Is online shopping causing the death of Malls - What does that say for Commercial RE?

[Lorraine Hadden]

Take these California Malls ---- Eastmont Mall - Closed (Oakland); Carousel Mall - Closed (San Bernardino); Laguna Hills Mall - Closed (which was featured in BACK TO THE FUTURE); and the Village at Orange - Closed.

The term ADAPTIVE REUSE 2.0 is not a new concept but a new focus. This concept aims at addressing the challenges of what to do with defunct suburban malls and maybe even empty big-box retail store spaces that are in desirable and affordable neighborhoods. With these declining commercial spaces, these communities could be at risk for blight.

If you look around, you will see new retail spaces. A new outlet/outdoor shopping space.  But the question remains - what do we need to do with these empty retail spaces?