There doesn't seem to be much opportunity for independent businesses to exist in shopping malls. Unlike the 'shopping centres' of smaller towns, where increasingly they are the norm.
It’s a factor of the increasing size and complexity of the newer, bigger buildings. Cost more to run, so higher occupancy costs. Some larger centres can afford to have parts with lower rents, providing smaller, cheaper spaces for independents. They aren’t a panacea though, things like standardised opening hours are a burden on independents. (And in my view, independents can lose their sparkle and difference when located in a standardised run of shops)
In many ways the homogenisation of High Streets and Centres (it’s not just a purpose built centre issue - it’s about prime retail space) is now happening with the internet. The difference being there is no employment, no returns to the local economy, no social hub, no visual centre, just lots of white vans and gig economy estate cars full of parcels.
