Ypulse Essentials: Non-Traditional Entertainment Enters Malls, Gen Y Start Ups, H&M's New Goth Line

With the economy slumping and consumers spending less, it’s no surprise that malls (are filling vacant retail space with non-traditional mall entertainment, most of which are kid- and family-oriented, like trampoline facilities and swimming pools. The hope is that consumers will come for the go-cart track, and stay to spend a little in stores. Speaking of young shoppers, some are very, very into saving. Last night’s episode of cult hit “Extreme Couponing” was 16-year-old Joel, who is ecstatic with the money he saves while shopping) (WSJ, reg required) (Jezebel)

- It’s a good thing that Gen Y is entrepreneurial, considering their dismal job prospects (but who’s gonna fund a kid’s business plan? Enter Gen Y Capital Parters, established by Scott Gerber of the Young Entrepreneur Council. His organization has helped young start ups with resources and connections, and now, he’s got a fund of $10 million to stake them with sums of $15,000 to $50,000) (Portfolio)

- We can’t wait to shop H&M’s new (goth-girl line inspired by the film for the bestselling book, “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.” The line is designed by Trish Summerville, the very same costume designer who worked on the movie! She worked with H&M to come up with pieces that are not only badass, but affordable. Speaking of books, Lauren Conrad has two tomes coming out next year; “The Fame Game” is a slightly dark novel, and “Lauren Conrad Beauty” is, obviously, a beauty book) (MTV) (US Magazine)

- Taylor Swift and Zac Efron are starring in a new animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s (“The Lorax.” It’s brave to remake a story that is so near-and-dear to Millennial’s hearts; the tale of the environmentalist Lorax and the greed-hungry Once-ler was a childhood classic for most Millennials and had a significant impact on their perception that they must fix and preserve the Earth for future generations) (Cambio)

- The most social consumers (tend to be young, have multiple Internet devices, are brand loyal, and frequently recommend brands. Click through for an infographic about social consumer facts and habits) (MBooth)

- Netflix may be having its share of troubles of late (but it leads all others in video traffic. During peak hours, Netflix commands a third of video bandwidth, far outpacing second place YouTube, which garners 11% of bandwidth. In other streaming video news, ABC Family is launching a Web series featuring music artist Jason Derulo. The series will give his teen and tween fans a behind-the-scenes look at his rise to fame) (MediaPost) (Kidscreen)

- Parents are using Occupy Wall Street as a ‘teachable moment’ (and bringing their children to the protests. Zuccotti Park is becoming increasingly equipped for it’s littlest protesters, serving as a sleepover site, complete with makeshift library. Many of the parents bringing their children remember marching with their own parents in protests in the 60s and 70s) (NY Times, reg required)