Malls across the country have been closing in recent years as consumers prefer the ease of online shopping or go to big box stores that offer practically everything. Nationally, malls may be in jeopardy, but in Idaho, they’re still flourishing.
In the 80s, there was nowhere cooler than the mall. But changing times and a shifting retail landscape have altered that – almost everywhere.
Despite the national downturn in malls, brick and mortar locations around the Treasure Valley are flourishing. As retailers like Macy’s, J.C. Penney and Sears close stores around the country, they’ve kept their locations around Boise open.
Boise’s Town Square Mall continues to do a good business. Retail property specialist Bob Mitchell tells the Statesman the Town Square remains in-demand. He says the secret to the mall’s success is a good location and mix of stores. The opening of the outdoor Village at Meridian hasn’t seemed to impact the indoor Town Square.
With the region’s increasing population, uptick in development and low unemployment, many retailers are on the cusp of promoting Boise from a third-tier to a second-tier market.
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