The notion of a "destination" site is interesting. I don't think most of our local malls have considered that. However, the one where L&T is closing, is one that actually comes to mind for me, as a place that does offer movies, restaurants as well as clothing and shopping opportunities. So for stores there to be leaving .... yes, it's really troubling to consider.

For sure one draw, for me and my DH, is when there are nice options for a meal, before or following a shopping outing. I have to admit too, that, in times past, my parents and my husband and I used to like to visit together as we shopped some large indoor mall. At that time there were a nice mix of cafes and shops, and anchor stores. I fondly remember a mall in Virginia, where there was a terrific German cafe, the pastries and coffees there were sublime. I know the cafe closed a very long time ago, and I can't recall the last time I considered visiting to shop at that mall.