Sizing Up Property, Mall Stores Try to Shrink

      This new trend has definitely taken me by surprise, I figured a shopping mall was an ever expanding retailer. I know that the mall I shopped at back home always had renovations and expansions going on. However, according to recent trends, many retailers looking at their physical stores in order to fix the problems that the recession has left them with. With expenses like employees, real estate, and excess inventory, it's no surprise in retrospect that this is what retailers have noticed as to where their main struggles lie. 
     Retailers have also noticed that the large stores are not the ideal shopping spots, consumers prefer a "smaller box" because it provides a more intimate and less overwhelming shopping experience. Another advantage to a smaller store is that it forces retailers to choose their goods to place on display with greater selectivity. The reality is, stores do not need such a large expensive space to sell their product. It will be more beneficial to size down in my physical retail spots.
     I believe a vital point that this article is missing however is the consumer angle, the fact that not as many consumers are looking to go to a store to go shopping. They'd rather stay home and shop either on their computer or using a smart phone. Retailers need to continue to keep this factor in mind and expand and invest more into their e-commerce and m-commerce.


Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704059004575127711780438090.html?mod=WSJ_mgmt_MiddleSecondHighlights

--Leah Stoltz