Retail did not disappear overnight. It faded slowly, one empty storefront at a time, until people began to realize something bigger was happening. Especially in clothing. What used to be a casual trip to the mall now feels more like walking through a museum of brands that once mattered. Unless you’re in the Freehold Raceway Mall. This place is still always packed.
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Why Clothing Stores Are Closing Physical Locations
Brick-and-mortar clothing stores are stuck in a tough spot. Prices are higher, selections feel smaller, and the experience has not changed much in years. Meanwhile, shoppers are used to scrolling through hundreds of options in seconds, comparing prices, reading reviews, and having packages delivered to their door two days later.
Trying on clothes used to be an advantage. Now online retailers offer free returns, virtual sizing tools, and customer photos that show how things actually fit. That takes away the biggest reason people once had to shop in person.
Add in rising rent, higher labor costs, and shrinking foot traffic, and many clothing chains are operating with almost no margin for error. One bad season or a few missed trends can be enough to push them into closures.
Is The Mall Experience Outdated?
Malls were built for a different era. They were designed for wandering, browsing, and spending an entire afternoon shopping. Today, people want quick trips. If they do not find what they want within minutes, they leave. It’s a lost pastime that I think other generations are missing out on…