragons, surrounded by the usual D&D gear
4) there were 2 actual stores, plus at least 5 freestanding kiosks, just selling cellphone wrappers/cases/bling. Christ all mighty, how much of that crap do people actually buy???
Predictions:
1) more medical exam places (One stop shopping: get a Prostate exam, change your watch battery, and grab Samosas for lunch at the food court!), as leases expire and stores vacate to take up residence in the endless profusion of big box barf fringing the city.
2) more local/foreign craptastic stuff, bulk barrels, dollar-store ripoffs, Ardene/Bentleys (these places love loser malls), senior drop-in centres (wellness centres)
3) more stores converted to educational programs ("Westervelt College", "Everest College", "College Boreale").
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