Finally, another common mall evolution is to become a "destination mall."

Unlike small suburban centers aimed at shoppers who live nearby, destination malls look to attract shoppers from the entire region.

Destination malls, also called "super-regional malls" or "lifestyle centers," use experiential attractions to subsidize regular retail shops. They usually include attractions like movie theaters, bars, casinos, restaurants, rock climbing walls, laser tag, and even roller coasters.

"The emergence of entertainment as part of the shopping mall is becoming very important," Smiley says. "It keeps people in the center longer. And even if they weren't going to shop for something, they get lured in."

In 2012 and 2013, the Carousel Center in Syracuse, New York re-branded as Destiny USA, and added higher-end restaurants, IMAX screens, an arcade, and indoor go-carting and obstacle courses. According to the mall, the 2.4-million-square-foot complex draws around 29 million people (both from the US and Canada) every year.

Developers in New Jersey are also building a gigantic mega-mall, called American Dream Meadowlands, that will include a Nickelodeon theme park (similar to the one at Minnesota's Mall of America). It's set to open in 2018.

"People will drive miles to these malls, because they will be destinations," Williamson says.