Shopping Malls:An Important Part of Your Community1At one time, countless people spent afternoons wandering through bustling shops in American malls and perhaps grabbing a bite at the food court before heading home with their purchases. The picture today is much different, and there are many "ghost malls" with echoing hallways and unsightly shuttered doors. According to one estimate, during the 1980s, there were about 2,500 malls in the United States. As of 2022, there were about 700. By 2032, that number could be as low as 150. There are numerous reasons why people should band together and ensure that does not happen.2There are two main types of shoppers today: those who shop online from home and those who regularly venture out to the mall. One type of shopper chooses to spendeven more time on screens, something most people already do far too much of in modern life, and their experience is impersonal and perhaps even isolating. The other type of shopper has the opportunity to meet up with friends or simply be in the company of other people while also getting exactly what they need.3Malls benefit the local economy. Picture a large piggy bank, and the coins inside represent all the money in a community's economy.People take money out when they earn a paycheck, and when they shop local, they put some of the money back in. On the other hand, people who shop online take money out without returning it. Over time, the piggy bank gets emptier and emptier, stores close, and jobs are lost

Malls let shoppers get up close and personal with the products they want to buy. Everyone has heard those stories about online purchases—the beautiful dress that arrived with loose seams, the toy that was shockingly small. When people go to a store, they can inspect, feel, try on, and hold the products they are interested in, so what people see is truly what they get! Even better, people do not need to set up an account, provide personal information, and wait for delivery. Shopping in the mall offers instant gratification.

As a final note, it is important to keep in mind that malls are more than just collections of retail spaces. They are an important part of many communities. Malls might host events to celebrate holidays, have special activities for kids, or even serve as venues for performances and concerts. Events may be affordable or even free, which can give more people the chance to create special memories.

If we let malls continue to disappear from our landscape, some cherished traditions might become a thing of the past. And it probably will not be long before other community landmarks slowly begin to vanish, too.

In conclusion, shopping malls are an important part of our communities for many reasons. They provide a social and interactive shopping experience, support the local economy, allow for hands-on product inspection, and offer opportunities for community engagement. By supporting and frequenting malls, we can help preserve these vital community spaces and ensure that they continue to play a significant role in our lives for years to come. Let's work together to keep our malls thriving and our communities vibrant.

After reading this text, readers will likely be motivated to ____

and ___.

come together.
go shop in the mall
attend more family events
stay at home
ensure that malls do mot shut down

attend more family events and ensure that malls do not shut down

After reading this text, readers will likely be motivated to ____

and ___.

come together.
go shop in the mall
attend more family events
stay at home
ensure that malls do not shut down
socialize with like-minded people
create unforgettable memories
shop online using thier phones

attend more family events and ensure that malls do not shut down

how would that look

After reading the text, readers will likely be motivated to attend more family events by visiting malls for special activities and celebrations. They may also feel inspired to ensure that malls do not shut down by actively supporting and shopping at these local community spaces.