Summerhill Square shopping plaza MyCentralJersey.com
Gen-Z Revitalizes the Shopping Mall Industry
MARCH 30, 2026
Shopping malls in America were born in the 1950s, when the Interstate Highway Act funded billions of dollars for a highway system across the country. These highways were the basis of suburban life: cars lining the streets, family homes, and of course, shopping malls. The 80’s and 90’s saw the popularity boom of malls serving as food courts, hangout spots, and dozens of stores.
Ever since online shopping has taken over many citizens’ consumer needs, shopping in person in malls followed shortly. Amazon for example, founded in 1994, led millions to begin to purchase online instead of having to travel to shop. Additionally, malls such as the American Dream are being built more for attractions and experiences rather than solely shopping. As most people in East Brunswick are aware, the Brunswick Square Mall on Route 18 recently closed for renovations, such as a pickleball court.
This doesn’t stop 60% of Gen-Z from claiming shopping centers as their favorite places to socialize. Playa Bowls is one popular destination, as is Chipotle. EBHS Sophomore Tristan Schreck said: “To me, malls are a place where people come around and have a good time, so it is truly a shame some of these great malls are getting shut down.”
Another reason that Gen-Z and teenagers have reclaimed shopping malls is because these days shopping on the Internet, you never know what you’ll get. EBHS Sophomore Isabella Acevedo said “I like to [shop] in person because [online] I don’t know if it’s real…AI is getting somewhat convincing so you sometimes have to gamble on it.”
Whether EBHS students shop mostly online or in stores, shopping malls leave an undeniable impact on the modern teenager’s lifestyle.
