The Death of a Shopping Icon: Lakeforest Mall's Final Hours

[@eddstarr2185]

It seems to me that in general our "social lives" are changing and we spend more time apart from each other. Shopping Malls harken back to an earlier era when many activities were conducted in public. The real shame is how all those massive buildings don't adapt well to other uses. I can't blame retail commerce totally - doesn't it seem like the modern world has drained all the joy in life's everyday activities?

[@DyingRetail]

Yes. I agree. People are more disconnected from each other on a scale never seen. No wonder people seem to be cracking up. Thanks for the input.

[@vincemajestyk9497]

Yes, that's not a good thing either. People are wigging out. You got to have REAL social interaction, not a fake simulation of it. I had a job (back then 20 years ago) with a home office and set my hours. I couldn't stand it for long and would always go into the office a few times a week just to stay in touch.

[@DyingRetail]

I went to a club before COVID and was ticked I paid a cover charge to watch people with faces buried in their phones. Social interactions in the real world have gone out the window.

[@vincemajestyk9497]

@@DyingRetail Quite a few years ago I was in a doctor's waiting room and they had the seating, 2 couches opposite each other. I saw a grandmother, the mother (her daughter) and the son/grandson all with their necks craned down fiddling with their phones sitting right next to each other. It was funny and sad at the same time. Facebook's own study proved 'social media' was harmful to kids and society.

[@DyingRetail]

It’s amazing how it has changed behaviors that’s for sure.

[@ScottForrest420]

I remember playing in the construction of Lakeforest when I was a kid. Used to ride my bike through the mounds of dirt and construction debris. My Junior and Senior high was centered around this mall, the skating rink, and hanging at the center with the fountain and pools and the glass elevator. I remember we used to walk the halls of this mall at 13, smoking cigarettes in the mall (you could do that back then). It was a big part of my formative teen years and will always have a place in my heart. Thanks for this.

[@DyingRetail]

I miss those days of riding bikes through construction sites. I want to find pictures or footage of the rink.

[@TheStncld357]

Amen bro!

[@DyingRetail]

👏 👏

[@TheStncld357]

Me too..

[@DyingRetail]

👏 👏

[@sirrobin4394]

I can see malls making a comeback in the future. The more isolated we become as a society, the more drive we'll have to come full circle to the 70's or 80's. My mind is already racing over how we can bring these more innocent times back to enjoy it.

[@DyingRetail]

I think we will always have malls. It seems there’s a ton of areas overdeveloped with them. Plus I think the model that depend on big anchor stores needs to be redeveloped. It’s sad to see one’s like this go. Which is why I am trying to document as many as I can so we can always remember them.

[@gridley]

Possibly. But Keith's vid reflects long-term cultural, political & economic changes. Nearby Washington DC in 2023 reflects it too. Today's nation is meaner, more dysfunctional, chaotic & anything but nicer & kinder. So-called woke politics & woke people come with a price.

[@DyingRetail]

Might be some parallels with society but seems more economic and present generations change in shopping habits.

[@interstat2222]

It starts with cutting out social media (not difficult/YT doesn’t count as social media, I don’t think!), then the smartphone. The simple life is still there for anyone brave enough.

[@DyingRetail]

It’s harder now I think. It’s too ingrained. However you can get rid of social and keep a smart device.

[@thornmallow1]

Wow, that was my Mom’s Mall. She lived across the street. That’s my old hang out. Thank you for posting this video.

[@DyingRetail]

You’re very welcome. I am glad you enjoyed. Hope it brought back good memories.

[@f.michaelbremer-cruz2708]

Thank you SO much for documenting the final day of Lakeforest Mall. I live near it and when I moved to Gaithersburg 20 years ago, it was utterly fabulous, which is not an exaggeration. It survived the online retail shopping boom rather well, but the COVID pandemic was what ultimately killed it. If memory serves, it was worth about $100 million USD in 2013 and was where everyone in Gaithersburg went shopping. Now, it's a blighted, boarded up eyesore on the verge of being redevloped. It was built on what had been the Brookes Farm, one of many sizeable farms that were sold to build places like this. Now, it's time is over and this captures the final moments of this place. Each storefront you passed by once was bustling but now, I see the faded outlines of old signage as Gravestones, memorializing the hard work, dreams and desires that this Mall fostered for nearly a half century. Rest in Peace, Lakeforest Mall. You served our community nobly from your first day to your last.

[@DyingRetail]

You’re welcome. I’m glad it helped relive memories. Sal, another mall documenter is getting ready to release his video which should have the scene when the mall closed that night. I wasn’t able to stay til closing.

[@moremiaj4786]

This felt like being at a funeral.... sorta misery inducing. But thank you for sharing this memory. I hope I always keep these memories.

[@DyingRetail]

That is how I felt while there. I’m glad I was able to see it in person. Especially that ceiling.

[@NoctemOUT]

This was my family's main mall when I was a teenager/early adult. I lived in Montgomery county from 1992 to 2006= I've got a lot of great memories of going to this mall for dinner and shopping with and without my parents. I remember the fountain and pit/sitting area that was in the center, there were always kids running around. 1992 was a bit late for the skating rink, but I do remember the movie theater that was where the food court was as of closing. I could go on about all the stores and where they were- lots of great memories.

[@DyingRetail]

I wished I could have seen it at the height of its popularity.

