Shoppers Prefer Staying Outdoors. That’s More Trouble for Malls.

National chains are accelerating their exit from malls for other types of retail locations, signaling more trouble for malls as consumers show a growing preference for shorter, more convenient shopping experiences.

Jewelers, shoe stores and other specialty retailers are among the operators making the shift, indicating they will continue opening at outdoor, non-mall locations such as grocery-anchored shopping centers and strip malls after finding that they perform better and typically save on costs.