But what is what it used to be? The answer is obvious: hardly anything! Certainly commerce and retailing are not what they used to be. They change to meet the demands of a constantly evolving customer base.
The Cherry Hill Mall is more than 60 years old. In some ways it's a miracle that it's even still functioning, let alone thriving. To stay competitive nowadays the mall must maximize the income it gets from every available bit of space while staying up to date and competitive. It costs a fortune just to open the doors and turn the lights on. And retailing giants like the mall were hard hit by the devastating Covid lockdown.
Over many decades, the mall has witnessed monumental change and upheaval. It would not have survived if it did not adapt. The mall's main anchor store, the legendary Strawbridge's department store went out of business years ago. Fortunately, it was replaced by a top-of-the-line retailer, Nordstrom and enclosed, indoor parking was added. At the same time the mall underwent an expansion and multi-million dollar redo. That was a huge investment!
While other malls have become morgues or been demolished altogether, the Cherry Hill Mall is still nearly 100% occupied with first class merchants like Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Brooks Brothers, Michael Kors, Apple, Hugo Boss, Macy's, Abercrombie, Starbucks, JC Penney, Warby Parker, Armani Exchange, Banana Republic, Lulu Lemon and Urban Outfitters, not to mention restaurants like Capital Grill, Seasons 52 and Eddie V's. So, the mall remains an attractive indoor shopping and dining experience. And, in fact a new Sushi spot (Kooma) is on the way.
Be thankful the mall is still there. Patronize it!
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