Lisbeth Calandrino Special to Floor Covering News
For decades, the American mall was more than a place to shop—it was a symbol of suburban life and community connection. Teenagers hung out after school, “mall walkers” got their steps in, and families made a day of it.
But the retail landscape has changed. As anchor stores shutter and e-commerce grows, it’s easy to assume physical retail is doomed. Yet in 2025, a surprising shift is taking place: malls aren’t dying—they’re reinventing themselves.
That reinvention holds important lessons for flooring retailers navigating similar challenges in attracting and retaining customers.
The Evolution of the Mall
In the 1980s and ’90s, the mall was unstoppable. Anchors like Sears, JCPenney, and Macy’s fueled steady traffic. But after 2010, online shopping and changing lifestyles started pulling customers away.
By 2025, only about 1,200 enclosed malls remain, down from 1,500 in 2010, and projections suggest fewer than 900 by 2028 (Capital One Shopping). Yet many of those that remain are thriving—by doing something unexpected. They’re turning shopping centers into experience centers.
New Models: From Retail to Recreation
Consider two examples:
Stamford Town Center (Connecticut) replaced vacant stores with Pickleball America, one of the largest indoor pickleball facilities in the U.S., and added restaurants and events to reenergize the space.
Green Acres Mall (New York) is transforming into an outdoor lifestyle center with pedestrian streets, apartments, and dining.
Across the country, mall foot traffic is up 6.7% year-over-year (FashionUnited, May 2025), as consumers return for experiences—live events, local food, fitness—not just purchases.
What Flooring Retailers Can Learn
You may not operate in a mall, but the same consumer behaviors are reshaping your business. Today’s customers don’t just want to buy flooring—they want to experience it.
- Create an Experience
Your showroom can’t just display samples. Let shoppers walk on full installations. Offer design
workshops. Integrate augmented reality tools that visualize products in their homes. - Connect Digital and Physical
Consumers start online but still want in-person reassurance. Blend online sample requests, video
consultations, and showroom appointments to bridge that journey. - Build Community
Host local events—home design nights, contractor meetups, or charity drives. Malls are
rebuilding community ties; flooring retailers can do the same on a neighborhood level. - Tell a Story
Highlight your craftsmanship and local roots. Use project photography, team profiles, and real
testimonials in your showroom. Personal connection builds trust faster than price alone.
The Takeaway
The mall may no longer be what it once was, but physical retail is far from over—it’s evolving into something more engaging, social, and experiential. For flooring retailers, that means the opportunity is right in front of you: make your showroom a destination, not just a store.