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Shopping malls are charging for prime parking. It's not going well
USA Today • • business
Key Points:
- Shopping malls across the U.S., especially those operated by GGP, are introducing paid "preferred" parking spots near entrances, charging around $2.45 for the first hour to offer convenience to shoppers willing to pay for closer parking.
- While most mall parking remains free, the shift towards paid parking reflects malls' efforts to generate additional revenue amid rising operational costs and competition, with 23 out of 95 GGP malls currently offering paid preferred parking.
- The move has sparked consumer backlash, with many viewing it as an unwelcome "cash grab," leading some malls, like Deptford Mall in New Jersey, to cancel paid parking programs after public protests.
- Paid parking at malls is not entirely new, as urban malls have charged for parking to manage congestion and recoup costs, but the recent trend of charging for premium spots adds a new layer of controversy.
- Some shoppers accept the fees for convenience, while others prefer to avoid malls with paid parking altogether, opting for alternatives like online shopping or malls with free parking.
