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« on: November 05, 2008, 08:29:34 AM »
Main Street's decline didn't begin overnight and wasn't caused by just one event like the closing of Arnold Constable.
The malls were a new phenomenon. Free parking! No parking tickets! Heating in the winter! Air conditioning in the summer! Lighting at night! Credit cards! Money back return policies! Night time shopping! One stop shopping! Food courts! Sales! Major chains! Atmosphere! Professional marketing efforts! Co-op advertising and seasonal promotions! Security! etc. etc. etc.
Adding to the above, there was a changing population dynamic and more women were driving who preferred the ease of parking at the malls. Price and convenience outweighed customer loyalty.
Need I say anymore?