How Malls Are Evolving In The U.S. | CNBC Marathon

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CNBC Marathon explores how malls across the United States are evolving with the times. While many U.S. malls face anchor store closures and empty parking lots, some are finding new life by becoming housing. Real estate developers are building housing inside of or next to shopping malls as department stores like Macy’s, JCPenney and Sears shrink or cease to exist. At least 192 U.S. malls planned to add housing to their footprint as of January 2022. CNBC visited a Macerich housing project at Flatiron Crossing Mall in Broomfield, Colorado as well as the Arcade Mall in Providence, Rhode Island to find out what it is like to live inside a mall. U.S. adults make about 1.3 billion visits to shopping centers each month or about 62 trips per person annually, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers. While some outlets, like malls, have struggled to retain shoppers, foot traffic to strip malls is booming. The U.S. has more than 68,000 strip malls from coast to coast, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers. So how did the U.S. become covered in strip centers, and could the format be the future of brick-and-mortar retail? Despite a number of closures, U.S. malls are making a comeback, due in part to a surge in younger shoppers. Members of Generation Z, born between 1997-2012, are spending money in physical stores at a similar rate to their grandparents. Some of the top shopping destinations for Gen Zers include department stores like Macy’s, and JC Penney's, and specialty retailers like Express, Abercrombie and Apple. So can younger shoppers help save the traditional brick and mortar mall? CNBC went to Freehold Raceway Mall in New Jersey to find out. Foot traffic to suburban shopping malls has returned to pre-pandemic levels and high-end malls are thriving. Yelp found that 17 out of the top 25 brands driving consumers to malls are restaurants, and the dining options for visitors have moved well beyond the traditional food court that would include chains like McDonald's, Chipotle and Panda Express. CNBC visited the American Dream Mall in New Jersey to see how dining has evolved at the mall. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:14 How Shopping Malls Are Being Transformed Into Apartments In The U.S. (Published December 2024) 10:25 Why Macy’s And Other Brands Are Moving Into Strip Malls (Published October 2024) 20:28 How Gen Z Is Reviving U.S. Shopping Malls (Published December 2024) 29:36 Why Restaurants Have Become So Important To Shopping Malls (Published December 2024 Produced by: DeLon Thornton, Shawn Baldwin, Ryan Baker Edited by: Evan Lee Miller, Nora Rappaport, Marc Ganley Reporter: Gabrielle Fonrouge, Melissa Repko Graphics: Jason Regniato, Christina Locopo Supervising Producer: Jeniece Pettitt Senior Managing Producer: Tala Hadavi Additional Camera: Juliana Broste, Natalie Rice Additional Footage: Getty Images, Macy’s, American Dream Mall Post Production Support: Erin Black » Subscribe to CNBC: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBC » Subscribe to CNBC TV: https://cnb.cx/SubscribeCNBCtelevision » Watch CNBC on the go with CNBC+: https://www.cnbc.com/WatchCNBCPlus About CNBC: From 'Wall Street' to 'Main Street' to award winning original documentaries and Reality TV series, CNBC has you covered. Experience special sneak peeks of your favorite shows, exclusive video and more. Do you want a new career that’s higher-paying, more flexible or fulfilling? Take CNBC’s new online course - How to Change Careers and Be Happier at Work. Pre-register today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 30% off $67 (+taxes and fees) through May 13, 2025: https://cnb.cx/4igNyqZ Connect with CNBC News Online Get the latest news: https://www.cnbc.com/ Follow CNBC on LinkedIn: https://cnb.cx/LinkedInCNBC Follow CNBC News on Instagram: https://cnb.cx/InstagramCNBC Follow CNBC News on Facebook: https://cnb.cx/LikeCNBC Follow CNBC on Threads: https://cnb.cx/threads Follow CNBC News on X: https://cnb.cx/FollowCNBC Follow CNBC on WhatsApp: https://cnb.cx/WhatsAppCNBC #CNBC #Shoppingmalls How Malls Are Evolving In The U.S. | CNBC Marathon