Malls Are Filling Their Empty Spaces With Doctor’s Offices

New York (CNN Business)As malls search for innovative ways to draw in shoppers and fill empty storefronts, they are turning to unexpected partners: health clinics. Mall of America in Minneapolis, America’s largest mall, announced plans last week to open a 2,300-square-foot walk-in clinic in November with medical exam rooms, a radiology room, lab space, and a pharmacy dispensary service. Mall of America is teaming up with University of Minnesota physicians and a Minnesota-based health care system to operate the clinic. The health care industry in the United States has ballooned to $3.5 trillion a year and retailers are increasingly trying to latch onto the booming market. Mall of America’s concept is part of a small but growing trend of mall owners tapping health care providers to help them reinvigorate their shopping centers. Click to read more at www.cnn.com.