How many malls are left in the US?

There are roughly 1,000 to 1,200 malls left in the U.S. as of late 2025/early 2026, but this number is declining, with projections suggesting around 900 might remain by 2028 as many "dead" or dying malls are repurposed into other uses like medical centers or schools, though some strong performers continue to thrive. The U.S. was significantly over-retailed, leading to closures driven by e-commerce and shifting consumer habits, but innovation in repurposing is ongoing.

How much longer will malls last?

According to Capital One Research, there are about 1,200 malls remaining in the U.S. as of April 2025, but only around 900 are projected to still be in operation by 2028. Even more alarming, the same research projects that nearly 87% of large shopping malls may shut down within the next decade.

Are malls making a comeback?

Yes, malls are making a comeback by evolving from just shopping centers into lifestyle destinations, driven largely by Gen Z seeking real-world experiences, community, and diverse food/entertainment, while retailers adapt with omnichannel strategies like BOPIS (Buy Online, Pickup In-Store) to blend online and offline. While some weaker malls still close, top-tier malls are seeing increased foot traffic and occupancy by offering more than just stores, incorporating entertainment, dining, pop-ups, and community events to create experiential hubs.
 

Where is the largest abandoned mall in America?

The Randall Park Mall in North Randall, Ohio, was once the largest mall in America and is a prime example of a massive abandoned mall, though it was largely demolished and redeveloped into an industrial complex, with Amazon now occupying parts of the site. Other contenders for "biggest" or most significant abandoned malls include Chesterfield Mall (Missouri) and Seminole Town Center (Florida), which saw massive scale and decline before closure, showcasing the trend of "dead malls" across the U.S.
 

What are replacing malls?

From New Jersey to Colorado, former anchor stores like Sears and Macy's are being replaced with apartments, offices, and restaurants, reshaping malls into places where people can live, work, and shop. They have built homes, townhomes and rentals in Westminster CO, keeping the JCPenny store.

The RISE and FALL of Malls in America

Is it illegal to enter an abandoned mall?

Ask Permission

But chances are good that someone still owns the property, and if you enter without permission, you're trespassing.

Why are dead malls still open?

Dead malls are occasionally redeveloped. Leasing or management companies may change the architecture, layout, decor, or other component of a shopping center to attract more renters and draw more profits. Several dead malls have been significantly renovated into open-air shopping centers.

What is the oldest mall ever?

The oldest functioning shopping mall in the world is often considered the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Italy (1877), while the Arcade Providence (1828) in Rhode Island is America's oldest, a pioneering example of enclosed shopping arcades. For the first concept of a mall, Trajan's Market in Rome (c. 100-112 AD) had numerous shops under one roof, and the Country Club Plaza (1922) in Kansas City is recognized as the first modern U.S. shopping center.
 

Why don't people like malls anymore?

Malls aren't as popular due to the convenience of online shopping, changing consumer tastes favoring experiences over goods, high operational costs making them less competitive, and market oversaturation leading to vacancies, all exacerbated by the pandemic accelerating digital adoption and shifting priorities away from traditional retail centers. 

What stores will be closing in 2026?

Kroger, Macy's and more closing hundreds of stores in 2026. Retailers plan to close hundreds of stores in 2026, including a popular store-within-a-store concept at Target.

Does Gen Z go to the mall?

More than 60% of Gen Z visits malls to socialize and 42% see it as a social activity. The mall is where they meet friends, discover new brands, and linger over meals. It's a space that allows them to mix commerce with connection, reinforcing its role as a modern-day town square.

Is Gen Z bringing back malls?

Yes, Gen Z is helping to revive malls by treating them as social hubs and experience centers, not just shopping destinations, craving real-world interaction after growing up digital, seeking instant gratification, and enjoying diverse activities like dining, entertainment (arcades, mini-golf), and brand events, moving beyond pure online convenience for tangible, community-focused experiences. 

What will retail look like in 2050?

Appetite for tech-led experiences

The Retail 2050 research, conducted in partnership with futures consultancy Trajectory, reveals that AI is set to accelerate this evolution, with three-quarters of Gen Z (76%) believing retailers should use the technology to create more immersive stores.

Why are so many stores closing in the US?

This year's closures aren't just the result of bankruptcies or last-ditch liquidations. Instead, many of the biggest names in retail are proactively pruning their store networks to stay competitive in a world of shifting consumer habits, rising operating costs, and relentless e-commerce pressure.

What is replacing shopping malls?

Traditional shopping malls, once bustling centers of commerce, are now being converted into mixed-use communities that incorporate residential housing, adding much-needed housing supply to the market.

What is the largest abandoned mall in the US?

The Randall Park Mall in North Randall, Ohio, was once the largest mall in America and is a prime example of a massive abandoned mall, though it was largely demolished and redeveloped into an industrial complex, with Amazon now occupying parts of the site. Other contenders for "biggest" or most significant abandoned malls include Chesterfield Mall (Missouri) and Seminole Town Center (Florida), which saw massive scale and decline before closure, showcasing the trend of "dead malls" across the U.S.
 

What killed malls in America?

American malls declined due to the rise of e-commerce (Amazon), changing consumer habits (preferring online/social shopping, seeking experiences over just stores), the closure of major anchor stores (Sears, JCPenney), and overbuilding of malls in the 80s/90s, leading to a surplus when demand shifted, forcing malls to become mixed-use or repurposed spaces for non-retail uses. 

Can I legally live in an abandoned building?

In some cases, it is possible to legally obtain an abandoned house through adverse possession. Adverse possession refers to a legal principle that provides the right of a person to obtain title over property if they continuously and overtly occupy it for a stipulated period but subject to certain strict conditions.

How are dead malls becoming farms?

Across the United States, abandoned malls are being transformed into indoor farms using hydroponics and LED lighting. These spaces now produce fresh food year-round, helping to combat food deserts and create green jobs in urban areas. From shopping centers to growing centers — a quiet revolution is taking place.

Do cops care about urbex?

To be honest, about 99% of cops don't really care, but we don't want you to get hurt or die on our watch doing something stupid like wandering around an unstable structure. It's a lot of paperwork and really interferes with dinner. I watch Bright Sun Films and other "urban explorers" on YouTube.

What mall makes the most money?

Table of Contents

• Westfield Garden State Plaza.
• Roosevelt Field.
• Fashion Valley Mall.
• Westfield San Francisco Centre.
• Scottsdale Fashion Square.
• Mall at Millenia.
• Ala Moana.
• Queens Center.

Is mall traffic declining in the US?

Some studies report that foot traffic in malls decreased by around 40% in 2020, with other sources recording a decrease of between 67% and 90%.

What is the most expensive mall in the world?

While "most expensive" can mean construction cost or luxury, The Dubai Mall is often cited as the world's largest and among the priciest due to its massive scale (over 12M sq ft, $20B cost) and luxury focus, housing over 1,200 stores with high-end brands and attractions like an aquarium. Other contenders for luxury or size include Iran Mall (largest GLA), Mall of the Emirates (Dubai), and West Edmonton Mall (North America).