What Main Street Can Learn from the Mall

1. In order to evaluate a Main Street, Robert Gibbs first describes how easy the street is to navigate. Are there benches in the way? Is there enough room for people to adequately move around? Practicality cannot be sacrificed for the visceral image that the street projects. Safety is another key issue. Uniformed security, although intimidating to customers, also provides them with a sense of safety, allowing customers to focus their attention on the stores and other businesses located along the street. Lighting also becomes a factor, because not only does it viscerally and behaviorally complement the street, it increases the safety of the area and draws in customers.

2. I think that "Main Street" should be a mall. Essentially, the criterion Gibbs uses to criticize "Main Street" are the same as the qualifications of a mall. Malls, although stereotypical and ultimately boxed stores, are all intricately designed in order to make the shoppin experience pleasurable for the consumer and profitable for the business owners. Their layout is even designed to subconsciously point customers in specific directions, such as to the right side of the mall.

3. On a Main Street, I think Gibbs' main criteria are significant and relevant. Security is of utmost importance, because that is something customers are always conscious of. Locations of different businesses are also important, relative to restaurants and other types of buildings. The studies about directions that people naturally take show a strong lesson about human nature. I know that I, as well as others on streets/at malls, keep to the right. Strategic placing of storefronts is necessary if a business, or business strip, is to be successful. The surrounding area must also feel safe, because if a potential customer is nervous to travel into the area, there will be no business.