The Southern Park Mall Meltdown: Just Another Brick in the Wall?
So, the Southern Park Mall in Boardman, Ohio, pulls a disappearing act on a random Monday? "Operational safety concerns," they say. Right. That's corporate speak for "we're screwed, and we don't want you to know how badly." Mall Manager Vince Tyler, probably sweating bullets, sends a text to employees. A TEXT. Real professional, Vince. Can't even bother with an email?
And get this—tenants weren't even required to open after the delayed start. Translation: "We have no clue what's going on, so good luck with your business." JCPenney and the usual suspects with their own entrances just waltz in like nothing's happening. The irony of Planet Fitness being open while the rest of the mall is imploding isn't lost on me. Symbolism, people!
The Kohan Conundrum
Mike Kohan, the mall owner, is apparently playing fast and loose with tax payments. Shocker. It's always the quiet ones, ain't it? Is this a case of gross mismanagement, or is there something else at play here? What's the real story behind Kohan Investment Group? Are they just bleeding this place dry before skipping town? And why is it always Ohio?
Boardman trustee candidate Cody McCormick says the mall is on "life support." Well, duh. County Commissioner Geno Difabio is worried about the schools getting hurt. Which is valid, offcourse, but let's be real—this is about more than just tax revenue. It's about the slow death of the American mall. I remember when malls were the place to be. Now? Ghost towns waiting for the wrecking ball.
Speaking of wrecks, some employees are complaining about late pay. Of course they are. It's always the little guy who gets screwed. Bath and Body Works and Hollister employees told to stay home. Probably without pay. Nice.
The Blame Game Begins
The mall's General Manager Vince Tyler said, "It's not possible at this time to report any further information." That's PR speak for "I'm under gag order from the lawyers." What "operational safety concerns" could possibly be so hush-hush? Asbestos? Structural collapse? Or did someone just forget to pay the electric bill? Details remain scarce, which only fuels the conspiracy theories. Southern Park Mall to reopen Monday afternoon after 'operational safety concerns' - WFMJ.com.
The Boardman Fire Department had to show up "to ensure the safety of anyone potentially inside." So, they didn't even know if people were in there? This is a bad idea. No, 'bad' doesn't cover it—this is a five-alarm dumpster fire.
Here's what gets me. Everyone acts surprised when a mall dies. But these places have been on a downward spiral for years. Amazon ate their lunch, and they're left with nothing but empty storefronts and sad food courts. What did they expect? Did anyone actually think that Southern Park Mall was going to magically reinvent itself?
Then again, maybe I'm the crazy one here. Maybe I expect too much from these dinosaurs. Maybe I should just accept that the world is changing and move on. But dammit, I miss the days when going to the mall was an event. Now, it's just another reminder of how things used to be.
So, What's the Real Story?
This isn't about "operational safety concerns." It's about a slow, agonizing death. It's about greed, mismanagement, and the inevitable march of progress. And frankly, I'm tired of watching it happen.