[@whitneyfan9019]

Great video. Thanks for posting. I use to shop at this mall a lot back in the 90’s and 00’s. This place use to be loaded with people. Sad seeing it like this. The last time I was at Lakeforest mall was in 2008.

[@DyingRetail]

+Whitneyfan 90 Thanks Whitneyfan 90. I’m glad you enjoyed.

[@thejlist4369]

I worked in this mall at the Hecht Co. from 1985-87. Wonderful times and a beautiful mall. I remember so much about it. Sad to see it go away....thank you for this last look.

[@DyingRetail]

Thank you for sharing. I’m glad the video helped relive those good times.

[@DyingRetail]

Ah. Forgot to mention I worked for Hechts in 1991-1992 selling electronics at Greenbriar Mall in Chesapeake, VA. One of the few places that everyone felt like family.

[@DyingRetail]

+The J List you’re welcome.

[@Idkanythingrlly]

Such a lovely design, too. My local mall is basically dead now, and I was born in the 90s. But I remember how it was as a child and into my teen years - it is a unique feeling. Nostalgia mixed with a sense of grief for what was and will never be again.

[@DyingRetail]

it’s something I never thought I’d witness on the scale we are seeing.

[@interstat2222]

@@DyingRetail Ecommerce will die one day… and then we’ll see dead warehouse videos.

[@DyingRetail]

Got me. I don’t think e commerce is going away. Brick and mortar stores have to learn to adapt and change.

[@lemondemonlover]

For anyone I practically grew up in this mall so I remember like every store. The anchor stores were Lord & Taylor (closed in 2018/2019), JCPenney (closed in late 2019), Sears (closed in 2020), and Macy's (closed recently in March 2023 and was there at the closing). There was the 2 main anchor restaurants Ruby Tuesday and Pollo Campero. The food court was Sbarro, Charley's Philly Cheesesteaks, Subway, Mcdonalds, Afghan Grill, Panda Express and a asian grill I think called Nathan's. There was a FYE I always went to and Hot Topic too, I remember a Fun Zone I and ll or maybe it was called chill-out zone l and ll also there was a Spencer's. I will edit this later for more information

[@DyingRetail]

Don’t forget the Red Robin. :)

[@lemondemonlover]

@@DyingRetail sorry bro

[@DyingRetail]

LOL! Hey! You provided a lot of good information. Lol!

[@lemondemonlover]

@@DyingRetail thnks bro btw have you been to montgomery mall maryland its not dead but you could make a video on it

[@DyingRetail]

I’ve heard about it. Haven’t been before.

[@melrose795]

I went to this Mall many times over the years.. Had some great stores...Hechts turned into Macy's and Woodward and Lot help was known as "Woodies" for short..Two regional Department stores, both out of business..In later years, the public transit bus station in back of Mall, nearest to Sears, became crime riddled... Gangs in nearby neighborhoods...Now, Westfield/Montgomery Mall, about 20 minutes away or Malls in Frederick, 30 miles away, are the closest..

[@melrose795]

Woodward and Lothrop

[@DyingRetail]

Do you feel when they added the public transit area to the mall things started changing or was the mall having issues before that happened?

[@melrose795]

@@DyingRetail Good question, but I really don't know..I don't know the timeframe of the bus transit being there, it was always there to my knowledge since visiting in the early 90's through the 6 or 7 years ago when I stopped going..The Mall was built in the 70's though...

[@DyingRetail]

I had several people tell me the transit station was the start but I can’t confirm either.

[@TerukoTaft]

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing & taking us on a tour with you. 23 years ago I moved to Rockville and this was the 1st mall in the area that I went to. I was fascinated; I had never seen anything so massive. My kids loved playing in the kids area with the tree. I moved 5 years ago now, really sad it will not be there when I return. Well done, it felt like paying respects.❤

[@DyingRetail]

I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the video. I was so thankful I could get there on the last day. A beautiful building. I fell in love with that ceiling and the skylights.

[@StillRockinat71]

So sad to see Lakeforest in this state. We lived in The Hamlet, right across rom the mall, even before the mall opened, up until around 1979. We used to watch the snow between our apartments and the mall… and watch people do doughnuts in the parking lot. My mom used to punch our son in his stroller, to the mall every day. She lived in the Hamlet, until around 1985. Christmas decorations at Lakeforest were beautiful, with their Santa village set up by the elevators. Nice selection of stores, and restaurants… nice seating areas in the “sunken” area, and the fountain was very nice. My whole family, my mom, my sisters family, my brothers family… and of course, my own family… all shopped there, ate there, and just enjoyed the mall so much. It’s so sad, to see what we do in this “disposable” attitude country. People, like to travel to Europe to see the historic sites. Our historic sites usually get torn down within 50 years. R.I.P. Lakeforest Mall.

[@StillRockinat71]

My mom used to “push” our son… never punched him once…😁

[@DyingRetail]

Yes. It’s sad to see these large ones go away. I think crime led to its demise more than anything else.

