30 things that have disappeared as malls across America have died

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• As shopping malls struggle to attract consumers, many have closed or converted to serve new uses.
• Many features that were once common at malls have becoming increasingly rare.
• These include playgrounds, arcades, and appearances and concerts from pop stars.

Malls once played a pivotal role in how we shopped and socialized. Many malls that would once be crowded on any given afternoon are now struggling to fill vacancies, with some being converted into residential or business centers. 

As a result, malls have lost many of the distinctive stores and features we used to associate with them.

Here are some of the stores, features, and behaviors you no longer see in malls:

Playgrounds

When malls were a weekend destination for families, many of the shopping centers would have playgrounds so that kids wouldn't become restless after watching their parents run errands.

Sharper Image

The electronics retailer used to have a large physical retail footprint before it declared bankruptcy in 2008. It now sells its merchandise through its website, catalog, and third-party retail partners.

Promotional appearances from pop stars

Back when people bought CDs, pop stars like Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne would promote their new albums by touring malls, which would often be overwhelmed by young fans.

See Also:

• There are a handful of remaining Blockbusters in the US, but they're moving closer to the edge of extinction — here's a look inside
• Toys R Us fans are lamenting the death of the store — take a look back at what it was like in its heyday
• Toys R Us will close or sell all of its US stores

SEE ALSO: These photos of abandoned malls and golf courses reveal a new era for the American suburb