My name is Alex  

I am 18 years old and I am calling your attention to the destruction that is virtual retailing and how it has impacted our stores and malls over the past twenty-four years. This is something that is not mentioned often. Our malls will die out if we do not create balance between brick-and-mortar and virtual shopping. 

Growing up, my family took me to the mall quite frequently. Whether it was to shop for clothes, window shopping, meeting/catching up with friends, dining out, or getting my annual photo with santa as a gift for my mother that came from my heart. These memories brought us closer together and helped mold me into the person I am today. “Before department stores, in the mid-90’s, the number of American malls peaked at around 1,500. Today, there are only about 1,000 left. This saddens me. We cannot let our social outings or fun communal activities come to a stop. I need your pledge so this will not happen. 

We are in the process of a retail apocalypse. As of now in 2019 over 44 stores that we love to shop at will close their doors for good due to the increasing popularity of online shopping. According to TIME magazine, a growing number of Americans, do not see the need to go out to the mall, when things are available just a click away. Malls were designed for the experience and leisure. Where as e commerce is all about efficiency. I am not advocating to shut down online shopping, I am only asking for balance between virtual and physical retailing. 

Let’s work together to change the trend of just online to a more balanced shopping experience. By being more active and visiting the mall, not only will you save malls from extinction but together we might be able to revive malls that have been left to crumble. Join me in preserving our malls. Sign this petition and agree to start change by preserving these iconic institutions and by visiting the mall at least twice a month.