Are college campuses becoming the new malls of the 21st century?

2019-08-07T09:07:00-04:00

Chain retailers have their eyes on a new type of mall — your university. While higher education may once have been associated with the ivory tower — a secluded place of rigorous study — now companies like Target, Trader Joe’s, Urban Outfitters, and Publix are opening stores on or near college campuses, chasing students who are setting up shopping habits that could last a lifetime.

In an insightful Buzzfeed News article, Leticia Miranda explains why a large number of college campuses are becoming the new rulers of chain retailers. Although college is typically a time for young adults to pursue a higher level of academia, another type of "skill" may be unraveling, the need to shop. Institutions, specifically in the U.S., are keeping tabs on this trend and are learning to capitalize on transforming their campuses and surrounding areas into retail hubs.

Buzzfeed spoke with the executive vice president of the retail brokerage firm Metro Commercial Kathy Sawin. According to Sawin, "It gives the colleges a competitive edge when they have a vibrant retail strip or area around their campus." Several retail chains are targeting this demographic and stocking their stores with college essentials that will keep each new incoming class satisfied.

Image © Target | corporate.target.com

Tim Eklund VP of Target's small-format stores told Buzzfeed, "We're offering an experience...

Hollywood Target building shut down during construction due to established height limits

2014-08-22T19:09:00-04:00

A judge has called for retail giant Target Corp. to stop work on a partly built shopping center in Hollywood, handing a stinging setback to a project championed by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. Superior Court Judge Richard L. Fruin Jr. sided with two community groups who said in separate lawsuits that the City Council should not have allowed Target to build a 74-foot-tall structure in a location where such projects cannot exceed 35 feet.

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Are college campuses becoming the new malls of the 21st century?

Hollywood Target building shut down during construction due to established height limits