[SkyPuncher]

I live in the northern Midwest. Our mall closed this past year and is being made into some sort of mixed-use outdoor space.

The reality is the cold weather doesn't really bother people who are use to it. I'm happy to spend time outside jumping store to store because I'll be dressed appropriately.

[jleyank]

Within limits. Some of the large cities in the cold parts of Canada have their malls underground connected by subway or metro. With some planning, non-natives can stay underground for months. It takes a little getting used to walking around in -20c weather or colder.

Across the border in Vermont, some of the strip malls have a glass-enclosed front layer for similar thermal protection.