Today, Explained
Taking Tuesday
Nov 28, 2023
In this lively discussion, guest Alexandra Lang, author of "Meet Me by the Fountain" and "Inside History of the Mall," delves into the rising phenomenon of package theft and how it's nudging consumers back to nostalgic shopping malls. She highlights the emotional connections that malls foster, particularly among Gen Z, and examines the evolving retail landscape. Lang also paints a picture of successful mall reinventions, showing how these spaces can adapt to modern needs and serve as crucial hubs for social interaction.
26:06
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Quick takeaways
- Package theft is a growing problem due to the surge in online shopping, and consumers may consider opting for in-store pickups to minimize the risk of theft.
- Successful malls are adapting to changing consumer preferences by incorporating entertainment, local vendors, and food marketplaces, while struggling malls are repurposing their space for housing or other businesses.
Deep dives
Package theft is a growing problem in the United States
Package theft, also known as porch pirates, is on the rise in the United States. With the surge in online shopping, especially during events like Cyber Monday, more packages are being delivered and left unattended on doorsteps, making them vulnerable to theft. Although there is a lack of recent hard data on the exact scale of the problem, studies suggest that around 11% of people have experienced package theft. The increase in awareness and discussion of package theft, fueled by social media and doorbell cameras, has created a hyper-vigilant culture around the issue. Despite this, retailers are often reluctant to provide detailed information on package theft rates.
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