Noticed a big difference between the old Oxford Valley Mall and the newer one they built nearby

I spent last Saturday exploring the original Oxford Valley Mall in Pennsylvania, the one that closed around 2015. What struck me was how the old design had narrow hallways and confusing layouts, while the newer mall that replaced it has open spaces and clear sightlines. It makes me wonder if poor architecture was a bigger factor in these closures than people realize, anyone else notice this pattern in their local dead malls?

2 comments

2 Comments

jason7314d ago

Drove past the old Oxford Valley spot last month actually. The layout there was a total nightmare, felt like you had to walk through a whole department store just to get from one end to the other. That dead mall near me in Cherry Hill had the same problem, narrow corridors and random kiosks blocking everything. Once they tore it down and built that newer open concept place, traffic picked up huge. Crazy how much difference a simple floor plan makes for keeping people around.

morgan.joseph14d ago

Funny you say that, I've rewired a few of those old spots. The narrow corridors were a nightmare for running conduit too, always had to fish it through cramped spaces. Open plans just make everything easier, for shoppers and the guys keeping the lights on.