真难！疯狂关店11万家背后，又一巨头退场，为什么都不愿逛商场了

Core Insights - The decline of large shopping malls in China is evident, with notable closures such as the Pacific Department Store in Shanghai and the Wuhan Wushang Yamao Plaza, indicating a broader trend of diminishing foot traffic and consumer interest [1][3][5]. Group 1: Decline of Shopping Malls - The closure of the Wushang Yamao Plaza, which operated for 28 years, highlights a significant issue: a lack of customers, a trend reflected in the closure of 21 large malls nationwide last year [5][11]. - Nationwide average daily foot traffic in shopping centers has plummeted from 47,000 in 2015 to 20,000 in 2023, showcasing a stark decline in consumer engagement [7]. - The oversaturation of shopping malls is evident, with some second and third-tier cities having per capita shopping center space exceeding 2 square meters, which is double that of Japan and South Korea [13]. Group 2: Market Saturation and Competition - The oversupply of shopping malls has led to intense competition, with the Wushang Yamao Plaza surrounded by eight other large shopping centers within a 3-kilometer radius, resulting in a total commercial area exceeding 1.2 million square meters [15]. - A report indicates that the vacancy rate in the industry could reach 9.1% by 2024, surpassing the recognized breakeven point of 5% [17]. Group 3: Impact of E-commerce - The rise of e-commerce has significantly impacted physical retail, with rental costs in Shanghai's Wujiaochang area increasing from 8 yuan per square meter in 2015 to 22 yuan in 2024, a 175% increase [19]. - The average annual labor cost for a retail employee in first-tier cities exceeds 100,000 yuan, which contributes to higher prices for goods in physical stores compared to online alternatives [20]. - Consumers increasingly prefer online shopping for its lower prices and convenience, often using physical stores merely as "free fitting rooms" before purchasing online [22]. Group 4: Strategies for Survival - To survive, shopping malls must create unique experiences rather than just selling products. Successful models like Sam's Club focus on exclusivity rather than low prices, attracting nearly 9 million paying members [25][27]. - The success of stores like Pang Dong Lai is attributed to exceptional service, offering over 60 free value-added services, which enhances customer loyalty and experience [29][31]. - Local cultural engagement, as seen in Tai Sheng Plaza in Linyi, demonstrates a successful strategy of hosting local events to become a community hub rather than just a shopping destination [34]. Group 5: Challenges in Transformation - Many malls mistakenly believe that increasing the proportion of dining options will save them, but this approach is often ineffective as the restaurant industry is highly competitive, with 460,000 restaurants closing or being deregistered in the first quarter of this year [36].