Remember when malls where cool?
No One Goes There Anymore
Exploring the dramatic transformation of American shopping malls from bustling social hubs to eerie, abandoned relics, uncovering the cultural and economic forces that shaped their journey
ABOUT
HISTORICAL ELEMENTS
Through archival footage, vintage photos, and expert interviews, we trace the origins of the American mall. We explore how malls became cultural landmarks and economic powerhouses.
No One Goes There Anymore takes viewers on an evocative journey through the history and transformation of American shopping malls, from their inception as vibrant community centers to their current state as – at times - haunting, abandoned structures. Through a rich tapestry of archival footage, expert interviews, and hauntingly beautiful cinematography, the documentary traces the origins of malls and the cultural phenomena they created. By exploring the vibrant role malls played disrupting the retail business and helping suburbs surge, the film captures the nostalgia and personal stories of communities that once thrived within these sprawling complexes.
As malls began to decline due to economic shifts, changing consumer behaviors, and the rise of e-commerce, their deserted corridors became poignant symbols of a bygone era. Featuring insights from retail experts, urban planners, sociologists, and former mall employees, the documentary examines the complex factors that led to the downfall of these retail giants. Concluding with innovative approaches to repurposing these structures, No One Goes There Anymore offers a reflective and hopeful look at the future of these iconic landmarks, revealing how they might be transformed to serve new generations.
Visual and Aesthetic Approach
The Rise and Fall of America's Malls" is a poignant and visually captivating documentary that delves into the fascinating history, cultural significance, and eventual decline of shopping malls across America. Through the lens of abandoned malls, we explore the transformative impact of these retail giants on American society, their subsequent decline, and the enduring legacy they leave behind.
INTERVIEWS
Urban Planners and Economist
Paco Underhill Retail anthropologist and author of “Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping” and “Call of the Mall.”
M. Jeffrey Hardwick Author of “Mall Maker: Victor Gruen, Architect of an American Dream.”
Ellen Dunham-Jones Architect, urban designer, and author specializing in the redevelopment of suburban areas.
Mark Cohen Director of Retail Studies at Columbia Business School and former CEO of various retail chains.
Barbara Kahn Professor at The Wharton School, expert in marketing and consumer behavior.
Herb Sorensen Author of “Inside the Mind of the Shopper” and expert in shopper psychology.
Nikki Baird Managing partner at Retail Systems Research, expert in retail technology and innovation.
Rick Caruso Prominent real estate developer known for creating successful mixed-use properties.
CULTURAL IMPACT
Interviews with sociologists, historians, and community members reveal how malls shaped American culture, serving as venues for social interaction, entertainment, and even political events. We delve into personal stories and nostalgic memories that underscore the mall's role in everyday life.
Retail Analysts, Developers and E-commerce experts
E-commerce Specialists Experts discussing the impact of online shopping on traditional retail.
Technology Analysts Commentators on how technological advancements have reshaped consumer behavior.
DECLINE AND ABANDONMENT
The documentary shifts to the decline of malls, examining factors such as the economic downturns, shifts in consumer behavior, and the explosive growth of online shopping. We visit some of the most iconic abandoned malls, like the Hawthorne Plaza in California and Rolling Acres Mall in Ohio, capturing their haunting beauty and the eerie silence that now fills their corridors.
Historians and Cultural Experts
Photographers Specializing in Urban Decay: Artists who have documented abandoned malls.
Sociologists Experts discussing the social impact of malls on communities and culture.
Historians Scholars providing historical context to the rise and fall of malls.
Dan Bell Urban explorer and YouTube personality known for his "Dead Mall Series."
Former Mall Employees and Community Members
Former Retail Employees Individuals who worked at major department stores like Macy’s, Sears, JCPenney, etc.
Small Business Owners Store owners who operated in malls and experienced both their heyday and decline.
Local Residents People who frequented the malls and have personal stories and memories.
Mayors and City Council Members Officials from towns with major abandoned malls, discussing the impact on their communities.
Economic Development Officers Local government officials involved in redevelopment efforts.