Death of the Shopping Mall – The changing landscape of retail

Photo Courtesy Steph Lawless

The world of retail has changed.

Online shopping, online product and brand comparison, and the new shopping habits of consumers have significantly changed the retail landscape. Retailers, shopping strips and shopping centres have had to get agile in evolving the way they connect with and cater to consumers. The way retailers and shopping centre managers respond to the changes they are facing will to a large extent impact the extent to which they remain relevant and values in the shopping lives of consumers. What we are seeing in Australia is part of a global shift, and no-one is feeling it more than retailers in the US.

American writer, author, and editor, Matthew Newton has recently published; Shopping Mall, a book that ‘examines the modern mythology of the mall and shows that, more than a collection of stores, it is a place of curiosity, ritual, and fantasy’. In many ways, the timing of his book also captures a tipping-pint moment in retail history as shopping centres re-define their value proposition.

Images of deserted shopping malls in the US from Newton’s book are stunningly haunting in the way the empty and decaying spaces capture the lost magic of shopping through the 70s, 80s and 90s. I was moved by the images, leading me to collect more and counterpoint them with some classic pics from the heydays of shopping centres.

retail branding

Author Matthew Newton and his book; Shopping Mall

Photo Courtesy Steph Lawless

Photo Courtesy Steph Lawless

Photo Courtesy Steph Lawless

Photo Courtesy Kyle Tate

Photo Courtesy Steph Lawless

Photo Courtesy Tag Christof

Photo Courtesy Steph Lawless

Photo Courtesy Tag Christof

Photo Courtesy Tag Christof

Photo Courtesy Billings Gazette

Photo Source – Unknown

Photo Source – Unknown

Richard Simmonds Shopping Center activation – Photo Source – Unknown

Dave Ansett
David is the founder of Truly Deeply, a brand agency with 25 years experience working with brands to position them for growth. His deep expertise is in the creation of high engagement brands that attract the attention of their audience and stand out from their competitors. David has extensive experience working with corporate, retail, food & beverage and entrepreneurial clients. Find out more here
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