A Sign of the Times? or something else?

Angelina · May 29, 2016

I have been noting a downward trend that seems to be happening in the US and other parts of the world. Malls are closing down due to the convenience of on-line shopping and I happened to come across a really good video that gave a comprehensive view of the socio/economic impact it is having on our society and lifestyle. ..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBmvMpZCNJg
I am a little concerned because shopping does have it's benefits in relation to socializing and I imagine that one day many could be isolated from having any human contact...Just a thought!

1. Do you foresee a time where all shopping will be done on-line and the only a few convenience stores will be available to consumers?

2. What other impact [other than industry and jobs] do you think the internet will/is having in other parts of our society?

Chilehead · May 29, 2016

I think brick-and-mortar stores will always be around because too many people like to shop. Yes, there has been an explosion of online commerce over the last 15 years or so, but retailers are still in business with most building new locations routinely. in the case of shopping malls closing down, the main reasons are that the rent is too high when compared to other venues, and let's face it--they're dated. People don't want to have the hassle of taking 5 minutes to find a parking spot, 5 minutes to walk to the store inside the mall, and another 10-15 minutes to find their item(s), check out, and return to their vehicle. That's almost half an hour. In a strip mall, it's in and out in 5 minutes total. Malls by me are closing slowly, but are being replaced by open-air shopping villages--and they're very nice.
Other than that, I beleive the internet--especially social media--has ruined Americas social culture. We are more isolated than ever before. Look at me. I'm 38 and only have my wife (no other family). She has friends, but I have not had a good male friend ever. Those who I tried to initiate friendships with wanted none of me. It's what life is.

Angelina · May 30, 2016

I think brick-and-mortar stores will always be around because too many people like to shop. Yes, there has been an explosion of online commerce over the last 15 years or so, but retailers are still in business with most building new locations routinely. in the case of shopping malls closing down, the main reasons are that the rent is too high when compared to other venues, and let's face it--they're dated. People don't want to have the hassle of taking 5 minutes to find a parking spot, 5 minutes to walk to the store inside the mall, and another 10-15 minutes to find their item(s), check out, and return to their vehicle. That's almost half an hour. In a strip mall, it's in and out in 5 minutes total. Malls by me are closing slowly, but are being replaced by open-air shopping villages--and they're very nice.

I agree with a lot that you've said Chile but I think that we are looking at a future of declining malls just as there was a decline in department stores, particularly in my country. I also think that on-line stores do not have to pay the overheads that literal stores do. Like for example, paying rent.

Malls by me are closing slowly, but are being replaced by open-air shopping villages--and they're very nice.

That's sounds really awesome! Do you mean something along the lines of open markets? I had to google "strip malls" and it seems that they are the kind of malls that we have in my country already.

Other than that, I beleive the internet--especially social media--has ruined Americas social culture. We are more isolated than ever before. Look at me. I'm 38 and only have my wife (no other family). She has friends, but I have not had a good male friend ever. Those who I tried to initiate friendships with wanted none of me. It's what life is.

I totally agree that our social culture is being dramatically affected by the internet. Isolation is not a good thing...You sound like a lot of folks around here. I think that it's important that you have some good male friends to hang out with... :embarrassed-smiley53:

Chilehead · May 30, 2016

Angelina, check out this link: http://www.theforumonpeachtree.com/
It is a local shopping venue 40 miles from where I live.

Angelina · May 30, 2016

It's very nice and very much like the way a lot of our Cities are set up as well as our large towns but we have malls as well. Mostly on the outskirts of town or CBD. I took a look at some of the stores which had just about everything you may need accept perhaps a supermarket. :huh:

shnarkle · Aug 19, 2019

Angelina said:
I have been noting a downward trend that seems to be happening in the US and other parts of the world. Malls are closing down due to the convenience of on-line shopping and I happened to come across a really good video that gave a comprehensive view of the socio/economic impact it is having on our society and lifestyle. ..

I am a little concerned because shopping does have it's benefits in relation to socializing and I imagine that one day many could be isolated from having any human contact...Just a thought!

1. Do you foresee a time where all shopping will be done on-line and the only a few convenience stores will be available to consumers?

2. What other impact [other than industry and jobs] do you think the internet will/is having in other parts of our society?

There's an old saying, be careful what you wish for. When we look for socializing within the context of commercial enterprise, what are we really asking for? Should the public be able to interact within a public forum? A public arena where all may be welcomed? A private enterprise can restrict who enters into their arena simply based upon economic incentives. There was a time when most people went for strolls on public streets. They met each other in public parks, plazas, etc. This can still be seen in other countries, but not so much in countries that are obsessed with consuming stuff as a pastime.

When the Sears catalogue first came out, people said the same thing, and to a certain extent, they were correct. Now the internet of things has even put Sears out of business. There is nothing preventing me from leaving my home, and going for a bike ride to the park. There are still plenty of people to interact with at parks, beaches, public lands, etc. It's nice to be able to save money by having all my groceries delivered instead of having to battle traffic, lines at the checkout, etc. The savings in gas, time, effort, and aggravation are practically priceless. People just need to find a better reason to leave their homes other than going shopping.

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A Sign of the Times? or something else?

Angelina

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Angelina

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Angelina

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shnarkle

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