$TRIPPED MALL

Abstract

Annual retail sales in the United States stand at $4,307,531,000,000. While this is down from a high point in 2007, we are spending more than ever before. The average American spends 42% of their income on housing, 18% on transportation, and 15% on food. Education and communication, health care, and recreation account for 6% each, while apparel takes 4% of income and the remaining 3% falls into the category of miscellaneous. What motivates our spending behavior? How has our behavior changed over time and has it impacted the architecture of the places in which we shop? The last fifty years have seen an explosion in the different types of stores, giving us more access to shopping than in the past. In a world of increased spending and convenience, what is the future of retail architecture?