I know that there's some space available at the Lansing Mall, and there are a few businesses in particular that I would love to see open there.

Let's be frank here; with so much shopping being done online, malls just aren't the crowded places they used to be. Certain retailers are closing left and right, leaving huge, empty retail space behind.

Perhaps with the right stores, the Lansing Mall might see some new life?

Businesses That Should Open in the Lansing Mall

When it comes to new businesses going into the Lansing Mall, here are five in particular that I'd love to see.

Lush

Kristen Matthews TSM Lansing
Kristen Matthews TSM Lansing
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Lush makes an extensive array of bath and body products that are Earth conscience, cruelty-free, vegan in some cases, natural and organic. If you enjoy relaxing in a bathtub, their crazy unique and colorful bath bombs will probably be your favorite.

The Cheesecake Factory

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Getty Images
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I don't know what it is about The Cheesecake Factory that makes me want it so bad. Maybe it's because the one and only time I tried to go one, it was the location in Novi, and I was 6 months pregnant and I wanted to try it and of course needed to eat STAT. However, the host apologized profusely, saying they had a three and a half hour wait, so I never ended up eating it. I'd love to have it in town, and not have to drive an hour or more to give it a try.

BoxLunch

Whatever, fandom, nerdom, or geekdom you're into, BoxLunch probably has some kind of goodie for you. From t-shirts and hats, to jewelry and accessories, and a whole bunch more, they have you covered. Harry Potter? Check. Disney? Check. Pokémon? Check. And that's just for starters. My favorite goodies are the fun backpack purses.

Taystee's Burgers

Taystee's Burgers got its start inside a gas station in Dearborn, Michigan. This is a Michigan-based small chain restaurant that I always make a point to stop at when I'm back home visiting the family. They've expanded to multiple locations since their beginning. And while everything they make is insanely delicious, my favorite burger is the Taystee's Hawaiian. They grill the burger in some teriyaki sauce, and it's got some grilled pineapple and pepper jack cheese on top... YUM.

JJs Custard Company

JJs Custard Company, or Custard Co as I like to call it, is another small, Michigan-made chain that got its start in Dearborn, Michigan. And you probably guessed it; it's another must-stop on my visits to the Dearborn area. There are a few other locations as well. One of my favorite concoctions that they make is the Dunkaroos stuffed cone, pictured on the right in the picture above.

Restaurants Lansing-Area Residents Want in Okemos

When the Okemos Outback Steakhouse location at 4880 Marsh Rd. suddenly closed its doors, we started talking about what we would like to see go in to replace it. Suggestions ranged from fast-food to other steakhouse-style options to non-food businesses entirely. See what Lansing-area residents want in Okemos.

Gallery Credit: Maitlynn Mossolle