Walk Around the (Almost) Empty Mall

Hello, Hiveworld! How y'all doin? Long time no see.
After several months of hibernation, I'm back now, with new stories ahead.

Recently, I visited a mall in my city, it called Plaza Semanggi. I was struck by the emptiness and silence that greeted me. The mall was nearly empty, with only a few shoppers and tenants present. I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the way things used to be.

Plaza Semanggi was once a bustling and popular mall in Jakarta, opened on December 7, 1994. It was built on a busy intersection that connected Jakarta's central business district with the southern part of the city. For years, it was a go-to destination for shopping, dining, life style, and entertainment.

But, things have changed in the past few years, and the mall's once-thriving atmosphere has faded. Now, the mall is quiet, and many of its stores and restaurants have closed down.

Some malls have been struggling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. But Plaza Semanggi has struggled long before that. Many new malls have been built in Jakarta and attract many visitors. Gradually, Plaza Semanggi Mall began to lose its visitors and its tenants too.

Over the years, Plaza Semanggi has undergone several renovations and expansions to keep up with changing trends and consumer preferences. But I guess it doesn't really work.

When COVID-19 struck, this mall experienced the worst period.

The changes at Plaza Semanggi feel particularly poignant to me, perhaps because I have so many memories of the mall from my past. In fact, I met my husband there for our first date.

It's hard not to feel concerned about the future of Plaza Semanggi and other malls like it. These malls were once symbols of progress and prosperity, but now they seem to be struggling to survive. Ironic, isn’t it?

I hope that this once-great mall can find a way to regain its former glory and once again become a thriving hub of activity and excitement. Can it?

Thanks for dropping by. Have a nice day!

All pictures are mine, taken with Redmi Note 10s