Sky View 1988 Last Day of School (6/6) 

The Raleigh Springs Mall began its decline in the 1990s along with all the other malls in Memphis. At some point Dillard's pulled out, Goldsmith's was bought by Macy's and more and more stores were empty. I lived in Jackson most of this time, so I don't know the details.

I know Mall of Memphis started its decline sometime in the early 90's and Hickory Ridge Mall started its decline in the late 90's, I wish Raleigh could go back to its former glory because I remember it being one of the top areas up until the late 80's/early 90's.

Right now the only two economically viable shopping malls in Memphis is Wolfchase Galleria and Oak Court Mall. The rest of the malls in Memphis has either closed up or is waiting to close up. The decline of shopping malls isn't just a Memphis thing. It is happening all across the US. If your mall isn't located in an affluent or solid middle class area, it has no chance. For the longest time up until a few years ago, Southland Mall in Whitehaven was still thriving with at least 80% occupancy. Unlike the Raleigh Springs Mall, Mall of Memphis and Hickory Ridge Mall, the management of Southland Mall were wise enough to change with the demographics of the area. They weren't foolish enough to keep high end retail stores when the local market area couldn't afford to buy from these stores. Of course even Southland is starting to fail because their anchors like Sears and Macy's closed shop. When the anchors go, the specialty shops inside are usually next. Right now it isn't a good time for shopping malls. Even those who are still thriving. The problem with shopping malls is that physical retail is contracting. Stores that traditionally made up your anchors like Macy's, Sears, JC Penney, Belk, etc are either suffering or a breath away from filing Chapter 7. These stores didn't do a very good job of adjusting to competition from online retail and competition from places like Walmart and Target. Wolfchase and Oak Court are an anchor or two closure away from becoming dead malls themselves. When anchor stores pull out, there is very few if anyone else that is willing to take up that large of retail space left behind.

@Mr Drake I thought the Mall of Memphis started to go downhill before 1995 but do agree it was starting to get really bad by then, I know the Hickory Ridge Mall was a really nice mall up until the early 2000's.

drive down Austin Peay highway and just look at all the changes-forget the new bank the new coffee shop and the new chicken place.