Could South Plains Mall Already Be What Lubbock Needs?

This started out as a bit of a thought exercise, but I wonder if it could become a real thing.

We frequently talk about “what Lubbock really needs,” and those conversations usually devolve into discussions about fast food or chain restaurants. Sorry, gang, but we really are a little past capacity with some of those places — that’s why they keep going out of business. Sometimes people mention a department or furnishing store, but rarely does anyone scratch the surface of actual needs rather than wants.

A Different Kind Of Need For Lubbock

That thought process led me to this: what Lubbock really needs is an indoor place to walk and exercise.

I suppose there are a number of gyms that may or may not have tracks, but I think the answer could actually lie with South Plains Mall. It does seem a little counterintuitive to drive somewhere just to walk, but I guess that’s Lubbock.

Reinventing The Idea Of Mall Walking

The concept of “mall walking” has been around almost as long as malls themselves, but it would be cool if malls started reinventing themselves more along the lines of what I’m visualizing.

Imagine if there were actual intention behind mall walking, with pit stops for stretching, resting, and refreshments built into the experience. I’m talking about giving the mall more of a community center feel.

A Win For The Mall And The Community

I’m sure the stores inside the mall would benefit from the extra traffic, and it would also give people a chance to regularly see what those businesses have to offer.

It would be even cooler if they added a few more green spaces and art installations to encourage people to come out and spend time there.

Maybe There’s Something To This

I suppose there’s a reason I’m not in the mall business, but I think there might be a pretty good two-for-one idea here: a reinvention of a concept that has been losing steam for years, combined with a good place for people to get a little exercise.