[@DyingRetail]

Yeah, I figured it out. I hoped your mom wasn’t punching you guys 😂

[@StillRockinat71]

Agree on the crime comment. Just a final note… You did a beautiful job on this video. Actually, I had been looking at a video of another mall, that my wife and I used to go to… when I got to wondering what Lakeforest Mall looked like these days. That’s how I came across your video. We didn’t know it had closed. Yours is the best video I’ve seen on the subjects. The music you used is very sad… especially to a probably “overly nostalgic” person like myself. Most of my family has passed away by now, and seeing that Mall, knowing how we all used to be there at different times, really tugged at my heart. And the music, matched that tug. Again… Great job!

[@DyingRetail]

I am glad I was able to make the trip and record this mall. I could tell it was something in its early days. I hope it brought you some good memories about your family members who are no longer here.

[@1313coffeeguy]

It's so sad to see mall's closing, so many have disappeared.

[@DyingRetail]

Agreed. I hope you enjoyed the video. Was this a mall you used to shop?

[@1313coffeeguy]

@@DyingRetail no I'm in Pasadena but classic malls out here are either gone or in poor shape.

[@DyingRetail]

I’ve seen several online that looked nice at one time. Arizona is also losing some classic ones.

[@jerrimenard3092]

I sang with a choir at this center court when I was 12 at Christmas time! My sister and I did a duiet of " My Favorite Things" from Sound of Music and a redition of "Winter Wonderland". It was massive! It was not uncommon for Pop stars if the time such as Tiffany and Debbie Gibson to do shows here. For context, with the surrounding balconies, which were full, three rows back for Christmas Events, its about the size if a very large megachurch. Think Hillsong and you get the picture. They had a "backstage" doorway that was basically a hallway wide enough to push a grand piano through. The PA's were the size you see at big shows with real rock stars. That's when I knew I did not want to be a traveling professional singer. Way to much stuff going on. I like solitude and poetry, not drunk Santas. LOL!

[@DyingRetail]

Thanks for sharing the memory. I was trying to imagine when standing there the area full of people and wondered what it was like. The little box area with a door next to the elevator, was that a changing room?

[@imnotvaeri]

I've never been to or in this all but I love Lakeforest Mall and everything about it.

[@DyingRetail]

It was an interesting experience. I was glad I made it there on their last day.

[@PleasantDreems]

I grew up in Frederick, so going to lakeforest mall was a BIG treat for me! I’ll never forget how fancy it seemed to me as a kid.

[@DyingRetail]

It’s a beautiful building. I was glad I got to experience it in person.

[@raywills4709]

What a shame. I worked for mall management in the late 80's and early 90's. The mall was very nice and busy during that time period.

[@DyingRetail]

It still had a lot of character even on its last day operating. Thanks for stopping by the channel.

[@deborahcook1339]

Your documentation of our history is a great thing...as we continue to move forward and grow into bigger horizons we must be reminded how we came to be with this history of our past steps...thank you Continue on...!

[@DyingRetail]

Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed. I enjoyed visiting this mall a lot.

[@DyingRetail]

+Deborah Cook Thanks for stopping by Deborah. Sounds like you enjoyed this video. It’s an interesting mall.

[@IIVIIOJICA10]

I appreciate you doing these videos. You are preserving memories for ever. Decades from now we can see how is was back then.

[@DyingRetail]

You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed.

[@DyingRetail]

+Mario Mojica Thanks Mario. I’m glad you enjoyed.

[@arainagodtheice]

I had no idea that this local mall was closing until I checked your video out. I haven’t been there in years lol. Thank you for sharing one last look at this beautiful mall before it’s gone forever.

[@DyingRetail]

Hi 👋 I am glad the video brought back good memories. It’s a shame to see it go. If you like Taubman designs I also have a video on Stony Point Fashion Park in Richmond, VA and MacArthur Center in Norfolk, VA. The Norfolk one you’ll definitely see similar designs.

[@Cynderquil48]

Amazing Video! I love the videography and can't wait to see what you have next!

[@DyingRetail]

@Cynderquil48 I’m glad you enjoyed. I’ll try and not disappoint :)

[@markmullen1852]

That opening shot is awesome. Grew up going here. Learned to ice skate there. My older sister worked at Bonanza Steakhouse when it was there. As a small child, every penny was spent at KB Toys. Bought my skate supplies at Sunshine House and my favorite sweater was purchased at Britches Great Outdoors. Every Friday my family and friends would meet at Larosa Pizzeria in Montgomery Village. I can still taste that pizza and im 49. This mall was a HUGE part of my child and teen years. That stage area in the middle was SOOO cool. The waterfall and wishing well was always fun. Christmas time was magical at Lakeforest. So many EXCELLENT memories!!!

[@DyingRetail]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I wish I could have seen photos of the ice rink. That had to have been a cool feature.

[@erikmoore1940]

Dayum, I went to this mall everyday growing up as a teen. Us to catch the ride on bus at the top of the hill. Iconic

[@DyingRetail]

Glad you enjoyed the video. It’s sad to know it’s gone.

[@OrlasHornraven]

Those pit seating areas were always the smoking areas from my memory of malls going back to the late '70s.

[@DyingRetail]

@@OrlasHornraven oh I’m sure. Smoking was everywhere back then for sure. I wish I could have found photos or videos when the ice rink was there.

[@vectrinox]

Before our Hilltop Mall ever existed, it originally used to be all farmland that was later developed and owned by the Chevron oil refinery. There also used to be a Drive-In theater located on the same lot, which had still remained around nearly ten years after the mall had opened back in 1976. Hilltop also used to have all of the major anchor restaurants that surrounded the outside mall: Chevy’s, The Olive Garden, The Red Lobster, Fuddrucker’s.

