Columbia Mall Sees Uptick in Business Amid Heat Wave: Report

COLUMBIA, MD — Soaring temperatures over the past week have meant many have stayed inside and soaked in the air conditioning. And in Columbia, crowds were flocking to one cool spot in particular.

The Mall in Columbia saw a rise in foot traffic, with retailers receiving a boost in sales that began last weekend and continued through Tuesday, July 23, the Baltimore Business Journal reported.

Analysts say that hot summer weather drives spending on two fronts; retailers at indoor malls and air conditioning businesses both reap the rewards of elevated temperatures.

With a "heat dome" covering Maryland, citizens were advised to stay indoors for several days this week amid record-setting temperatures.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures at BWI hit 100 degrees on Monday, July 22. It was the first time since 2012 that the airport had recorded triple digits.

In addition to the air conditioning, consumers were lured to the mall by Pokémon Go, officials reported, since the complex off Little Patuxent Parkway contains multiple "PokéStops" in the virtual reality game.

How do you stay cool in Columbia? Tell us in the comments!

Patch File Photo.