With the rise of the online world, technology has taken over our lives. It has infiltrated everything from phones to smart homes. In particular, shopping has become a large topic of discourse in the rise of technology. Instead of going to malls, people can buy anything they want with just a click. With this newfound easy access, it begs the question, are malls even worth it anymore? Input from our students, and certain aspects of malls that simply are not found from shopping online, point to the conclusion that, yes, they are.
Near our school are a few popular malls. There is Tysons, Ballston Quarter, and Fair Oaks. Our students spend lots of time at these malls as they are good places to hang out with friends, watch a movie or get food.
While online shopping is oftentimes more convenient than going to the mall, there are certain downsides. Shipping costs can get expensive quickly, people are more uncertain of what to buy because they cannot try it on. It is easier to get scammed online when the shopper has no idea who they are buying from. It is also worth noting that Tysons mall–one of our schools most beloved malls–is often packed with shoppers and not facing any shortage of sales. It is common to find dozens of our students there every weekend or after school, all pointing to signs of a thriving business. In addition, malls are constantly evolving. They are not just places for retail, they are experimental destinations. As well as shopping, malls offer things like movies, dining and sometimes even gyms.
To further investigate, our school’s community put their two cents in on the matter. When asked if they shop online or go to the mall more, the responses varied.
“Definitely shop online,” senior Gianna Pearson said.
“Both, but online more. I don’t have time [to go to the mall],” engineering teacher Dr. Mwafag Ghanma said.
While it seems that our school’s community members lean more towards online shopping, there were still replies that favored the mall more.
“I go to the mall more,” freshman Max Tobin said.
The interviewees were also asked if they preferred online shopping or going to malls more. In today’s world, online shopping has spread rapidly due to aspects of convenience and usefulness. Some may wonder if this new invention will replace or take malls out of business, however malls still do have advantages that online shopping does not.
“I like online shopping because there are more options, but I do like to try stuff on,” Pearson said.
The other responses were similar, highlighting the efficiency of online shopping, while still noting the hands-on aspect that going to the mall gives.
Malls have numerous benefits that online shopping simply cannot mimic. Online stores have one purpose: shopping. Malls have this and more. Going to a mall is an experience, where people can have fun with their friends or families. They can see a new movie, try delicious food, or explore a new store they have never been to. Also, malls allow for a hands-on adventure. Shoppers can feel the clothes and try them on for themselves.
While online shopping is definitely popular, it seems that malls are adapting to this new world, focusing on giving the experience rather than the retail. There will also always be advantages to malls that online shopping will never have, for example, immediate shipping and the opportunity to try clothing on.
