Inside Scoop on Outdoor Shopping
Apparently the latest thinking is that women prefer a more traditional downtown-style mall –or “lifestyle mall”, as it is being called now – over shopping in climate-controlled indoor malls ...the very same things that replaced the traditional downtown areas as the most popular place to shop.
At least that’s what today’s USA Today is reporting. The article states, “The centers have proved so popular that some leading mall developers vow they'll never build an enclosed mall again. Of the 10 large regional shopping centers scheduled to open from 2006 to 2008, only one has a roof.”
The article offers this “expert” comment: “It's so simple, it's genius," says Mark Zygmontowicz, a managing director at MapInfo, which does location analysis and research for retailers. "I have a grand appreciation for these lifestyle centers."
Commenting on the appeal to women, USA Today says:
“Even malls that don't remodel to become lifestyle centers are taking a cue from their more laid-back shopping center siblings. Laura Pomerantz, a founding principal at PBS Realty, says more malls are adding comfortable seating areas to give people more of a reason to stick around — or at least make them more comfortable while they do so. ‘They're recognizing that lifestyle centers are attracting the women to hang out,’ says Pomerantz, who helps retailers including Tory Burch and Donald Pliner find real estate. ‘The couches and chairs are a trend in reaction to the lifestyle centers.’”
There’s a link to a listing of these new “lifestyle centers”. Oddly, for this being such a new idea, the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City is also listed. It opened in 1923. It’s a wonderful place to go during the holidays, but with its unique architecture and interesting boutiques and eateries, it’s more of a destination than a true “lifestyle center”.
But aside from the Plaza in KC, I’ve tried the open-air shopping from Maryland to Nebraska – it was a novelty and had a few stores I wanted to check out. But for my money, nothing beats a regular climate-controlled mall for true shopping – particularly on these freezing cold days, in rainy weather, or on a blazing hot summer afternoon.
What’s your opinion?
To read the article in USA Today go to:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2007-01-31-anti-mall-usat_x.htm
posted by Woman-Centric Matters @ 11:53 AM
3 Comments:
I think an interesting point was brought up that these outdoor malls were places where women like to hang out. Ummm... this is not new! Ever heard of the movie, "Valley Girl"? I may be showing my age here but malls have been drawning in women of all ages for many years... even if it has a roof or not! What I find funny is that USA Today is calling this a new thing! Wise up!
I visited the open air market in Omaha, Nebraska when it first opened up and it was a pleasant experience for the spring time. However, my greatest concern about these "malls" is the lack of ramps/handicapped accessible parking and winter weather maintenance. Have you ever tried shopping in 20 degree weather and the closet parking spot is located on the other side of where you want to go? I just hope shop keepers are making their money during the warmer months.
I might try an open air mall if they have what I am looking for. Being a single mom, I honestly don't have time to go from one to store to another. If this place has all the stores I need in a two block radius and plenty of parking, I am all for it. Otherwise, it's just another mall to me.
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