Shopping malls have already had a tough time competing with e-commerce, but following the pandemic, the challenge of retaining a customer base will likely grow even more. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says several factors will contribute to how much of a hurdle the mall industry faces.
“One of the big determinants is first going to be when they are reopened to the public. I think another big factor is going to be how excited the public is going to be about going to these places,” said Rice.
Rice says the challenges faced by malls depends on the variety of mall structures, with enclosed malls being the most at-risk for permanent closure.
“Open sided malls and open air malls might be a littl bit better off because people may have some pent-up need to go out and do some shopping once some of the restrictions are lifted,” said Rice.
Rice says the malls will have to figure out ways to make their brick and mortar establishments a destination that consumers feel compelled to visit.
“Whether that be having more entertainment options in them, having unique features that people can come to see, different expos, that kind of thing,” said Rice.
Governor Edwards says malls can be open for curbside pickup service beginning Friday.