Today, Explained All the mall things
Nov 20, 2020
Jason Del Rey, a Recode reporter and host of the Land of the Giants podcast, dives into the future of retail and the changing mall culture. He discusses how COVID-19 accelerated the decline of traditional malls and the rise of e-commerce giants. The conversation highlights the nostalgic ties to mall shopping while exploring how technology, like delivery services and augmented reality, is reshaping consumer experiences. Del Rey suggests a shift towards quality over quantity in retail, offering a glimpse into what shopping may look like in the post-pandemic world.
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Episode notes
Mom's Mall Experience
- Sean Rameswaram's mom primarily shops at stores where she has personal relationships with employees.
- These relationships result in discounts and a more enjoyable shopping experience.
Retail Struggles
- Department stores are struggling due to e-commerce, brand discovery on social media, and private equity debt.
- The pandemic accelerated these pre-existing issues, forcing store closures and exacerbating financial difficulties.
Empty Storefronts and Mall Adaptation
- Many storefronts will remain empty due to oversaturation of retail spaces.
- Malls are shifting towards experiential retail like restaurants and entertainment to adapt.