Shopping malls are an American tradition. Their popularity and the experiences they offer have gone through lots of transformation over the years. Some are thriving while others appear to be dying. However, there is a new push afoot where meeting at the mall is cool again in Florida.
I'm a Gen Xer and used to love meeting my friends at the mall. We would window shop, walk the aisles of department stores, thumb through the racks of specialty boutiques. It wasn't always about spending money and buying things. Sometimes it was just the discovery and the socializing.
This week Simon launched a campaign to celebrate the shopping mall as the go-to destination for all generations. Simon owns premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations all over the country.
22 shopping malls in Florida are participating in the new social campaign. Coconut Point in Estero is one of them.
Why Meeting At The Mall Is Cool Again
"The mall is a touchstone of the American cultural experience – one with remarkable staying power," said Lee Sterling, Simon's Chief Marketing Officer.
The mall experience is also considered a "retro" one by many. Especially when you think about the massive amount of online shopping that is done daily. Almost anything deemed "retro" is cool for Gen Zers.
One of the ideas of the new shopping campaign is to generate enthusiasm among members of Gen Z and their moms to find new connections and experiences at the mall. A 2023 survey by the International Council of Shopping Centers found 97% of Gen Zers shop at brick-and-mortar stores despite their reputation for being glued to the internet.
"While Gen Zers may find their moms cringey, it turns out that they have developed a love for many of the same things their parents did: from fashion to movies to music and the mall," said Sterling.
Shopping in person and with friends is fun. If you're mom is still around to shop with, it's a good way to stay connected and spend time together. And if you're a mom, you are likely always looking for ways to spend time with your kids.
Make sure they know meeting at the mall is cool again. Then set a shopping date.
