Is This West Michigan Mall A Failure, or The Future?

I'm not the first to point it out, but Malls all over America are struggling.

With websites like Amazon, and an endless amount of items you can buy online from the comfort of your home, it's easy to see why some may want to skip the mall. That's been leaving many malls around the US and Michigan with empty spaces, and closing stores.

But where some people see a vacancy, I see an opportunity. And I believe one uniquely weird mall in Muskegon is paving the future for local businesses.

What's the deal with The Lakes Mall in Muskegon?

While The Lakes Mall still has some favorite chain stores that we're all used to including their anchor stores of JCPenney and Sears, there are a lot of stores that "used to" be there.

But, instead of leaving empty storefronts and driving people away, they've turned to the local west Michigan community and started to open Muskegon-owned businesses in places where Hollister, Abercrombie, and The Buckle once lived.

There are several really great shops that I was so excited to find as I was roaming their halls, including Spin City Records, which feels like you're stepping into an FYE in its golden day. So many used and new CDs, tapes, records, and shirts, it was amazing.

I'm also a massive Godzilla geek, and I find it hard to find new figurines that I don't already have on my shelf. But, Forbidden Island toys has an incredible selection of everything dorky and fun.

(I couldn't leave without these guys, who I almost had to buy online before finding them in a place I would have never expected, the mall!)

And even the food court is unique, with CC's Cream serving Dino Nuggies, which is an absolute vibe. Skip the crappy food court pizza, I want something fun and unique.

There are tons of other stores both local, and national to check out, an arcade for the kiddos, and even some rideables (because why not?)

I also got a really awesome second-hand Michigan State shirt for only a dollar at Sparrows Thrift & Outreach.

Their mission is to uplift autistic adults through employment, job coaching, peaceful therapies, and community. (Which is way cooler than having the same Forever 21 design that ten other people are wearing at the same event.)

So while some people may argue that a mall without all of the big chains isn't succeeding, I challenge that idea. I'd rather shop locally in a big indoor space with a better, more unique selection. I think The Lakes might be my new favorite mall in West Michigan.