Empty Malls

A few nights ago, idly spending time, I dropped by one of the biggest, busiest malls in Canada.  Except it wasn't this particular night.  Being January, the hallways were CLEAR.  There were signs advertising massive sales and markdowns, but hardly anyone was shopping. 

I wonder if retailers are advertising this?  Focusing not only on lower prices, but on the pleasantness of shopping with hardly anyone else around?  There was lots of parking, I wasn't getting bumped or squeezed by crowds, and salespeople had time to chat with me.  Shopping was an actual joy that night!