dead malls: suburban activism, local spaces, global logistics pdf

Dead Malls: The Rise and Fall of Suburban Shopping Hubs

'Dead malls' have become a ubiquitous sight in many suburban areas, once-thriving shopping centers now standing empty and abandoned. This phenomenon has sparked widespread debate about the impact of globalization on local economies and the role of urban planning in shaping community development.

The rise of 'dead malls' can be traced back to the post-war era, when suburbanization became a dominant trend in urban development. As cities expanded outward, shopping centers sprouted up along highways and boulevards, catering to the growing demand for consumer goods. These shopping centers were designed to serve as community hubs, offering a range of services and amenities that would keep shoppers coming back.

However, with the rise of online shopping and changing consumer habits, many 'dead malls' began to struggle. As foot traffic declined, retailers closed their doors, leaving behind empty storefronts and crumbling infrastructure. The once-thriving centers became symbols of decline and neglect, a testament to the fleeting nature of suburban prosperity.

But amidst this decline, new opportunities have emerged for activists and community leaders seeking to revitalize these spaces. Suburban activism has taken center stage, as local residents band together to reclaim their abandoned shopping centers and transform them into vibrant public spaces.

One such example is the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) strategy, which aims to repurpose 'dead malls' as hubs for public transportation. By redeveloping these sites around existing transit infrastructure, TOD projects can create more livable, sustainable communities that prioritize walkability and bikeability.

Another approach has been taken by urban planners, who are using data-driven analysis to identify opportunities for revitalization. Profiling shopping mall customers during hard times, researchers have identified patterns and trends that can inform redevelopment strategies. By understanding how consumers behave in declining malls, policymakers can create more effective interventions to revitalize these spaces.

Moreover, some activists have recognized the restorative potential of 'dead malls'. By repurposing these sites as community gardens or public art installations, they are creating new opportunities for social interaction and civic engagement. In this way, what were once symbols of decline become beacons of hope and renewal.

As we look to the future, it is clear that the fate of 'dead malls' will depend on our ability to adapt to changing consumer habits and urban trends. By embracing suburban activism and community-led redevelopment initiatives, we can transform these spaces into vibrant public hubs that foster social connection, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Sources:

* Blanco, Hilda & Wikstrom, Alexander (2018). Transit-Oriented Development Opportunities Among Failing Malls. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research.

* Calvo-Porral, Cristina & Lévy-Mangin, Jean-Pierre (2019). Profiling shopping mall customers during hard times. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services.

* Hänninen, Mikko & Paavola, Lauri (2021). Managing transformations in retail agglomerations: Case Itis shopping center. International Journal of Urban and Regional Research.

* Otalora, Mauricio Losada & Ramírez, Germán Contreras (2016). The restorative potential of shopping malls. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services.

Dead malls: suburban activism, local spaces, global logistics pdf