[@DyingRetail]

It sounds like it was a good spot for years. Did crime start to factor in to the decline?

[@vectrinox]

@@DyingRetail I am very sad to say that it was mainly the crime that had brought down this once nice mall, with the help of the opening of Wal Mart back in 2007, killing all the major anchor stores like Ortho weed killer: JCPenney in 2017, Sears in 2020 at the beginning of COVID-19 and finally Macy’s in 2021, along with all the rest of the smaller shops.

[@DyingRetail]

Seems to be an all too familiar theme.

[@vectrinox]

@@DyingRetail I totally agree with you.

[@DyingRetail]

😔

[@andrewclarke3622]

This isnt the first video Ive seen on the closing Lakeforest. My parents were in Maryland durung the late 70s. I was in 1st grade when it opened. I remeber enduring two godawful holiday performances that elementary students went through back in the day. I remeber being enamored by the gemshaped elevator. My paeents left for Michigan the 1980. I also discovered back in 2017 that WhiteFlynt, in Bethesda, where I saw the first StarWars movie was demolished. Thanks! I miss the mall era. Especially since my growing years were in Michigan. I currently live in California since leaving Michigan in 1998.

[@DyingRetail]

There are some interesting malls out your way. Hope you enjoyed this one.

[@andrewclarke3622]

Thats what I have heard. After living in California (los angeles) for all this time, you do ignore whats around you. The time in Maryland is so long ago that these memories are starting to fade. Please keep thw videos coming, there very interesting.

[@Furs_Feathers77]

I was one when this mall was built. It's not even that old. So sad!

[@DyingRetail]

Sadly, a lot of malls built within the last 30 years are running to same issue. I hope you enjoyed the final look around.

[@tab6396]

It would always have a special thing in my heart

[@DyingRetail]

I fell in love with the place that day.

[@jimpeterson7124]

LOVED your video! I appreciate you called out and mentioned your "mentors", and gave them credit, but you DEFINITELY hold your own! Great voice, great video, GREAT choice of music - very comforting and inviting to experience!!

[@DyingRetail]

I am glad I was able make the content enjoyable for you. It’s been a work in progress with each video on how to make improvements. You’re too kind Sir! I hope to get another video out soon.

[@jimpeterson7124]

@@DyingRetail thank you for replying directly that's really significant. Yes I can't wait to see them all seriously

[@DyingRetail]

Unfortunately I’m going to be slow getting new content out for awhile. I’m taking care of a sick parent but I will have one, maybe two more, coming sometime soon. Thanks for your support.

[@TheRealsupercucumber]

Bye nostalgia childhood mall😢

[@DyingRetail]

Hope the video brought back some good memories for ya!

[@PhancyPants99]

Things haven’t been the same since walmart sprang up everywhere. I despise the greedy Walton family for the damage they’ve done.

[@DyingRetail]

+PhancyPants99 Can’t lay this at feet of Walmart. There’s a lot of things going in. Main one is developers building too many malls on top of each other. Crime. Etc.

[@jafo766]

All the JOB$ $hipped to CHINA did it'$ part.

[@DyingRetail]

And that’s not what killing the malls. There are too many for one. Anchor stores struggling, filing bankruptcy, closing stores, which trickle down to the malls. Developers getting properties, only looking at using them for collateral on big projects so they don’t do upkeep and maintenance, a generation of shoppers who don’t want to go out to stores anymore… as for China. Look to Washington and imbalanced trade deals for a lot of that problem.

[@mikefobfan101]

I loved this mall. I would come all the time from when I was a little kid to even in high school. It's sad how fast it declined, since it just feels so recent that the mall was busy. I wish there wasn't so much crime around that area.

[@DyingRetail]

Really seems the crime element helped this mall end. It was spooky at times being outside of the building when I was filming.

[@mikefobfan101]

@@DyingRetail it really did. There were alot of weird people there. You had to watch out what time you went there, especially by the enterance where the cafe is.

[@justinoleary911]

Interesting how we have 100 million more people than when these malls were thriving and they still die.

[@DyingRetail]

Too many malls were built. When you have a thriving mall and others are built too close, they kill each other off.

[@quietquitter6103]

They destroyed it by removing that centercourt amphitheater design.

[@DyingRetail]

I would have liked to have seen that ice rink.

[@Whatchamawhozit]

Last time I was there was XMAS of 2009 and it was packed... So much has changed in just over a decade

[@DyingRetail]

I would have liked to have seen it then for sure!

[@melinabee3]

Such a shame! This is a cool looking space and why can’t it be used for something else ?! 😢

[@DyingRetail]

I agree. I loved those skylights. Made me think of the Flintstones a little bit. I think they believe it’s more cost effective to create something new.

[@cynthiaj.simmons870]

Excellent very excellent videos and photos!!! 🤗❤️🤗❤️🤗❤️ It’s so sad to see these malls go like this closing up all around the us. And so very happy you got to meet Ace and Sal too. I love studying about abandoned shopping malls and my inspiration has been Dan, Ace and Sal too it’s just I don’t post I don’t have KZbin content but I call myself an KZbin urban explorer because I love to do all my exploring walking all of these abandoned places through KZbin!!! 😁❤️😁❤️😁❤️ Again great and wonderful video and last video of a mall too. ☹️🙏🤗❤️

[@DyingRetail]

I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the video. I hope to have another not too far off. :)

[@asherlevin6795]

Worked there at natural wonders and world of science. Will miss thst mall

[@DyingRetail]

It’s a sad sight to see.

