40,000 Malls--and Counting

If baseball is America’s unofficial pastime, shopping must be a close second. Each month over 185 million people visited the 40,000 malls scattered around the nation. Not surprisingly, California leads the way with more square footage of malls than any other state. Last year, 60 new California shopping malls began construction. Here’s a look a America’s growing fondness for shopping.

Sales Surge--Up 37% in 9 Years (in billions)

1996: $974

What They Spend Per Trip

BY AGE

14-17: $39

18-24: $51

25-34: $60

35-44: $70

45-54: $72

55-64: $62

Over 65: $48

*

BY INCOME

Under $15,000: $36

$15,000-$24,999: $47

$25,000-$49,999: $58

$50,000-$74,999: $65

Over $75,000: $84

Source: International Council of Shopping Centers