I've got to know what everyone thinks of the new extension to the Natick Mall, the "Natick Collection". To me, it's a bunch of very expensive women's clothing stores (along with some fancy coffee huts and an Apple store).

Is it going to survive in its current form? Is there enough money around to support that narrow niche? Will it need to change into a more normal mall when the next recession hits?

I'm disappointed, frankly. The parking is harder, and the traffic is worse, but mostly it's just a missed opportunity to put in some more interesting stores. What about a super toy store, e.g., or some ethnic restaurants? I'm getting a bit tired of this focus on a narrow wealthy slice of the population. I have to suffer the inconveniences, and I don't feel served by the Collection, personally.

I have been to the Natick Collection once.  The day I went the traffic was not bad but with all the new stores I do not plan to go again until after the holidays.

The new stores are high-end but seem very expensive.

I think it's nuts that they are actually going to have condos attached to the mall.  Why would anyone want to live in a place that was physically attached to a (very expensive) mall?