How to Replace Empty Storefronts

photo: therealdeal.com

Changes have been occurring in the retail industry. It seems there is another store closing everyday. Many people are opting for the convenience of Amazon rather than leaving the home and going to the store to buy something. I admit I'm just as guilty as the next person when it comes to this.

There is a mall that is 10 minutes away from my home. It was convenient when I needed to buy a gift or get something for myself. Unfortunately, Corporations have been closing the stores in this mall, especially Macy's and Sears. These are stores that would normally have lots of things to choose from when you're looking for something for Christmas, Mother's Day, or a birthday.

These stores are closed and the area it occupied is shuttered. Retail property owners hope that this space will be occupied and replace the lost revenue from the last store closing for good. One less store at the mall means one less reason for people to visit. All of the stores will suffer. Less people visiting means less business for the other stores and running the risk of losing business and maybe having to close for good as well.

Lots of empty spaces at the mall (Photo: patch.com)

But what if malls didn't need to rely on retail to bring in rental income? What if there was another way to remain in business? What if, instead of a mall full of stores, there was a mall full of restaurants. You already have places to eat and get some coffee at the mall. Stores are closing. There is space to fill and people want to eat. People need to eat.

This, of course, would require an overhaul. Some spaces would need to be consolidated. Would it be possible to take two spaces and convert it into one larger space? Three? Could you take these empty spaces and turn it into enough space for a place to eat and a kitchen to prepare the food? They wouldn't all need to be restaurants. You could have a coffee shop. An ice cream shop. Maybe a bakery where people could just get pastry or some dessert.

There are benches already in place in the middle of the area between the stores. There is a waiting area already built in. Another idea for the smaller stores, in addition to the coffee shops is a bar. There is no need for ovens or gas lines if you're just going to pour drinks. Just install a dishwasher. All of the retail areas have plumbing and hot water installed.

Consolidating the space means less areas in the mall to be filled. This eliminates the worry of, "How are we going to fill these spaces? There are only so many places to eat." The stores that are remaining would provide a place for people to shop. The restaurants provide a place to eat. Traffic is maintained and business remain afloat. Patrons can walk inside and look at the options available when they are hungry. The money remains in the town thanks to new businesses coming in where old ones closed down.

The Wal-Mart Dilemna

There has been a lot of talk lately about Wal-Mart and the damage they do to a community when a new store is opened in a community. A lot of people criticize the retail giant for shutting down Mom-and-Pop stores, not paying fair wages and mistreating employees in other ways.

Wal-Mart's website boasted sales of $405 million in fiscal year 2010. For all of the complaints that seem to be lobbed against the store, there seem to be a lot of shoppers who either don't know about the allegations or simply don't care.

Why? Why do millions of people go into a store that may or may not use unethical business practices when it comes to fair wages or humane working conditions? The answer is simple: When people are shopping, they are looking for something they can afford. Not something that was made and sold by people who are treated fairly.

The past three years have been marred by economic turbulence. Many people, especially those in the financial sector have referred to 2000-2009 as "The Lost Decade". Many people have seen their life savings and retirement plans go up in smoke. People must work longer and put off that retirement because of the damage done to their 401k's.

Wal-mart knows this and uses it to their advantage. As much as people want to help the local store around the corner, why buy something for $5 when they know they can get it at Wal-Mart for $2.15?

It would be unfair to say it is only Wal-Mart who does this. Large-chain retailers have been doing this for years. It is bad for the local economy. Jobs are getting rubbed out and businesses are going under but millions of people are saving money everywhere.

Where are you going to go the next time you need bathroom tissue or a roll of tape? You know you will keep your money in the local economy if you head down to Joe's Local Store but you will keep your money in your own pocket if you are at Wal-Mart or want a little "Cheap Chic" at Target. You really want to do the right thing but can you afford to?

A very vicious circle is going to rear its ugly head before long. Large stores will continue to swallow smaller competitors and the business they continue to lose. People's chances for honest work and a fair wage will fade. Before long, employees will be forced to take jobs that will not pay them what they are worth or what they need to even get by. Customers looking to save a buck will groan about how hard it is to find good help.