[@denial987]

Sadly this is what is going to happen to a huge portion of the Bramalea City Centre in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. All the way down from the Sears wing of the mall (which has long since sat empty since 2018) down to where the Pickle Barrel wing of the mall is (this section of the mall was constructed a little over 2 years ago) has been sold off to a real estate developer by the landlord with approval from City Council for demolition and redevelopement as a mixed commercial/residential/condo/apartment building area.

[@DyingRetail]

Thanks for sharing. I’m going to have to look up this mall. So only one wing is going to be demolished as I understand your info?

[@vectrinox]

The very same tragic fate had occurred at our local hometown shopping center back in 2021: HILLTOP MALL, located in Richmond, CA just 15 minutes north from San Francisco. And the really saddest part about it all was how our mall was supposed to have undergone a extensive renovation, but all of that went down the pipes when that dad gum COVID hit us all real hard in March 2020, scrapping the whole entire project. Our Hilltop Mall, with the exception of Wal Mart and 24 Hour Fitness had officially closed its doors forever back in April 2021, as it is now completely shuttered. It seems that our Hilltop Mall has a lot of similarities to your Lakeforest Mall. Hilltop Mall had officially opened back in September 1976 and had housed four major anchor stores: Macy’s, JCPenney, Emporium Capwell and later Sears, which was an expansion add on to the mall in 1990. Hilltop Mall originally had an ice skating rink when it first opened, then was later transformed in to a Cineplex Odeon theater in 1989, now a 24 Hour Fitness. Even one of your mall escalator configurations that go to the left are the exact same design as Hilltop Mall. Sadly, our Hilltop Mall had been sold to a local Bay Area affordable housing development company: Logistics, where it faces potential demolition. Currently, Hilltop Mall is still standing, but is completely shuttered, with the exception of Wal Mart and 24 Hour Fitness.

[@DyingRetail]

Wow. Well I checked. Your mall was developed by same company as Lakeforest. Taubman. Which explains ice skating rink and similar names theater. Would love to see it. You have me wanting to search for videos now.

[@DyingRetail]

Also your mall was opened two years before this one here. Did it have the same kind of skylight features?

[@vectrinox]

@@DyingRetail Hi, our Hilltop Mall had all the same skylight windows throughout the building,, but the interior roof ceiling design dimensions were more rounded circular. Also, our Hilltop Mall had something very rare most malls do not have, a huge spiral walking ramp with a fountain at the bottom, located in the main center of the mall, instead of the very common scenic glass elevator, seen in most malls. A merry go round was later added in the center of the mall square, which is also round shaped.

[@DyingRetail]

I found a mall video and saw that circular walkway. It looked grand.

[@vectrinox]

The spiral ramp walkway was a very unique feature at Hilltop Mall, something that I have not encountered at any of my neighboring malls in the Bay Area. However, there is another shopping mall in the Bay Area that was also developed by the Taubman company: STONERIDGE MALL, located in Pleasanton. In the KZbin videos, there is this nice looking golden ornament sculpture piece hanging that is suspended by invisible wire in the middle of the spiral ramp. There is a similar duplicate sculpture displayed at the STONERIDGE Mall.

[@JohnLusher]

Looking forward to this one

[@DyingRetail]

Thanks for watching.

[@FESPerson2974]

The Mall at the beginning looks so similar to MacArthur Center but when I saw the statue that was a giveaway

[@DyingRetail]

They are both Taubman designed properties.

[@kohl1999]

Malls were at their prime in the early 80's because they had the most awesome attraction that could exist for a kid; the video game arcade!

[@DyingRetail]

Oh yea! I miss the old arcade days for sure!

[@Gordon_2000]

Why would anyone prefer to go to an outlet open mall, and walk in the heat or cold, to shopping in a closed mall, nice and cozy.

[@DyingRetail]

I don’t know. When I worked retail in the malls you wanted rainy days to drive people inside.

[@azharidris7092]

very sad video.. yes structures like these will never be build again in the US ''perhaps in the America's''.. the culture has change for the need of their existence.. but other countries around the world are building Mega Mall on a different level and scale to serve and compliment their cultural especially in the pacific rim country.. should go and check them out.. they are truly amazing..

[@DyingRetail]

There’s a video on a mall in Dubai that’s insane.

[@Lonestar70blue]

Our country is dying, just like this mall.

[@DyingRetail]

😢 I hope things turn around.

[@interstat2222]

It’s because people are too apathetic to make changes. We see it happening but expect someone else to fix it.

[@DyingRetail]

Could very well be. The world seems upside down.

[@back2the80sradio]

So sad that society exchanged the experience for convenience.

[@DyingRetail]

Yeah it is. However, it seems that’s the way everyone is going. I don’t know if that will ever change. I am glad you enjoyed the video.

[@ethanatwork]

seems like the Ruby Tuesday was on the other side of the hallway where the Maria's place is.

[@DyingRetail]

I believe you’re right.

