Even with modern, technology, subsidies, and cheap energy, transportation is expensive. Even malls and big boxes typically occupied locations somewhat convenient (for driving) for moderately populated areas. My word for this not-so-convenient mode of retail is "incomplete supply chain." Manufacturers and sellers save transportation costs by centralizing their deliveries, thereby forcing the cost of last-mile transportation on consumers. If I understand outlet malls, these were in more remote and less populated areas than the typical malls and big boxes. Did they fail because too many consumers decided that the extra distance was not worth the shopping experience and saving a few bucks? Or were they killed by online retail?
It's surreal reading this on the same day my city's preservation board denied the demolition of a random single family home and mixed use commercial building that was going to be replaced with a 35 unit apartment building in a gentrifying neighborhood that desperately needs new housing. I'm not even sure this mall is worth preserving, but I can say with certainty it's worth preserving more than a random couple buildings with no real historical significance other than the old brick.
It's a shame this first outlet mall is being lost, but I know the people who will have homes because of this - and the people who won't be displaced because there's new housing - will be better off, and I suppose that's worth it. I just wish more places in this country were willing to change
You could title this post: "Almost Deleted Scene.”
Damn
Even with modern, technology, subsidies, and cheap energy, transportation is expensive. Even malls and big boxes typically occupied locations somewhat convenient (for driving) for moderately populated areas. My word for this not-so-convenient mode of retail is "incomplete supply chain." Manufacturers and sellers save transportation costs by centralizing their deliveries, thereby forcing the cost of last-mile transportation on consumers. If I understand outlet malls, these were in more remote and less populated areas than the typical malls and big boxes. Did they fail because too many consumers decided that the extra distance was not worth the shopping experience and saving a few bucks? Or were they killed by online retail?
It's surreal reading this on the same day my city's preservation board denied the demolition of a random single family home and mixed use commercial building that was going to be replaced with a 35 unit apartment building in a gentrifying neighborhood that desperately needs new housing. I'm not even sure this mall is worth preserving, but I can say with certainty it's worth preserving more than a random couple buildings with no real historical significance other than the old brick.
It's a shame this first outlet mall is being lost, but I know the people who will have homes because of this - and the people who won't be displaced because there's new housing - will be better off, and I suppose that's worth it. I just wish more places in this country were willing to change
A good portion of my wardrobe was purchased around that duck pond. The Ralph Lauren outlet was a big deal to us in around '09. Thanks for documenting.
And wasn't Liberty Village the replacement for the older shopping destination just off 31 near Pennington? Cycles and recycles.