Yorkdale, 1964

When I was a young lad (15 years ago xD), my parents took me to many shopping malls (e.g., Eaton Centre, Don Mills Centre and Yorkdale) where Zellers, Future Shops, and Radioshack still exist!

Malls used to be a place for families to go and buy the necessary items for the day (e.g.,  groceries, appliances in the hardware store, $10 to $20 clothing). In today’s society, it is much more than that!

Malls are becoming more of a “luxury” and “entertainment” centres. In addition, malls are more visually stunning (e.g., more natural lights, fountains are more grandeur, landscape are greener, the architecture are more eye provoking). Not only do people want to go buy necessary or unnecessary things, they want the EXPERIENCE (e.g., an Instagram moment with an enormous Christmas tree or get a picture of the “Hipster” Santa Claus)!

Mason, who has been a male model for 30+ years

I know this is random, but in Toronto, when I see more giant malls being built in nearby towns/regions (e.g., Mississauga, Scarborough, Barrie) I see fewer garage/yard sales being promoted in random light/traffic poles. Call me old (turning 29 :P), but I wish garage sales were still a thing or should be more prevalent in our society. I love the interaction between the buyer and the sellers as well as having a bonding moment with the family looking at old/used items. However, we are now living in a technological era where Craiglist, Ebay, and Kijjiji is a “better” / “convenient” method to sell items without the disadvantage of time and weather.

But, I digress …

Shopping malls, like I said before, are now giant, luxury, visual stunning place to be in. I feel like malls are now TOWN HALLS in today’s society. We replace or segregate fast-foods (e.g., Wendys, Burger King) to high-end foods (e.g., Jack Astors, The Pickle Barrel, Moxie’s Grill & Bar). Also, shopping malls are a “landmark” that people know where to meet and go somewhere else and/or a meeting ground for carpooling. For instance, people who are doing carpooling from Ottawa to Toronto, their stop are usually Scarbrough Town Centre, Yorkdale Shopping Centre, or Eaton Centre.

The first of three conceptual options proposes building an eight-storey boutique hotel on Yorkdale’s lot. (City of Toronto)

Shopping malls are evolving and expanding due to competition as well as increasing profit. Shopping is more than buying at a retail store, it is an EXPERIENCE and a LIFESTYLE. And who knows shopping malls could be your HOME (e.g., hotels, condos).

Resource:

Shopping Malls are Evolving
The Future of Shopping Malls
Garage Sales Make Good Neighbors: Building Community through Neighborhood Sales

Please comment below what your opinions on shopping malls and/or the evolution of shopping malls.