Survey Says People Visit Malls for Two Reasons, and It’s Not to Shop

Malls have had a bumpy time over the last decade or two. Once online retail giants like Amazon came into play — and then a global pandemic — many became vacant shells of the shopping experiences they once were.

A new survey reveals that people visit malls nowadays for two reasons, and neither of them is to shop.

According to Yelp, people are visiting shopping malls nowadays for dining and experiences more than buying things. National chain restaurants like the Cheesecake Factory and California Pizza Kitchen, which often call malls their home, hold 17 of the 25 top categories in mall brands.

The data speaks for itself. Yelp says: "While traditional retail remains important, the focus has shifted towards food and entertainment, with restaurants playing a central role in attracting visitors."

Among the top 25 brands that drive mall visitors are fan-favorites like, Chili's, Starbucks and Olive Garden — mall staples for decades. Yelp trends indicate that people are deciding to go to malls because of a restaurant they like, then after they eat, stroll around and possible look for entertainment.

Entertainment in this case means places like Dave and Buster's, a movie theater or bowling.

In the '80s and '90s, it was the other way around — you would roll to the mall to shop and then hit the food court on your way out. If you were lucky, on a weekend night, your parents might take you out to eat at one of the end-cap mall restaurants. They were considered fancy!

The good news here is that malls are making a comeback, so there will be less deserted giant spaces. Although the reasons why people go to a mall are different now, they are still going.

Yelp further states, "As malls continue to evolve, the integration of dining and entertainment will likely play an increasingly important role in their success."

23 Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants

Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.

These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we're looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!

Let's take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.

Gallery Credit: Jess

PICTURES: See Inside George Jones' Stately Southern Manor Home

George Jones' custom-built Southern manor home is currently for sale, and pictures show a breathtaking balance of Southern charm and down-home comfort.

Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker

19 Sad Country Christmas Songs to Make You Cry This Season

Christmas isn't always so merry for everyone. The holiday season can be especially lonely for those who are far away from family, missing late loved ones or too busy making ends meet to splurge on the biggest, most expensive toys. No matter what's weighing you down this Christmas, this list of sad country music has a song just for you.

Gallery Credit: Carena Liptak