In the old days, prior to Ozark Mountain Christmas, the season ran from about mid-April through the end of October. Property owners and business developers had about five months to make improvements, clean, sweep, plant the flowers and trees, and get ready to welcome a new season of tourists. The majority of the businesses were family owned and operated. Since the late 80s/early 90s, the massive development has taken place, Branson was lost to mom and pop shops, and corporate America took over. The town, in my opinion, was OVERBUILT. It has been sad to see the empty buildings, the grown up acres in weeds, and the poorly ran and maintained places. Did the town really need four major shopping centers? Nope. Red Roof was the premere shopping destination at first. Now it's in sad shape. Empty shops. Tanger is doing well, probably due to it's visibility from the strip. Branson Meadows is toast. Branson Landing appears to be doing well, despite rumors the owners have had financial difficulties. The Grand Palace sits empty and rots. Celebration City, and many other attractions have seen better days. However, Branson always reinvents itself. It is time for a major overhaul, in my opinion.