[@Maxx1066]

The Hartbeat of America when she finally give her last breath we all be in trouble great building.

[@DyingRetail]

It’s last day was 3/31. Sad.

[@datalore6187]

People used to go to shopping malls to be seen. There was a social aspect of going to a mall. People didn't just stop going because of Amazon or online shopping, people stopped going because they don't care to be around others with whom they do not identify. And if something isn't yours, then why would you care about it? If you're really into country music, and like to drink, would you go to a bar that plays punk rock or alternative music? Probably not, it's not what you prefer. Would you go to jazz club or some artsy-fartsy coffee house surrounded by people talking about how awful the country is? No, probably not. You'd want to be around others who like what you like, who share common values and enjoy what you enjoy. You'd want to associate with others like you. You can think of this as a microcosm of what's happening to the country. If you change a country and its culture significantly, you also take away from the people who care, or used to care, about it. If it's not your country, then why should you care? You can disagree with me, call me a bigot or a racist, whatever. But you're the one wondering why this mall is going to be torn down, scratching your head wondering what went wrong.

[@DyingRetail]

I think I know what you’re trying to say. I do think the current trend of people always having a nose in their phones could lead to socializing issues. I’ve seen where people are sitting next to each other and will only respond by texting each other.

[@thecatswillplay86]

I bet this place was really jumpin' in the 1980s early 90s before you had the internet and everyone was glued to their cell phones.

[@DyingRetail]

When this mall opened, there was a skating rink and concerts held in the center court. It was a happening place from what I have read.

[@markmullen1852]

It really was. I was 4 when it opened and it was magical.

[@vincemajestyk9497]

I worked at a tech company in Gaithersburg from 2000-2002 and would go there sometimes to the food court to eat lunch. They did have a nice assortment of choices at the food court. It was kind of down the street from where I worked, maybe a 10-minute drive. It was a really nice all on the inside then and I did some shopping there and bought some nice things. Malls were on the decline by then, really surprising GM pension would invest in something like that. I do remember that sometimes there were some sketchy individuals hanging out in Gaithersburg and that mall back then, not too bad. There was another mall called 'Lake Forrest' I visited in Illinois when I was in boot camp and thought this was that one at first. I also remember when Woody's went under and they closed all the store around DC. Got some nice things there too. Lord & Taylor and Hects got bought out by Federated or Macy's and all of those stores changed after 2006. I think Macy's was a lot worse than either of those two others. I remember 'Roy's' sandwiches in Gaithersburg too. We ate at that place a LOT. It was in an old train depot. Probably gone by now. I remember seeing 'Roy' himself back then. Must have been in his '80's. Still coming in to work.

[@DyingRetail]

I think GM trust probably invest it in a lot of these properties for Revenue for their retirements and other programs. The food court looked like it would’ve really been nice when it first opened up. I wish I could’ve seen what it looked like when it was going full swing. Losing three mall anchors in 2019 and then having all the Covid mess. I am sure didn’t help them whether everything as it might have otherwise. I did read that there was a small chance the building might be repurposed everything else I read, said that they were going to demolish the building.

[@vincemajestyk9497]

@@DyingRetail I think you're right. The real estate is usually more valuable than the large footprint a low traffic mall takes up. Yes, it was an EXCELLENT food court back in the day. I never saw a nicer one in a mall. Many of them were unique and good quality food. Covid killed a lot of businesses on the edge. Losing anchors, even one or two, is usually the death knell for a mall. They're called anchors for a reason. I'm sure having Sears as one of them didn't help.

[@DyingRetail]

Yeah. That was a given. But Lord and Taylor and Penney also was a punch.

[@vincemajestyk9497]

@@DyingRetail I saw that marquis and was surprised L&T was still listed independently after Federated (Macy's) absorbed both Hects and L&T. I used to go to both but L&T was more geared towards women. Haven't been to any of those stores in ages since I don't have a professional 'suit' job anymore.

[@DyingRetail]

I guess they wanted to keep that name and keep things separated. Macys bit off more than they could chew.

[@markjamesmeli2520]

I hope they buttoned this place up at close of business. Because I'm sure that if they didn't, the inside of that mall is a pile of broken glass and register tape.

[@DyingRetail]

Pretty sure they have.

[@johnmedley5831]

I worked at Door store furniture by Woodies on the upper level in the late 80s

[@DyingRetail]

I bet those were some good times in that mall.

[@438019]

Did someone think to dig up and relocate all the plants in the mall at the bottom of the escalators? Plant them outside where they can get sunshine and rain and at least stand a chance of surviving. If just abandoned and left in the mall with no water they will soon all wither and die, that's not great, they were planted inside the mall for the shoppers to see greenery and now they are just left to die.

[@DyingRetail]

A lot of them were being taken by people on that day. They walked right up and just started taking them out of the soil.

[@gtb2009b]

It will never be again it over all the nice places are gone it just drive throughs and pickup parking spaces

[@DyingRetail]

Unfortunately it seems to be heading that way.

[@wacobob56dad]

Sad, but online shopping and the outlets have destroyed the American Mall.

[@DyingRetail]

That has a part in it but still appears that too many malls built in the 90’s started what’s happening now.

[@Funeeman]

May it R.I.P.

[@DyingRetail]

Thanks for watching. Maybe they will change their mind and not tear it down.

