An urban explorer has gone viral after sharing footage of an abandoned mall– with shopping supplies left behind.
Bobby, known as (@true_explores) on TikTok, visited the deserted building on 24 May, with plenty of surprises inside – from old newspapers to shopping trollies and shopping counters set up and ready to be used at a moment’s notice.
The urban explorer shared his findings on video, with a clip racking up over 24,400 views and 2,500 likes.
“The atmosphere of the mall was very still and empty,” Bobby, who is from Detroit, told http://NeedToKnow.co.uk
“It felt like there was supposed to be people around shopping but no one was there.
“Semi-eerie feeling being in such a huge building with no knowing if other people are inside.”
While Bobby makes a point to not disturb the scene, other visitors haven’t been quite so respectful.
The site, The Northland Mall in Southfield, Michigan, has been vandalised with graffiti and appears to have been stripped by treasure-seekers.
It is believed to have first opened in 1954, just a few years before malls became the mecca of shopping and socialising.
The Northland Mall is rumoured to have once been the town hotspot but with the rise of thefts, as well as the rise of online shopping, was forced to close its doors in 2015.
Despite being left mostly intact, the venue has already begun to decay, with plants gathering mould and wallpaper falling off.
Bobby added: “As well as wear and tear, in 2019 a fire broke out inside the mall due to vandalising.
“It was so upsetting to see that someone wanted to destroy a cool part of Michigan history.
“As much as I love abandoned places I love seeing these places being turned into something the community can use!”
Bobby was horrified by the graffiti, as well as smashed-up counters and broken decor – and social media users have reacted strongly too.
Matthew, referencing a horror game, said: “Backroom vibes.”
Someone else commented: “I miss this mall it’s crazy hearing other people talk about it.”
Another fan wrote: “That’s dope.”
Kay added: “I miss Northland mall… they’re going to turn it into some apartments.”
“That trippy,” commented someone else. [sic]
Bobby added: “I’m glad to see the building is being renovated to be used in the future.
“Also some believe the mall is haunted but I never experienced any ghost activity at this location.”
