[Drastic85]

Once a symbol of American retail, many shopping malls have begun to decline and even close in recent years. Randall Park Mall shut its doors in 2009 after being hit hard by the recession. When the mall opened in 1976 in North Randall, Ohio, the town had a population of just 1,500. Though only two floors high, the mall spanned a whopping two-million square feet and employed 5,000 members of staff. These haunting images show the dust-covered remains of what were once thriving shops and even a movie theatre.

Photographer Matthew Christopher visited the dilapidated Randall Park Mall just months before demolition work. He has photographed other abandoned buildings such as hotels, factories and churches. His latest work is featured in the second volume of his book 'Abandoned America: The Age of Consequences'.

[Faline]

Cool place

[durt]

cool pics

[Broadjumper]

Malls used to have a huge social aspect as well as being the main source to obtain a large variety of goods, services and entertainment. On one hand it's hard to see them go, but this is the natural progression of our economy. But as great as shopping on the web and Amazon can be, there's a downside to it. On top of that for all the bitching people do about Walmart, the seem to completely gloss over the treatment of Amazon employees in their distribution centers and they sell the same low quality Chinese manufactured shit as Walmart.

[Hunted]

Good post 'Drastic85'

[Cali83]

Should have used it to film Zombie Mallrats.

[kellyhound]

great pics

[spudigitti]

Don't they secretly use malls as nuclear missile base's...

[zin0]

I'de love to go in there and throw up some nice graffiti pieces. nice pics!

[collaredgirl65]

So many malls are closing. The one here in my town isn't long for the world. Hopefully I can get some shots of it before they tear it down. Good post.