[@matttemplin1676]

I have watched allot of videos over the years. It seems to me that people don't have as much money as they used to.

[@DyingRetail]

True. However, don’t believe that’s what is causing all the mall closures. There were too many built in the 90’s.

[@tony-ce7qp]

not happy about seeing this!

[@DyingRetail]

Yep. I was feeling really sad doing the walkthrough.

[@boomhaueroo8703]

That safe was the drop box for russian spies that use the "Z" kids play area as a front/cover? 😅😮

[@DyingRetail]

Hmmm 🤔

[@mizFahrenheit]

I remember the "pits" at the mall. What do you mean the 70s and 80s is the last you saw them at a mall? I am pretty sure Ches Sq had them when I was in high school. Unless this is a repressed memory from being really little in the 80s and 90s of Tower Mall 😂

[@DyingRetail]

Never saw them at Chesapeake Square. There’s been no renovations there yet.

[@debbylynn9635]

So sad, All because of online shopping. I like to see what Im buying. I do not understand people.

[@DyingRetail]

+debby lynn Thanks debby lynn. I’m glad you enjoyed.

[@gianpolignano2632]

Great video! Are you surprised there weren't more protests the final week?

[@DyingRetail]

Is that what it was?

[@gianpolignano2632]

@@DyingRetail I think so - there was no vote by the citizens to close the property

[@DyingRetail]

Didn’t know they had a say. Except apparently they weren’t supporting the businesses there… It’s hard for these malls to stay open if you lose all your anchors.

[@vincemajestyk9497]

@@gianpolignano2632 Umm, it's PRIVATE property. Why would the 'citizens' have the right to tell a private property owner to continue to operate at a loss and keep paying property taxes? Is Gaithersburg going to pick up the tab? I've NEVER lived anywhere in my life except around Washington DC where the people and sometimes the Govt think they have the right to tell other individuals and property owners what they can do with THEIR PROPERTY or even if they can sell it. Seen the same BS in VA too, and it always failed. Bunch of Karen soccer moms. I could tell some stories.

[@DyingRetail]

They might. It is in MD :)

[@DBBMed]

Thought there would be more photos and vids of the past

[@DyingRetail]

Most pics are what I took the day I was there. I wasn’t able to find more historical photos at the time I was searching. Do you follow Sal and his Xlog series? He just did one that has more old footage you might enjoy.

[@lickwidgoat3480]

What if we got ahold of a closed mall and made the stores homes? That would be an amazing apartment building all in side climate controlled you can have all in one like the mega buildings in judge dredd....... I think it would be cool

[@DyingRetail]

I could only imagine the rent. The overhead would have to be up there.

[@Mtom0789]

The mall I go to is crowded and full of people and in September there is a Scheels added to the mall I go to

[@DyingRetail]

+Mike Tom

[@DyingRetail]

+mike Tom thanks for watching!

[@gianpolignano2632]

Was a rationale given for removing the fountain and amphitheater?

[@DyingRetail]

Not that I’ve heard. Might search papers, see if anything was printed.

[@RoundenBrown]

my guess, cost too much to maintain

[@DyingRetail]

Either that or the new people didn’t like good designs.

[@Bobzilla206]

This is a death of something in society and it doesn't sound like it's for the better. It actually feels like a regression.

[@DyingRetail]

I hope not but I think I know what you mean. I think a big problem is we have too many malls and they are dependent on the big name retailers who are struggling right now. A trickle down effect.

[@wildflower815]

Sad watching America die around us.😥

[@DyingRetail]

Yes but hopefully, things will turn around. We have too many malls. Malls built on top of other malls.

[@maikeliRAIWALUI]

What happened to this mall is that it all of a sudden declined and died I always worry our malls in Australia will suffer this fate and it already happened in my city center with the departure of MYER's Australian department store flagship leaving a city shopping centre dead my local mall loosing DAVID JONES another Australian department store

[@DyingRetail]

There’s more than one component to the failure. You have national retail chains closing up, which was the stores meant to draw customers, you have management and rent issues, and this mall they started to see more crimes committed. The murder of a store employee inside the mall did not help things. COVID lockdowns was the nail. Which city is your mall located? Do you have people documenting malls there like we have here?

[@maikeliRAIWALUI]

@DyingRetail brisbane Australia and there is several malls and the big city mall where the big flagship was has been in the news showing what dying city retail is the only abandoned mall in Brisbane is a direct result of flooding in 2022 and is getting demolished

[@DyingRetail]

That’s sad to hear. I am going to have to look for these videos online. I’ve always wanted to travel down under!

[@BGNOLA]

The Plaza Mall in New Orleans had an ice skating rink, believe it or not...

[@DyingRetail]

Interesting. I’ll have to look into that.

[@BGNOLA]

@@DyingRetail it's long gone; there's an empty lot there where gangs practice shooting and peeling out their cars where it once was

[@DyingRetail]

Damn. That sucks.

[@BGNOLA]

@@DyingRetail there's pictures on it online, but yeah, I wish it was still standing even if it was abandoned

[@DyingRetail]

I’ll have to look it up.

[@qxripley8844]

Does anyone know the final song used on this documentary? Or a music list in general? Thanks for any help.

[@DyingRetail]

I got the music off of Storyblocks. I can get it for you over the weekend.

[@qxripley8844]

@@DyingRetail Thanks. I really dig that final song. Great documentary btw.

