Malls can adapt to changing market

The Globe and Mail posted an article about how malls can adapt to a retail landscape that is becoming more saturated with big box stores.

There were a few points that I thought had some local resonance.  One suggestion is to have a municipal office in a mall.  This brought to mind the PlanSJ office in Brunswick Square. 

Another suggestion is a major overhaul of the look and feel of a mall.  This reminded me of the interior renovations to McAllister Place that shows a major investment from the mall owner.

A third point that caught my eye way the idea of de-malling – i.e. placing store entrances to the exterior, allowing stores to operate somewhat independently of the mall.  This reminds me of the work being done at the Lancaster Mall.

It seems that owners of local malls may have listened to some of the same consultants interviewed by the Globe and Mail.