- Grand Traverse Mall, once the largest in Northern Michigan, built in 1992 and opened in 1993, has declined due to the internet, the 2008 recession, and population shifts.
- The mall lost major stores and faced bankruptcy of its parent company, leading to changes in ownership and management.
- The mall's original movie theater closed, and efforts to repurpose the space have had mixed results, contributing to the mall's struggles.
- GKC Theatres, originally owned by George Kerasotes, had a history of issues, including poor projection quality and controversial decisions, such as refusing to show Fahrenheit 9/11.
- The GKC movie theater chain was sold to Carmike, who built a new theater at Buffalo Ridge, leading to the closure of the cinema at Grand Traverse Mall.
- Traverse City's cinema history involves various theater chains, family feuds, and the evolution of movie-going experiences.
- Northern Michigan has a history of 'slumlords' and questionable business practices, impacting various industries.
- Examples include Chuck's ex-boss's handling of gas stations and a tobacco store chain, as well as another family's price gouging during 9/11 and the Dawson movie theater family's tax evasion.
- The Leighio family of Mackinaw City faced criticism for a hotel incident and deceptive online practices.
- Grand Traverse Mall was sold to Namdar Realty Group, owned by Igal Namdar, who is known for buying malls cheaply and reducing rent, potentially attracting lower-quality tenants.
- Namdar's management practices have been criticized, raising concerns about the future of Grand Traverse Mall and its ability to attract and retain desirable stores.
- The mall's struggles reflect broader challenges in the retail industry, with online shopping and changing consumer preferences impacting brick-and-mortar stores.
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