House Hunting Couple Gives Up, Moves Into Former Wet Seal In Abandoned Mall

SCRANTON, PA—A young couple have ended their search for affordable housing and has decided to live in what used to be a Wet Seal store in a deserted mall.

Jane Tonkin and Catherine Schwartz had been looking for a home for years but were consistently priced out of the market.

"We didn’t want to keep paying rent, and we needed more space," explains Jane. "But it was challenging to find anything we could afford! And it seemed like whenever we found a viable option, another buyer would swoop in with an all-cash offer. We just couldn’t compete."

Frustrated and desperate for a solution, the couple stumbled upon the neglected mall while driving around town.

"We saw the mall and thought, 'Hey, why not?'" says Catherine. "I figured it couldn't be any worse than some of the other places we had seen. We took a look around and ended up finding our new digs.”

The couple moved into the Wet Seal that had closed in the early 2010s and quickly made it their own. They set up a bed, a kitchenette, and even a makeshift bathroom using some empty statement necklace display cases.

"It's not perfect, but it's home," states Jane, snacking on an Auntie Anne’s pretzel she was able to make thanks to her new location. "I like the nostalgia that comes along with living here. Plus, we have plenty of room for all of our stuff. The Hot Topic next door is available if we want to expand."

Despite the less-than-ideal living situation, the couple's family has been supportive.

"I think it's really brave of them to take this leap," remarks Greg Tonkin, Jane’s father. "Times are tough, and this move shows how resourceful they are."

Others have expressed distaste for the couple’s choice.

"I understand what they’re going through," comments Jen Fritz, the couple’s former roommate. "But to move into an abandoned mall? I would at least try to find an old Borders or something. That’s a proper, stand-alone home."