Does this forum not support the "LIKE" feature found on some, whereby a person's post may be marked by individual members who found it especially appealing? I surely would have granted several "likes" to the above posts!
We have a shopping mall here in Laughlin, Nevada, which has fallen onto extremely hard times. About 40% vacancy now. It's a nice place, set in a large square shape, all second-floor occupancy, with first floor divided between entirely in-building parking, and food court. One of the few McDonalds restaurants I've ever heard of closing, closed here.
Being I suppose classed as a "tourist" destination, meant mall interest should prevail, but unfortunately it is most certainly rather a "gambling mecca". Those "tourist" types find little of interest in shopping malls; indeed, given a population of 9,000 folks, Laughlin has very meager offerings in the way of consumer stores.
Is gambling "Recession-proof"? Heck, no! Sam's Town Gold River, for example, sold out in the early 1990s for around $190 million. That property was recently purchased for $6.7 million! We personally feel it is a beautiful piece of property, well-manicured landscaping, beautiful, tall tower with perhaps 900 rooms, sitting right on the Colorado River. Why the public has shunned it over the years, in preference for other, similarly-equipped places here, we cannot understand. Fickle public, I guess. There are 10 of these rather palatial "resorts" here along the River, offering a subdued version of the madness to be found in Las Vegas, 100 miles to the north.
We were surprised by the preferences given by these establishments to "locals", like us. They presume repeat customers who frequent their places often, will pee away money into their coffers unfailingly. However, we find the offerings of very reasonably priced dining, and entertainment, now and then, to be especially attractive, aside from the gaming. My wife in the past few weeks, carried on a conversation with a lady in Wales who comes here several times a year with her husband! They love it!
My wife & I walk, a lot. The Mall? Especially useful to us when summer temperatures preclude walking comfortably, each "lap" around the mall is about 1/3-mile. We shoot for 10 laps, usually. Nice and cool inside! Thanks for reading my drivel! imp
