The mall’s dependence on the automobile — a mid-20th century symbol of freedom and suburban utopia — is a source of trouble when fuel prices spike.
The footfall decline at outlet malls in particular is illustrative of how discouraging high gas prices are when it comes to making a trip, according to the report from Placer.ai Marketing VP Ethan Chernofsky.
“While outlet malls would normally thrive when consumers are looking to save money as a result of inflation, the distance needed to travel to many outlet malls is limiting performance,” Chernofsky said.
