KQED's Forum Why Some Bay Area Malls Are Thriving While Others Are Dying
Sep 4, 2025
Retail expert Michael Berne, president of MJB Consulting, and marketing professor Kirthi Kalyanam from Santa Clara University dive into the intriguing polarization of Bay Area malls. They discuss how revamped spaces like Stonestown attract crowds with innovative tenants while others, like the San Francisco Centre, struggle to survive. The conversation highlights the importance of experiential shopping and community engagement in revitalizing malls and reflects on nostalgia’s role in shaping consumer habits.
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A Friday Night At Two Malls
- Heather Knight spent a Friday night at Stonestown and found it packed and lively with sushi served by a robot.
- Her colleague Coral spent six hours at San Francisco Centre and found it mostly empty with only a few DoorDash pickups.
Stonestown's Entertainment Mix
- Heather Knight describes Stonestown's mix: arcades, karaoke, bowling, escape rooms, movie theater and rows of claw machines.
- She contrasts that with the downtown mall's boarded-up escalators and empty upper levels.
Two Levers That Drive Retail Success
- Kirthi Kalyanam says retail survival hinges on two levers: convenience and sensory experience.
- Stores must either be ultra-convenient or offer sensory experiences online shopping cannot replicate.
