The internet has already changed my life. I pay my bills on line. I buy my jeans at www.gap.com. I stopped subscribing to the newspaper and read it on line - don't even need a tv guide, got it online. Don't watch the news on TV...read it online. BTW, why will people go to school anymore? Online classes offered by universities offer greater variety. Do we need to expand our libraries when we can access books, periodicals, etc. online? If/when others join in, do we need 3 shopping malls in every community - or just 1? What will happen to commercial real estate?
Well, I've thought about that, too as I was "shopping" for my daughter's tennis shoes. Had to find the store, look for the style, and then just give them my credit card.
The bricks and mortar shopping centers are going to continue to be supported by kids who just need to get out of the house, irrespective of any reason. Part of growing up, as it were. Independence - I get to stroll down the mall, looking cool, hoping I can see someone who see's me.
And if that doesn't work, the feds will pass a law that it is illegal to use the internet without providing some kind of evidence that you strolled through a bricks and mortar address, and bought something that didn't allow the lessee's to fail. The real estate coalition is just too powerful in DC to fall into oblivion, although it could happen, you know?
Best regards,
Mark A. Peterson |
