Working Paper #707
The Regional Mall of Tomorrow
David Simon
Commercial Brokerage Development Retail
Despite frequent predictions of their demise, regional malls have remained the most sought after and profitable means for specialty retailers to sell their goods and services. The primary reason for this continued success has been irreplaceable locations, coupled with the flexibility to evolve to meet the needs of shoppers. Today’s malls are a good example of this. Mall operators are adding retail amenities such as open-air shopping districts, fine dining, big boxes, and even grocery stores. Technological advances are also being made, allowing shoppers to take advantage of a more interactive shopping experience. Whatever the consumer may desire, malls have shown they will adapt to meet that demand. In that way, the mall’s past is also its future. They will continue to evolve, while remaining the primary shopping destination for the consumer for years to come.