Remember malls? They’re still out there.
For decades, the big, air-conditioned wonderlands were the place to be, with shop after shop of fresh new items, a packed and diverse food court and often a movie theater. You met friends there, took your family, saw the new fashions, spent the day, or just sat and people-watched.
Malls have been suffering since online sales — where retailers don’t have to cover the costs of renting space in a brick-and-mortar building — took a huge bite out of their revenues. An average of 1,170 shopping malls closed every year between 2017 and 2022 in the United States, according to Capital One, and no new indoor megamalls have been built since 2006.
But there are plenty of malls that are thriving, and USA TODAY has ranked the Top 10.
“With diverse selections of stores to choose from, tantalizing restaurants in the food court, inspired entertainment options, and special events and seasonal activities that bring their local communities together, shopping malls are vibrant hubs that offer plenty to enjoy,” USA TODAY’s 10BEST said in the ranking released last month.
The winners were chosen by USA TODAY readers, from a list nominated by 10BEST editors and a panel of experts.
So, where did “America’s Mall” land on the list of favorites?
The Mall of America takes second place
The Mall of America may just be the most famous mall in the entire U.S., but it just missed out on the top spot in the 10BEST ranking.
The iconic building sits south of Minneapolis in Bloomington, Minnesota. It is four stories tall and home to upwards of 500 stores, according to its website.
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Shopping isn’t the only activity at the Mall of America. Shoppers can also enjoy a theme park. Nickelodeon Universe has more than two dozen rides, coupled with gift shops and food stands.
Foodies can get a bite at the mall as well, with restaurants like Rainforest Cafe, Margaritaville, Bonchon and Noodles and Company.
The Mall of America is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, according to its website.
What are the Top 10 malls in the U.S.?
“There are hundreds upon hundreds of indoor shopping malls throughout the U.S., but which among them is the very best?” Here’s what readers picked.
Aventura Mall, Aventura, Florida
Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota
Galleria Dallas, Dallas, Texas
The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, New York City, New York
King of Prussia Mall, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale, Arizona
American Dream, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Grapevine Mills, Grapevine, Texas
Tysons Corner, Tysons, Virginia
Brookfield Place, New York City, New York
What is the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers Choice Awards?
The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the very best in travel, food + drink and lifestyle. Every week, USA TODAY 10BEST invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite points of interest and attractions across a wide range of categories. 10BEST editors then vet these nominations and select a final set of nominees to be presented to the voting public for a period of four weeks.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Top 10 American malls thriving in the age of online shopping
