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The South Plains Mall is typically one of the busiest places in Lubbock. Now, its parking lot is completely empty -- a somber reminder of life during the coronavirus pandemic.

KFYO News producer and photographer Jody Smyers took this drone footage around the South Plains Mall on a Tuesday afternoon. Normally, the mall's parking lot would be completely full, including the always-busy Cheesecake Factory.

To see it empty on a day it should be full is honestly sad. Not just because of the loss of business for so many stores and the loss of wages for their employees, both of which are devastating enough, but because the mall is a place where everyone comes together. It's a fixture of most cities, Lubbock included.

Having watched the changes at the South Plains Mall since our arrival in the early 90's I am optimistic that once the current pandemic is no longer a threat the mall parking lot will be one of the first to be packed.

Iconic Lubbock Businesses That Have Closed Over the Years

 

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