Concept of shopping mall

Every big shopping property is not a mall

• Many large scale hypermarkets are generally referred to as mall which
is not true. There is no law governing nomenclature of buildings
• Origin of mall is from the word mallet
Def: of shopping mall- Different perspectives
• Structural perspective: Barron’s dictionary defines mall as’ a public
area containing a complex of shops with associated walkways and
parking area.

Dictionary of architecture and construction: A shopping centre

enclosed within a large structure often 2-3 story high, normally
designed around a central atrium, may have numerous stores as well as
entertainment facilities, fast food outlets, restaurants and public area
Management perspective
• Enclopaedia Britannica: A collection of independent retail stores,
services and parking areas constructed and maintained by a
management firm as a unit.
Marketing Perspective
• Avijit Ghosh and Sara Mclafferty in their article titled ‘ The Shopping
Centre: A restructuring of post war retailing’: In a shopping centre the
developer has direct control over the mix of outlets(tenant’s mix) and
the centre’s image and positioning. The Shopping centre also
facilitates shopping in a self contained environment. The developer
controls the mall’s image and positioning in the long run.
Social perspective
• Besides structure, management and marketing : Evolved with the idea
of developing a community centre for people, where they could
converge for shopping, cultural activity and social interaction.
Shopping Centre vs Mall: The paradox
• ICSC(International council for shopping centres)in 2004: Shopping
centres are a group of retail and other commercial establishments
that are planned, developed, owned and managed as a single
property, with on site parking provided.

• Shopping Malls: Special design configuration. In this design

configuration the walkaway or the mall is typically enclosed, climate
controlled and lighted, flanked on one or more sides by store fronts
and entrances. On site parking.
Comparison of Indian and western shopping
malls
Western malls Indian malls
Location of malls Mostly out of town In town or in close proximity to
towns
Size of malls 01. to 5.5 million sq.ft.
Mall expansion Most developed horizontally Most developed vertically
Stages in mall life cycle Decline stage Development stage
curve
Choice of anchor tenant Fashion retailers, apparel oriented Hypermarkets, department
department stores staores(SS, LS, WS,Pantaloon etc.),
next choice is multiplexes followed
by food and beverage brands as
sub-anchors
Entertainment retailing Multiplex, mini motor speedways, natural Primarily multiplex, kids play zone,
rock climbing, ice rink, swimming pools, bowling alleys, pool games
water sports etc.