The Dying Malls of Pittsburgh

Word from Pittsburgh that malls in the greater metro area are failing, from Frazer to Monroeville to West Mifflin.

1 minute read

February 23, 2009, 6:00 AM PST

"Experts say it's no surprise that area malls are taking it on the chin, with retail sales slumping nationwide and big-name chains such as Circuit City, Boscov's, KB Toys and Steve & Barry's going bankrupt.

"It's a tough environment for anybody serving consumers," said George Whalin, chief executive officer of Retail Management Consultants near San Diego.

Nor are the struggles limited to the Pittsburgh region. Erin Hershkowitz, spokeswoman for the New York-based International Council of Shopping Centers, said malls throughout the country are grappling with similar issues.

"People are afraid of losing their jobs as unemployment is on the rise. People are losing their homes. This certainly is going to have an impact on malls," she said. "There are just a lot of consumers who are unable to spend like they used to.""

Thanks to Chris Cerimele

FULL STORY: Are malls a dying breed?

Sunday, February 22, 2009 in The Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Urban Development Pennsylvania Malls

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.