American malls have been riddled with challenges over the last decade — from the death of big box stores like Sears and JCPenney, to new and hyper-online shopping habits forged by the pandemic. Today, there are fewer than 1,000 malls remaining in the country, down from 1,200 in 2015.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom for these havens of air conditioning and parking. Communities across the country are finding creative ways to take advantage of lower property rent and fill the mall’s vacancies.
In North Carolina, as many chains have shuttered, the Asheville Mall has drawn in unique local businesses, such as the Mountain Peak Athletic Center. The boxing and wrestling gym, formerly a Charlotte Russe, is decked out with giant foam mats, green turf and a wrestling ring…