36 Kr · 18 Sep, 04:54 · Business briefing

US Shopping Malls Make a Strong Comeback After 2 Decades of E-Commerce Disruption

US shopping malls are experiencing a significant resurgence following two decades of decline driven by e-commerce growth.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

US shopping malls are experiencing a significant resurgence following two decades of decline driven by e-commerce growth. Recent data indicates a strong recovery in footfall and retail performance, suggesting a shift in consumer behaviour towards experiential retail. This trend challenges previous assumptions about the permanent obsolescence of physical retail spaces. Professionals should note this structural change in the retail landscape, which implies renewed investment in property management, in-store experiences, and hybrid commerce strategies.

Employer demand for AI in E-Commerce skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)
20191x20201.2x20211.8x20222.5x20233.6x20245.2x20257.4x202610.1x
Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This revival signals a critical shift for retail and property professionals. You must prioritise skills in experiential design and omnichannel integration, as physical spaces now compete on atmosphere rather than mere inventory. If you work in real estate or marketing, focus on blending digital engagement with tangible customer experiences. Learn how to analyse footfall data to optimise store layouts and tenant mixes. Professionals in project management should prepare for renovation projects aimed at modernising older structures. Do not ignore this trend; instead, upskill in hybrid retail strategies. Understanding how to leverage physical locations for brand storytelling will distinguish you. Invest in courses that teach you to merge online data insights with offline customer interactions, ensuring you remain relevant in this evolving sector.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI in E-Commerce, Strategic Marketing, Real Estate Management and Customer Experience Design — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below
AI in E-Commerce+34%Strategic Marketing+22%Real Estate Management+35%Customer Experience De…+18%

This briefing is based on reporting by 36 Kr on 18 Sep, 04:54. Read the original coverage →

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