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I don't think that rent was an issue, because the Mall itself started downhill when the staple [national, solid] stores were replaced with Mom/Pop stores selling Velvet paintings and Trinkets. Surely those stores weren't MORE able to meet the rent than a Sam Goody or Waldenbooks.
Wards was a big loss, that closed store was a huge sore thumb indicator of decline.
The fire at Best Buy, leading to Circuit City leaving when it didn't have it's symbiotic partner across the way.
Then the restaurants ceased to be a draw.
By that time, between Metcalf developments to the west, Martin City springing to life to the south, and the Lee's Summit development where 470 meets 50, meant that people in many directions got one-shopping a short distance away instead of piecemeal shopping at BM.
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We need the kind of courage that can withstand the subtle corruption of the cynics - E.W.
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