If you look at it from 30,000 feet above, it may not seem like the best time in the world for a retailer. But take a closer look (maybe closest to your nearby outdoor plaza), and you may be surprised to find a silver lining or two. Related: Former Walmart CEO sounds the alarm on a growing problem The early 2020s have been marked by something of a great consolidation across most consumer retail brands.

With a few exceptions, most of the specialty interest stores we used to frequent for things like crafts, home decor, clothing, and household goods have closed some locations and struggled with inventory theft . Some have filed for bankruptcy. And if those stores were operating out of an indoor shopping mall, things may be more dire.

Macy's announced earlier this spring that it plans to close over 100 stores across the United States. Express and Rue 21 – both clothing retailers once beloved by mall-going teens – have now both filed for bankruptcy. Many malls have shuttered due to a decline in foot traffic, and though the common belief is that they're closing due to Covid or Amazon ( AMZN ) , the reality is that people just don't like congregating the way they used to.

Instead of gathering at the mall, many shoppers now prefer a cheaper shopping experience, which can often be found either online or off-mall retailers like TJX Companies' ( TJX ) TJ Maxx and Marshalls and outlet malls. Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images If you are someone who still goes in person from time to time to s.