I spent last year living next door to the mall. I went there for food, clothing, and some candles and that's about it. I live 1 block from a Best Buy and still buy all my electronics online, and I am happy to replace the local bookstore which died with my kindle. Thanksgiving was the last time I went into a grocery store (Peapod). Gas is just about the only thing I can't buy online and buying an electric car is becoming tempting.
edit: I did get my replacement iPhone 4gs at the Apple store, but I got my first iPhone 4gs line despite walking past the place several times a week.
PS: I expect something like a 30% reduction in retail store sales in the next 20 years, that may or may not be huge, but it is significant.
Are you sure? I would think that malls make a ton more money off of people popping in and out looking for specific items than people who hang out there all day, look for the best deals, sales (which are probably loss-leaders), etc.
I have no numbers to back this up, so if anyone does I would be very interested in seeing it.
edit: I did get my replacement iPhone 4gs at the Apple store, but I got my first iPhone 4gs line despite walking past the place several times a week.
PS: I expect something like a 30% reduction in retail store sales in the next 20 years, that may or may not be huge, but it is significant.