Once a symbol of American retail, many shopping malls have begun to decline and even close in recent years. Randall Park Mall shut its doors in 2009 after being hit hard by the recession. When the mall opened in 1976 in North Randall, Ohio, the town had a population of just 1,500. Though only two floors high, the mall spanned a whopping two-million square feet and employed 5,000 members of staff. These haunting images show the dust-covered remains of what were once thriving shops and even a movie theatre.

Photographer Matthew Christopher visited the dilapidated Randall Park Mall just months before demolition work. He has photographed other abandoned buildings such as hotels, factories and churches. His latest work is featured in the second volume of his book 'Abandoned America: The Age of Consequences'. (Caters News)



Photography by Matthew Christopher



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