OVIEDO, Fla. — The traditional role of American shopping malls has shifted dramatically over the past decade as consumers increasingly turn to online shopping and economic pressures continue to reshape retail.
According to the National Retail Federation, 45% of Americans shop in stores, 28% shop online, and 27% use a combination of both. Capital One Shopping Research estimates the United States is home to about 1,200 malls, but projections show that number could drop to about 900 by 2028.
That shift is being felt inside malls across Central Florida, where some small business owners say fewer shoppers are walking through their doors…