It’s clear to see that malls are slowly becoming extinct, as more and more of them have disappeared over the last decade or so. But what is it that is ultimately phasing them out of existence? This is a topic widely discussed and heavily debated, so I’d like to dive into the true reason these once grand shopping centers are becoming extinct; one that goes largely untouched when the topic is brought up. It will probably blow your mind.

In the 1980s, there were a little over 1,500 larger shopping malls (50+ stores) across the US. The country is now home to just under 1,000, and due to the evolution and rise in numbers of one of its natural predators, the shopping mall is going extinct as they become outnumbered and overpowered.

While some malls have the ability to change and hide from predators, as would the beautiful Mediterranean octopus, others are not so lucky. These special malls can mask themselves away, remaining quietly among society, living life under different operations. The other more unfortunate malls remain under watch of a few known predators, though one much more of a threat than the rest; the Amazon distribution center.

Scientists at the University of Massachusetts have studied this species closely since 1996, and have seen immense growth not only in their population, but their strength as well. Amazon has evolved from a revenue of $15.7 million with 256 employees in 1996 to nearly $300 billion in sales and 647,500 employees in 2019. This makes it easy for this predator to go up against an already weakened prey.

When doors to an anchor store are shuttered, this leaves nothing to do for those gathering at waterholes, such as Auntie Anne’s Pretzels; a place where people would normally eat, followed by a trip to said anchor. As stores dwindle, and with fewer activities present for mall guests, people stop showing up to the waterhole, leaving the ecosystem weaker and weaker as years pass. Cinnabon starts to collect dust. Dairy Queen and Mrs. Fields remain empty and dark. With only a Chik-fil-A left, there is nowhere to eat or drink, and people go hungry. Due to hunger, they flee the mall for a Taco Bell, rate the mall a 1 star on Google, and will not be returning. Plants begin to wilt, and scenery becomes unfavorable to Tim, Karen and the kids. Without stores like Sears or JcPenney to visit, Tim will now have to resort to ordering his holiday sweater on Amazon. Tim is not happy. The mall suffers with little revenue, dropping more each year.

Amazon waits patiently for the perfect moment to strike its prey. The mother center starts sending out her cubs, which will now hide in the parking lot, eyeing its prey, watching it carefully and quietly. In these photos, you’ll see many cubs waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

Todd, a manager at Spencer’s leaves his shift for the night. One van notices Todd get into his car and leave. The van slowly approaches, making sure to not make a sound, just incase anybody were still inside Hot Topic or Pac Sun. It sees that all is clear, and makes its first move, striking a dead anchor store; the former Sears. This is where the mall is weakest. This is sure to help speed up the process so that Amazon can more easily consume its prey.

A timid van, along with his sisters and brothers, feels stronger now that they are traveling in a pack. They all move in on their prey. Others will have to wait patiently.

One large takeover was that of the former Euclid Square Mall. Opened in 1977, Euclid Square Mall was a regional mall, housing two anchor stores – local chains Higbee’s, and May Co. The mall was noted to be the greatest high-end fashion mall in the entire country.

While it had been a “dead mall” since the 90s, it wasn’t until the 2000s that it would become weak enough to be taken over by Amazon. By 2018, construction of a new fulfillment center had begun. The fulfillment center opened in 2019.

After a long day of hunting, the Amazon cubs return home to rest. Tomorrow, their mother will again guide them where to go. Rest well, young Amazon cubs.

Check out these other articles about abandoned malls:

Rolling Acres Mall – Ohio

Randall Park Mall – Ohio