(WXYZ) — With internet shopping and one-click deliveries, there’s a common belief that shopping centers are going to be a thing of the past.
But if you need a gift today, not tomorrow, you want to shop and try on clothes before you buy or you just enjoy window shopping – malls can’t be beat.
We asked our viewers to weigh in on our online poll to select the top 7 malls and shopping centers in this week's Thursday’s Top 7.
#7 LAKESIDE MALL (STERLING HEIGHTS)
We’re kicking off our top 7 at Lakeside Mall. It’s right on M-59, so it’s easy to get to. Lakeside Mall has been a staple here on the Eastside for decades. Lakeside is Michigan's largest indoor mall and hangs on to the #7 spot.
#6 VILLAGE OF ROCHESTER HILLS
Next on our list is the Village at Rochester Hills. And the key point here is that it’s an outdoor mall. You sort of walk around and it feels like a city all of its own.
“Everything is really centrally located," says spa-goer Hilary. "Lots of great restaurants in addition to the shopping. It’s just great.”
#5 TANGER OUTLETS (HOWELL)
Looking for deals? Tanger Outlets Howell is Livingston County’s go-to place. They’re known for good deals year-round. That’s enough to earn 5th in our viewer poll.
#4 GREAT LAKES CROSSING (AUBURN HILLS)
Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills comes in 4th. In addition to 185 stores, 25 of which can’t be found anywhere in Michigan, Great Lakes Crossing is a blast for kids with SeaLife Michigan, Lego Discovery and Peppa Pig World of Play.
#3 MALL AT PARTRIDGE CREEK (CLINTON TOWNSHIP)
The Mall at Partridge Creek is third on our list. We’re here in Clinton Township. And if you’ve ever been here before you know it is quite the experience for both man and beast. Dogs are welcome. There are puppy comfort stations and dozens of doggy-friendly retailers.
#2 TWELVE OAKS MALL (NOVI)
People come from all over to visit Twelve Oaks in Novi, it’s 2nd on our list and one of the largest in Michigan. Twelve Oaks gets high marks for the diversity of shops and restaurants, and fans say it seems there’s always something new.
#1 SOMERSET COLLECTION (TROY)
And in the top spot is the Somerset Collection. We're here in Troy and where the Somerset Collection is almost like two malls and one where it's posh and “posher”. Somerset North has all of the shops you’d expect and while Somerset South takes it up another level in exclusivity.
And while online shopping is booming, there’s definitely a place for brick and mortar.
Shopper Sue Dickey says the reason is clear.
"I still love to touch and feel, and I love to shop sales and things like that." Sue goes on to say shopper in person is fun and exciting. "I will always do it."
