WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The Independence Mall in Wilmington was recently bought by the company 4th Dimensions.
The new owners say they were attracted to the location and saw potential in the business.
This mall has been around since 1979 and underwent major construction to add a food court and more anchor stores like department stores.
4th Dimensions has bought and upgraded 13 malls. According to their website, the company’s goal is to transform shopping centers into community hubs where entertainment, shopping, and food all come together.
Changes to malls are needed in the current climate, especially since online shopping has become more popular.
The option to browse the web and add to your cart has been around for years but a peak in the number of online buyers appeared during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While some prefer online some still want to physically shop.
Baily Cannon, a college student, visited the mall Friday evening to find the perfect outfit.
“I went to get a dress because I’m going to a formal, so I had to get a little black dress,” said Cannon.
She believes the in-person experience is better.
“I really like that I can try things on, and I like seeing things in person because I can see the quality of the material and what its going to look like on me. I’ve had bad experiences shopping.”
Online shopping comes with risks such as clothing not fitting properly, late delivery, or entirely wrong orders.
While new mall owners recognize the convenience online shopping offers, they want to continue giving shoppers like Cannon a good experience in person as well.
“I still think people need to go eat somewhere, need to work out somewhere, they need to touch and feel the clothing,” said Felix Reznick, with 4th Dimension.
Reznick recognizes that other malls across the country are struggling with certain stores like Forever 21 and Claire’s going bankrupt.
He agrees that there needs to be a switch-up for shopping centers to keep customers coming back.
“The typical mall with 80% clothing and 20% shoes is probably not going to survive in this environment,” said Reznick.
Reznick and the company hope to add dine-in restaurants outside of the food court area, more family-centered stores that welcome children, and host events for all ages.
They’re also floating ideas on changing mall hours soon.
If you have suggestions, you can contact the company by visiting their website.
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