Its not any one thing, but a system of many things working against malls in a variety of manners:
- The distance of malls from city centers stemming from white flight
- Real estate development costs
- Tax benefits and subsidies
- The availability of online shopping and delivery
- The appearance of super marts like Walmart, typically in other rural or suburban areas
- Easier access to entertainment through the internet, social media, and mobile devices
- Changing social norms
- COVID