Is Sandusky Mall dying?

We watched it being built and were awestruck at the enormity of the building, 750,000 square feet. For decades after the Sandusky Mall opened in the mid-1970s, the Milan Road (U.S. 250) strip grew and grew, becoming premiere shopping area in the state. Stores were added on mall property, and on other properties from Strub Road to the Ohio 2. We thought the growth would never end, and it didn't, for decades.But now is not then, and the mall is fast becoming half of its former self, with the departure of Sears a couple of years ago, the vacancy opened up when Macy's closed in 2017, now Charming Charlie, Ruby Tuesday's and Elder- Beerman.What does the future hold for the Sandusky Mall?We don't know.We do know Cafaro Co. is an experienced retail and property management company, and officials there are saying the mall will survive.But the downturn, for whatever its cause, has changed the landscape of the U.S. 250 strip, and we appreciate the concern, and the ideas Register readers have offered up as potential solutions to a dwindling marketplace competing with online retailers such as Amazon.com, and even Walmart's efforts to go the digital sales route.There is reason for concern. The tax base retailers provide our area are substantial and as fewer stores thrive, they employ fewer clerks, managers, warehouse workers, right down the line. As sales plummet, so to do the sales taxes that get paid. The retail downturn will have a ripple effect across our local economy.Change happens. This we know. There are few industries untouched by the digital age, from the music business to newspapers. We know also that survival demands change, adaptation and innovative thinking.We hope the mall's owners build out a plan and we're anxious to see what they will do. Our wish is the mall and the entire shopping district undergoes a transformation that will bring success in the future.The Sandusky Mall in Perkins Township on Dec. 13, 2017.