Malls Stage Surprising Comeback as Retail Evolves in 2026
Source: nytimes.com
- Shoppers, especially Gen Z, are flocking back to physical malls after years of online dominance.
- Brands opening stores see success because online buys often disappoint with high return rates.
- Accurate product info across stores and websites will decide which retailers thrive.
Malls are rebounding as Gen Z and online-only brands rush to open physical stores, blending in-person shopping with tech like AI. This shift counters e-commerce letdowns from mismatched products. It matters because retail faces its biggest changes in a decade from AI, rules, and eco-friendly buying habits.