Local mall welcomes new store as nation sees declines in in-store shopping

PADUCAH — In-store shopping is becoming less common. Statistics show more than 4,000 retailers closed their doors last year — that’s double the amount of store closures in 2022, according to the National Retail Federation.

Despite those numbers, Windsor opened its doors in the Kentucky Oaks Mall earlier in May.

The mall has stores both opening and closing currently. The decline of mall popularity can be attributed to several things: Commerce preference, online shopping, and entertainment options.

Mindy Faust spent her Friday morning shopping in the mall with her granddaughter.

She noticed over the years of that malls have changed and not for the better. She said now she sees more “closed doors” and “new shops struggling.”

“I do see less people in the mall. Unfortunately, I do see more closed doors. I do see new shops struggling to stay open,” said Faust.

She said with malls slowly declining, there is one thing that keeps her shopping in-person instead of just online.

“I do shop online some, but I do like to get out, support the businesses. People have jobs, everybody wants to keep their job. I come here because people are friendly. It’s a good environment for the little ones,” said Faust.

Windsor store manager Arlillian Harris said that connection with customers is important.

“I love it. I love that good communication, give them that good relationship so they can feel like okay, this is where I need to be… Customer service, someone talking to you, somebody helping you, another fashion person who loves the beauty of a dress or knowing do’s or don’ts or what to wear or what not to wear or what looks good, “she said.

Overall, both Harris and Faust said they hope to see mall and in-store shopping make a comeback.

They might see that comeback. The National Retail Federation reports that they are expecting a retail sales to increase this year between 2.5% and 3.5%.