[@DyingRetail]

The final song is: Journey into My Soul (Raw Diamond Mix) by Francesco Cosola. Actually Shazam appears to be wrong. I’m going to have to pull the work file off LumaFusion and get the name from there.

[@thecatswillplay86]

Sadly it seems like many of these Malls are headed towards the same fate as the pay phone/phone booth.

[@DyingRetail]

I think a lot will. But I also think there will be malls that survive.

[@jairret3640]

The old milles should stay, and outdoor milles should go bye-bye and outside malls suck

[@DyingRetail]

Sounds like you enjoyed the video. Happy new year!

[@thecatswillplay86]

Weird to think that people might be watching this video 100 or 200 years from now and we'll all be long ago dead and gone.

[@DyingRetail]

Wow. That would be interesting. If this made it that far out.

[@thecatswillplay86]

@@DyingRetail My sister loves watching the old youtube videos from like the 1920s where they've added color to them so I'd say there's a chance.

[@DyingRetail]

Yes! Those are interesting to watch. Makes me realize we are not that much different from the ancestors.

[@mizFahrenheit]

And I have noticed Simon seems to own every mall after a certain time, is that true?

[@DyingRetail]

They’re one of the ones. Kohan is who you don’t want to hear buys one.

[@mizFahrenheit]

@@DyingRetail oh, what's the deal with Kohan?

[@DyingRetail]

They basically suck the property dry and run into the ground. Moonbeam is another.

[@mizFahrenheit]

@@DyingRetail ok I did a little bit of googling, and I see Kohan owns a mall about 40 min north of me in Bowling Green (it's pretty dead last I was there, I'm 2018 it was a ghost town... It still had a Belk?!)

[@DyingRetail]

If what I hear is accurate, it will be dead and gone soon. They don’t do any upkeep.

[@Milutinovic00]

This can only be a sign of a very bad economic situation.

[@DyingRetail]

Mostly too many malls. For the most part. This area started to see some crime as well.

[@interstat2222]

Very interesting and especially liked the personal reflections. Looks like capitalism always eats itself.

[@DyingRetail]

Is it capitalism or is it the present generation that doesn't want to go out?

[@interstat2222]

@@DyingRetail But I’d say all that’s driven by the current form of capitalism seeing as these devices/apps are now money making machines for corps.

[@DyingRetail]

But corps are always going to be around. There is opportunity. Sometimes it’s hard to find what drives someone. I know at times it has been for me. I have seen people showing things like this happening in UK and Australia lately. Doesn’t seem to be just US. Canada also starting to see the effects.

[@gtb2009b]

It all amazons fault and there will be no discounts anymore the competition is gone

[@DyingRetail]

No. Amazon isn’t the major factor killing the malls. Over population of malls in the 90’s is main factor. Also when you start to have uptick in crime, people start to stay away. I’ve had several tell me when the park and ride was put in crime increased. But I agree it’s a shame. It was a beautiful mall. I enjoyed seeing it in person.

[@WhittyPics]

Chrome does NOT support HDR Videos on the mac. It totally locks down my mouse

[@DyingRetail]

Sorry you’re having that issue. The amount of views coming from television views are rising so I’m going to support them with best resolution possible. Try a different web browser or watch on different device. Don’t know what else to suggest.

[@interstat2222]

Why use Chrome when you have Safari which is optimised for Apple?

[@DyingRetail]

I am wondering how old his machine is.

[@dvferyance]

It kind of looks like Woodfield Mall.

[@DyingRetail]

The one near Chicago?

[@dvferyance]

@@DyingRetail Yep.

[@DyingRetail]

I’ll have to check that one out.

[@sophiabarbosa3522]

We fix the mall so they can be better

[@DyingRetail]

Would be nice if these could be saved but there’s a lot of factors going against a lot of malls now.

[@bobdavis3357]

This is happening because of those who shop com-a-zom

[@DyingRetail]

There’s more to the story than e-commerce. There’s a variety of issues in play.

[@kc0eks]

Annoying that people think it's OK to yell at someone filming. Like shut it. Why are you sitting in a chair? Why are you x? Stfu

[@DyingRetail]

Yeah. But it is private property so you have to be ready for it. I’ve only had one location I had a problem with them seeing me thankfully.

[@lewieanderson6579]

Amazon and walmart killed these malls.

[@DyingRetail]

Nope.

[@lewieanderson6579]

@@DyingRetail high rents or perhaps changing social norms?

[@DyingRetail]

@lewieanderson6579 a lot of overbuilding of malls, crime, etc. online shopping has a part but it’s not the major reason.

[@Free_Samples]

Things are changing for the worse. People are becoming less social and more recluse. We seek company from our phones and living a virtual life from behind a screen. It is sad to look at how much things and people have changed over the last 20 years and these changes aren’t for the better.

[@DyingRetail]

I agree.

[@quietquitter6103]

30% have become recluse because the rest are corporate drones, or karens and they are fed up and can at least retreat to their own spaces which might now generally be better equipped than when malls were popular. Get rid of online shopping and fill the place with managers and I guarantee the 70% would be back to fill these shit holes up again.

[@DyingRetail]

I think both online shopping and brick and mortar stores can co-exist. Best Buy is a perfect example of a chain that made the necessary changes to survive and succeed in the current environment.