Flying in the face of the growing trend in mall closures, the King of Prussia Mall has been thriving, using a combination of technology and providing a complete customer experience, writes Candy Woodall for the Harrisburg Patriot-News.

KOP’s success is not accidental, as Simon Property Group, which runs the mall, has been utilizing the services of its research and development division to anticipate and fill the needs of customers.

This ranges from an app that points visitors to their favorite store, to valet services and a concierge who can make lunch or dinner reservations.

The new extension even has a lounge area with numerous charging stations, so customers can stay online.

KOP is not just selling clothes and shoes, but an experience that shoppers cannot find online, said Simon President David Contis.

The company has invested $250 million to prove this, with the newly unveiled connector linking the old Court and Plaza to create one massive mall with a chic new food court.

“You can’t eat on the Internet,” said Contis.

Read more about the King of Prussia Mall’s growth in the Harrisburg Patriot-News by clicking here.