They are blights on the post-recession retail landscape right across America… the ‘dead mall’.
One-time symbols of consumerism’s unstoppable might, they are now fascinating symbols of the waste, decay and ruin left behind by rampant capitalism.
The Forrest Village Fair Mall in Cincinatti, Ohio is just one example. What is unusual about this one though is that it is actually still open! You can go there, just like any regular mall. Although you wont find much in the way of choice – all but two of the 140 shops are open – nor are you likely to bump in to any other shoppers, you will find a bargain: how about $7 to play vintage video games all day?
The mall was built by Australian developer George Herscu back in the 80s. It has been featured on the ‘Dead Malls Series’ by Dan Bell on YouTube.
For Dan’s commentary about this mall, and the $7 a day games, skip to 5:30.