I can't help but wonder if these dying malls will result in a revival of the downtown retail model. Personally, I hate going to malls because they have gotten too big, too sanitized... and there's nothing interesting to look at.
Last weekend a friend and I went on a historic house tour, then drove to a nearby city, known for its art galleries and antique shops, to have lunch and walk around. We had a great time strolling along the main street, browsing the merchandise in the storefronts and people-watching. We both enjoyed the experience of being in an interesting, friendly downtown, instead of a bland, boring, corporate mall...