Certain malls in North American cities with dense urban populations and good transit links are also very busy. For instance Metrotown in the centre of Burnaby, BC. I'd guess it has a <2% store vacancy rate. It's very busy. It's also very well connected to the light rail train line, and is centrally located in a fast growing city. It's pretty much the opposite of your typical suburban USA ghost mall.
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The GVRD has some of the most expensive real-estate in the world, and a lot of other external factors driving business decisions. The high lease churn-rate is also part of the problem, as commercial businesses have zero legal protection from extortionary rate increases.
There is also a large southeast asian population in that part of the city. Lots of nail salons, bubble tea shops, and cheap import products. With a Crystal Mall across the street, and no paying customers walking around. =3
Well, I think you have your answer. I happen to agree with that answer: extortionary rates are killing American businesses. In the words of Jimmy McMillan, "The rent is too damn high!"
Keep in mind in the GVRD some real-estate holding companies are still leveraged over 17:1 debt:assets, 57% of inhabitants are poor renters, and over 17% of private mortgages are in negative amortization.
I wouldn't touch the place with a 10' pole, or any other assistive technology. =3