Advances in technology have changed our world faster than we can process. The computers most people keep in their pockets (cell phones) are more powerful than the computers used to put the first people in space. Online shopping has allowed people to purchase things extremely fast and conveniently. The number of online shoppers has increased by around 40%, according to UBS.
It is easy to see why. Shopping at malls can be tedious due to the time, money and energy required. Online shopping provides the ability to shop in the comfort of your home and with convenience. Online shopping is also much cheaper. Being able to find deals easily is a benefit that online shoppers love. You simply can’t get the same deals in malls. Online shopping also allows you to access millions of stores at the touch of a button. Sadly, this has led to a decrease in physical shopping. This in turn has led to widespread closure of malls. UBS expects that the number of retail store closures will continue to increase, with up to 80,000 store closures in the next five years.
The spread of online shopping has affected one of Arlington’s local malls, Ballston Quarters. While the whole mall hasn’t closed, huge parts of the mall, like Macy’s, have been shut down because of underefficiency of business. Maybe malls aren’t becoming a thing of the past, but finally becoming what they were designed for. Not a place to spend money, just a place to gather and connect.