Dear Santa,

All I want for Xmas is a redone mall

A total redo for one and for all 

I want cafes, local stores, and maybe some bowling

I want to see kids, Moms, Dads browsing and strolling

A ton of choices where there’s plenty to eat.

 Ice cream to brews, where all friends can meet.

I want it brimming with goods new and exciting.

I want the place to be warm and really inviting.

This mall needs a space where I can plug in.

 Re-charge my phone, take a class, snuggle in.

Take this old mall and give it more air.

Get rid of the walls, make it fun for a fair.

Bring in markets, pop-ups, music, the arts.

Bring in choirs from high schools and plenty of carts.

Mom wants a spa, a shave shop for dad.

A doll house for sis; for me an iPad.

We all want clean bathrooms, and safety for sure.

Easier access - we don’t want to tour. 

So , that’s it, dear Santa, now what is the news? 

Will developers listen and bring in their crews?

For a partial rehaul or total redo?

Do we have the market to get something new?

I know we will shop if the stores can be fun

Malls really work in the cold or hot sun.

So onward and upward with reindeers and sleigh

Merry Xmas to all, brick and mortar’s the way.

 Here’s hoping,

 Millie Lennial

Dear Millie, 

I am optimistic about your mall request. 

This year has been a good one for the retail development industry despite what you may have been reading about bankruptcies and closures of old stores. Key points are:

Developers have a choice of successful new retailers whose stores and merchandise provide tailored merchandise, a special experience, and coordinated online shopping.

Successful online retailers are looking for brick and mortar locations.

Non-retail tenants such as health, fitness and educational institutions are adding a sense of place and community to malls.

Old-style malls turning into town centers and shedding the name “mall” is a growing trend and has spread the word that many malls can be repositioned as successful centers for the 21st Century.

This is a truly an era for innovation and if your old mall is in a viable location there is a good chance it will be redone. Nothing like shopping in a great mall! Wishing you the best for the New Year. 

Merry Xmas and long live brick and mortar,

Santa.

Carol Todreas is a principal at Todreas Hanley Associates, Cambridge, Mass.