What Is Mall?

A mall refers to a public area that connects individual stores within a shopping center, typically enclosed to offer convenience and comfort to shoppers.

A mall is a large enclosed area comprising various retail stores and establishments, all connected through shared public spaces such as walkways, food courts, and recreational areas, providing a unified shopping experience to visitors. Malls are generally designed to be climate-controlled and secure, offering convenience and comfort to shoppers.

Historical Context

The concept of the mall, as we know it today, evolved during the mid-20th century in the United States. Victor Gruen, an Austrian architect, is often credited with pioneering the idea of the modern shopping mall. His vision was to create an environment that combined retail with social interactions and community activities. The first fully enclosed shopping mall, Southdale Center, opened in 1956 in Edina, Minnesota.

Types of Malls

Regional Mall

A large shopping center typically anchored by one or more department stores and offering a variety of smaller retailers, entertainment options, and dining venues. Examples include the Mall of America in Minnesota.

Super-Regional Mall

An even larger version of a regional mall, often with significant tourist attractions and multiple anchors. This type can span several levels and include hundreds of stores.

Outlet Mall

A mall composed of outlet stores, usually offering discounted merchandise from high-end brands. These malls are often located outside of major metropolitan areas.

Features and Amenities

Retail Stores

The core component featuring various retailers offering products ranging from fashion and electronics to home goods and specialty items.

Food Courts

Centrally located dining areas where several food and beverage vendors provide diverse culinary options.

Entertainment Zones

Areas within the mall that include movie theaters, arcades, play zones for children, and sometimes recreational facilities like ice skating rinks or amusement parks.

Public Amenities

Restrooms, seating areas, information kiosks, ATMs, and accessible routes for those with disabilities.

Economic and Social Impact

Economic Impact

Malls contribute significantly to local economies by creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and attracting tourists. They provide a platform for businesses to flourish, from large chains to local entrepreneurs.

Social Impact

Malls serve as social hubs where people can gather, interact, and participate in various activities like shopping, dining, and entertainment. They can also host community events, exhibitions, and seasonal celebrations.

FAQs

What differentiates a mall from a shopping center?

While all malls are shopping centers, not all shopping centers are malls. A mall generally refers to an enclosed space with walkways connecting the retail stores, whereas shopping centers can be open-air complexes without enclosed walkways.

Why are malls typically enclosed?

Enclosed malls offer a controlled environment, protecting shoppers from adverse weather conditions and potentially increasing the amount of time and money they spend at the facility.

Are malls declining in relevance?

The rise of online shopping has led to a decline in traditional retail malls in some regions. However, many malls are adapting by offering unique experiences, integrating digital and physical shopping, and emphasizing dining and entertainment to remain relevant.

Summary

A mall represents an evolution of the traditional marketplace into an enclosed, climate-controlled environment that unites various retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities. By providing convenience, comfort, and a variety of services, malls have become integral parts of modern urban landscapes, notwithstanding the evolving challenges and opportunities presented by digital commerce and changing consumer behaviors.

References

1. Gruen, Victor. Shopping Towns USA: The Planning of Shopping Centers.
2. Miller, Daniel. Consumption: Critical Concepts in the Social Sciences.