What We Lose When Malls Shut Down

Large shopping malls have functioned as social microcosms beyond shopping. As virtual reality and online life expand, malls may serve as buffers against loneliness and depression by providing in-person interaction. Malls can also bridge social connection for people with special physical and/or emotional needs. Large-mall decline is tied to changing purchasing habits, including a surge in online shopping during the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of 2025, mall vacancy rates rose sharply, and analysts project many large malls may close within a decade. At the same time, stress and emotional disconnectedness increased among adults, and many report isolation. Youth suicide rates rose substantially, alongside increases in homicide rates.

"As virtual reality dominates our lives, malls can be a buffer against loneliness and depression. Malls can be a bridge to social connection for those with special physical and/or emotional needs. It is not clear what will replace malls as gathering places in our diverse society."

"As of the end of 2025, the nationwide mall vacancy rate was 112 percent higher than the overall average retail vacancy rate from the prior year. Analysts project that up to 87 percent of large shopping malls may close over the next ten years. As few as 900 malls may remain open by 2028, down from an estimated 25,000 malls in 1986."

"The American Psychological Association reports recent increases in stress and emotional disconnectedness among adults (18 years and older). Half or more of U.S. adults reported feeling isolated, left out, or lacking companionship. Loneliness is often accompanied by depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic health problems."

"Among youth (ages 10-24), suicide rates have increased by 62 percent from 2007 through 2021, and homicide rates surged upward with a 60 percent increase from 2014 through 2021. Since we used to spend so much time in malls, parallel patterns between the closure of large malls and changes in social behaviors and well-being deserve thoughtful analysis."

Read at Psychology Today