Massive Carolina Mall in Serious Financial Trouble

The 80s rushed in a run of massive malls. They had it all. Food, clothing even teen pop stars performing at center court. It seems as though this may be coming to an end. A massive Carolina Mall is in serious financial trouble. This is just one of the many across the nation that have seen declines in shoppers and revenue.

Charlotte Business Journal says Carolina Place Mall is having trouble keeping its doors open. They are in default on a $149 million loan. The huge mall also missed a major payoff. The value of Carolina Place Mall has dropped significantly over the last few years.

Chuck McShane, CoStar Group’s Director of Market Analytics for the Carolinas says there’s a general trend of shopping closer to home. Enclosed malls with surface parking and department store anchors are going to struggle without some type of differentiator, such as adding entertainment or luxury goods.

There are plenty of malls that have been suffering in the last few years with the rise in online shopping as well. I feel like since there are so many other ways for people to buy the things they need without having the hassle of going to a mall, then who needs a mall? I think it’s going to be a long road to bring the mall back to life and it’s going to be difficult.

Carolina Place Mall now joins Northlake Mall as another local mall in default. The increase in crime is also playing into the loss of customers. We have seen a lot of uptick in shooting and fighting incidents that have occurred in the Charlotte area over the last few months. Hopefully, they will get that cleaned up and the shoppers will return.

USA Today recently had their readers vote for their "10 best" campaign. One of those categories was "The Best Small Towns for Shopping". And one North Carolina town made the top 10 best small towns for the shopping list! I've never been to this mountain town, so a visit may be in order. Summer is the perfect time to travel and enjoy the mainly open air shopping districts on this list. I'm surprised that I have only been to one of these towns (and it's actually the farthest one away...go figure!) But I have bookmarked multiple of these that I can't wait to visit. Shopping and historic towns are some of my favorite things.

It's not too late to plan your summer getaway and each of these small towns offers a shopping lover's paradise! Especially if you are in to unique and or handmade items. Some of these are mountain towns there could be a good winter destination as well. As long as you don't mind the cold that is.  We've got multiple areas of the country covered, so whether you want to fly or drive one of these is doable!

View the full article here or keep reading for the list!

The Best Small Towns For Shopping 

According to USA Today Readers

Located on the mid-coast of Maine you'll find Camden. The downtown is home to many upscale shops, antique shops, and general stores for all your shopping pleasure.

This scenic small town is located on the Delaware River. It's known for its history, bed & breakfasts, and of course shopping. In the downtown district, you will find a sprawling collection of boutiques, gift shops, galleries, and more!

The scenic red rocks aren't the only thing Sedona is known for. There are tons of shopping destinations no matter what you're looking for. Apparel, art, home decor, antiques, beauty, jewelry, and everything else you may want.

According to CarmelCalifornia.com: Carmel shopping is metropolitan style, though wholly unique in the setting. It is also an all-day experience, and then some. The most discriminating shopper is sure to find something of great appeal in one of the town's hidden passageways or curlicue-roofed shops. From outdoor malls to family-owned boutiques, Carmel offers a shopping environment that wants nothing but infinite time to explore.

The best small-town Georgia shopping is found in the northern part of the state in Dahlonega. Gift shops, wine tasting rooms, furniture, antiques, home decor, and more!

The main street of this mountain town plays host to unique small business shopping. Browse offerings here.

This quaint town on the Jersey Cape boasts the Washington Mall, a three-block outdoor shopping mall filled with shops, brick pathways, fountains, and benches. More shopping is also available in the Washington Commons and Carpenter Square Mall among others.

A previous winner of this title is Montpelier. While in this pedestrian-friendly town be sure to browse the numerous independently-owned boutiques, as well as local merchants selling crafts, books, music items, gifts, clothing, decor and much much more.

You'll find historic Rhinebeck nestled in the Hudson Valley. Shopping in the area is full of  Books, Music, Clothing, Shoes, Gifts, Stationery, Furniture, Jewelry, Home Decor, Art, Antiques, Wine & Spirits, and more!

The borough of Frenchtown, NJ is located along the banks of the Hudson River. And its numerous boutiques make it the best small town for shopping in the country! Guess I'll have to check it out.