Puerto Rico and the Caribbean
www.theweeklyjournal.com
>Courtesy San Patricio
Wednesday, December 11-17, 2019 - // no. 033
Puerto Rico Air Traffic Surging P17 Spanish Economic Office Identifies Growing Sectors in Puerto Rico P10 Market Sounding Released for PREPA’s P3 P16
The Rebirth of the Mall:
From Just Buying to an Engaging Experience Shopping centers are reinventing themselves as integrated entertainment and lifestyle spaces at a time when big chains are closing and more consumers are shopping online
I
Cynthia López Cabán
Daddy Yankee’s Concert Series Continues in San Juan
P20
clopez@wjournalpr.com
@cynthia_lope
t was a rainy morning last Monday, as Elia González strolled around Plaza Las Américas in San Juan with five friends after finishing her exercise routine: an aerobics class in front of Macy’s, and an indoor walking routine up and down the hallways of the largest mall in the Caribbean and the second in Latin America. Wearing a Santa hat and a big smile, she led the group to the Christmas tree for a picture. “I’ve been coming here for 11 eleven years because I don’t have to worry about cars hitting me, slippery or uneven sidewalks. Plus, I socialize and then I can go shopping,” indicated the retiree with a wink before striking a pose for the picture.
Not too far away, a young woman stood in front of the “El Jefe” Daddy Yankee Museum glancing at the Grammys the Puerto Rican reggaeton singer won for “Despacito”, the most-watched video in YouTube’s history. On the third floor, artisans Evelyn Vázquez Fuentes and Gerardo Delgado carved wood at their spot in the Ricardo Alegría Cultural Walk. While it isn’t a new trend, in recent times, malls on the island have been zealously ditching the old formula centered on apparel stores peppered with a few entertainment and food offerings, for a well-crafted mixed-use destination that includes a robust menu of entertainment, gastronomic, educational and cultural experiences that seeks to connect with shoppers and their surrounding communities. GO TO PAGE 4
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