Where do HS kids hang out these days (before getting drunk)?
As for the death of the Mall - I think we're seeing a resurgence of mom and pop type local boutique stores, esp for women's fashions. Frankly I think it's a good thing, while sites like etsy are taking a cut from all of these folks, most of the profit winds up with a local business rather than some a-hole corp exec. The downside is we're seeing a huge reduction of "first job" type employement. Had a nephew try to get a summer job at Walgreens and get turned down because they decided to hire a 35 year old who wanted to work there year round, part time. Have heard the same about crappy fast food jobs as well. Doubly sad because people can't live their lives on those jobs, they're made for kids who don't have the full expense portfolio of an adult.
It is amazing the number of adults who are willing to -- or forced to -- take menial jobs that do not offer benefits, etc. The enormous cost of health insurance is the prime driver behind this phenomenon. Take the part-time gig or take nothing.