[quote=briansd1][quote=poorgradstudent]There’s a lot of good data that in economic downturns people don’t necessarily shop less, they just spend less when they do. In fact, they may actually spend *more* time physically shopping, searching for better deals and going to more stores to stretch their dollars further.[/quote]
That’s and excellent point.
Plus shopping malls have become new public square. People like to go there and walk.
In LA, The Grove and Americana are lifestyle centers. That concept began in San Diego with Horton Plaza.
Lifestyle centers are being fine turned all over the country to drive traffic. More traffic volumes result in more sales.[/quote]
About 3-4 years ago, Plaza Bonita in National City was extensively remodeled as a “Lifestyle Center.” It now has a four-level parking garage and I have never been able to find a parking spot there on Fri-Sun unless I park in the “North Forty” and walk ten mins. It’s packed until closing.
Sales taxes from this mall have been used extensively on NC’s main thoroughfares in landscaping, brick and concrete work and also on “facelifts” for all their government buildings. NC is one fine-looking little town now :=]
