[Watch] Man Claims People Are Being Paid to Pose as 'Shoppers' at LA Malls to Make Them Look Busier

A viral video suggesting that paid actors are being used to pose as shoppers in Los Angeles malls has raised questions on the internet about the whats and whys behind retail locations. In the clip, an actor claimed that some people seen walking through Los Angeles shopping centres were hired extras rather than genuine customers. According to the account, these extras were employed to make certain malls appear busy.

While the allegation has not been independently verified, the discussion has highlighted the role foot traffic and visible activity play in shaping perceptions of a shopping centre's success. When visitors walk through shops, sit in food courts, and move through public areas, the space appears active. A quiet mall can create the impression that a location is losing popularity or business.

Why Foot Traffic Matters For Malls

Retail developments depend on a steady flow of visitors. Lease prices, investor confidence, and decisions by major brands often depend on how busy a shopping centre appears. If a mall looks empty, stores may assume the location is losing relevance. When stores close or leave, the decline can accelerate quickly.

Some commenters say this pressure has created an environment where visual activity matters as much as actual sales. A busy environment can signal that a location remains popular. For developers and retailers, maintaining that image can influence whether brands choose to stay or invest in new leases.

Actor Claims Extras Were Hired To Walk Through Malls

One actor stated in a widely shared video that he was hired through Central Casting, a long-established background actor casting agency, to act as a shopper at a Los Angeles mall. According to the claim, extras were instructed to move through specific areas to maintain the appearance of a crowded space. The individual described the job as similar to other background acting work in Hollywood productions. The actor said extras were assigned simple routines throughout the day. These included walking through corridors, riding escalators, sitting near fountains, and passing through the food court.

The activity was repeated throughout their shift to create movement within the mall. Some roles reportedly focused on specific locations. One person might repeatedly ride a trolley, while another moved between escalators and walkways. According to the claim, these roles helped maintain the appearance of a steady stream of visitors throughout the property.

Connection To A Political Campaign

The allegation has been linked to the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral campaign of developer Rick Caruso. Caruso built well-known shopping centres in the city, including The Grove and the Americana at Brand. His campaign highlighted the success and popularity of these retail developments. The actor alleged that paid extras were used to populate The Grove, to create the image of a thriving environment. The claim remains unverified.

Caruso reportedly spent more than £79,000,000 (approximately $100,000,000) of his own money during the 2022 mayoral race. The campaign included high-profile advertising and public appearances. Several well-known figures publicly supported the campaign, including Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow, Elon Musk, Snoop Dogg, and Wolfgang Puck.

The Psychology Behind Busy Spaces

Retail analysts note that crowds can influence how people perceive a location. When people see others gathering in a place, they may assume that something worthwhile is happening there. A busy environment can attract curiosity and encourage more visitors to enter. This principle has been observed in restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Long queues or visible crowds can create the impression of popularity.

The same concept may apply to retail spaces where visible activity signals success. If a mall appears lively, tourists may stop to look around and shoppers may spend more time exploring stores. Photographs and social media posts showing busy walkways can also shape public perception. This type of visual activity can influence how tenants and investors view the property.