Malls are transforming into amusement parks to adapt to the spending habits of young consumers. Many U.S. malls are adding attractions like laser tag, skydiving simulators, and “escape rooms,” that they say are enticing shoppers to spend more money and time at their locations. One company focusing on building movie theaters and golf complexes next to or in shopping centers reports revenues of $236.8 million for the first half of 2016—about a $36 million increase from the same period the year before. Another factor driving the trend is consumers’ increasing interest to shop online, threating the livelihoods of their current tenants. (The Wall Street Journal)
