Why Shopping Mall culture is losing its sheen in India (2024)

There was a time when people would go to the shopping malls to have fun with their families, respective partners, and friends. Some of them would get some new clothes and others would find snow theme parks, zip line rides and virtual gaming zone more interesting. You must have done bowling in the bowling alley and have played cricket on their indoor ground. Those were the good days, right?

However, the tables have turned and people now prefer other options which further has led the shopping mall culture to lose its sheen in India.

What is a dead mall?

A mall with a high vacancy rate and low consumer traffic level where the number of customers visiting keeps declining day by day, is known as a dead mall. Dead malls are open but are in a state of deterioration and devoid of customers. The pedestrian traffic that department stores previously generated starts decreasing in such malls and sales volumes also decline leading the stores to be unable to sustain the costly maintenance of the malls as there are no rental revenues for the stores. The Great Venice Mall, Ambience Mall, and many others are examples of dead malls.

While Indian malls have been witnessing dramatic economic downfall and financial hardships in the last few years, the pandemic which arrived in 2020 impacted the shopping mall culture adversely which resulted in an increase in the number of dead malls. But what are the reasons for the decline in shopping mall culture and their transformation into dead Malls? Let’s find out.

Digitalisation and E-commerce

Let’s consider a scenario. You desperately want a Puma shoe that you’ve been thinking of buying for a few days. Due to the lack of time to visit the shopping mall, you install an app in merely a few seconds, find out the product and order it for a lesser price. What better anyone can expect, right?

So, here is the reason. Digitalisation and growing E-commerce platforms are one of the reasons behind the decline in shopping mall culture. People prefer online shopping to traditional shopping as the former offers various discounts and thousands of options. To top it all off, it is quite convenient.

Read more: Here is why India is leading the global digitalisation movement

The applications like Myntra, Flipkart and Ajio along with many others offer you the catalogue on a single screen. Then why would people go to shopping malls?

Digitalisation, furthermore, is the result of reforms in education and globalisation which has played a fundamental role to lead India to witness a digital world. The education has led the people to understand more about technology and the usage of mobile phones. What added more to this evolution was the telecom revolution which introduced people to the ‘internet’.

As a result, here we are. Shopping from mobile phones, paying our bills through e-payment and living a convenient life.

High costs required to operate the malls

In today’s fast-paced world, managing and maintaining shopping malls is equal to the management of small cities. As we can see, Malls like The Great Venice Mall and many others offer you a different world where you’ll experience as if you’ve entered a completely different world. Massive Parking areas, security infrastructure, guards, controlling the indoor temperature of Malls, and running of electric equipment like lifts and escalators –are certain facilities that require a high cost of maintenance which further increases the overall cost of operating these shopping malls.

Moreover, the stores in shopping malls have to pay rent for their stores. This is why they fail to offer better deals to customers and cannot even compete with an e-commerce business.

Read more: The new e-commerce policy of India comes as a big boost for local products

Since there are multiple owners of a shopping mall and they have their own visions in consideration with the mall. Because of this entangled ownership structure, no changes can be implemented without the permission of all the owners.

Revolution in Indian consumers’ mindset

Another reason for the downfall can be attributed to the dramatic change in the Indian consumers’ mindset, choices, and habits. The fashion trend keeps on changing every minute. The market is supposed to offer what is demanded by the consumers. The stores in shopping malls update their collection every month and sometimes, it takes a whole season for them to change their catalogue. On the contrary, e-commerce websites keep updating their catalogue each day, each hour, and sometimes even every minute.

This is what attracts the shopping lovers and they often choose the shopping websites over the shopping malls as the former can offer more options in lesser time. It takes only a click to get anything they want.

What added salt to the fire is the arrival of the pandemic which led the malls to witness a loss of Rs 3000 crore between March 2019 to April 2020 leaving more than 1 lakh people unemployed.

People experienced online shopping more in comparison to previous years after Covid-19 hit the nation. The shopping malls began to be considered as an unsafe place while online shopping was a safer option for them.

The vicious cycle between old malls and new malls

It is the human tendency to explore new places, things and activities. This includes shopping malls too. The construction of new malls has also resulted in the increasing number of dead malls or zombie malls. The old malls are striving hard to exist yet they fail to compete with the newly constructed malls. People lose interest in the old malls and began visiting new malls which affect adversely the mobility of the people in the old malls.

The procedure continues. The new malls continue to develop and old ones continue to convert into dead malls.

It is true that shopping mall culture is declining dramatically. While it is possible to stop them for a temporary period but it cannot be avoided. The shopping malls, in order to attract more visitors, must bring some change and become more creative. They should also keep in mind the consumers’ mindset and their choices by updating their catalogue regularly. Else, they will continue to deteriorate and convert into dead malls.

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Why Shopping Mall culture is losing its sheen in India (2024)

FAQs

Why Shopping Mall culture is losing its sheen in India? ›

Digitalisation and growing E-commerce platforms are one of the reasons behind the decline in shopping mall culture. People prefer online shopping to traditional shopping as the former offers various discounts and thousands of options.

Why are shopping malls failing? ›

A longtime fixture of American culture, shopping malls have suffered for decades amid a rise in online shopping, a decline in visitors to department stores, and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic, which kept consumers home.

Why are malls fading? ›

The number of dead malls has increased significantly because the economic health of malls across the United States has been in decline, with high vacancy rates in many of these malls.

What are the major issues of mall management in India? ›

Mall Management in the Indian Context (10 Issues)
  • Lack of Market Research/Feasibility: ...
  • Zoning: ...
  • Design issues: ...
  • Fee Promotional Activities: ...
  • Facility Management: ...
  • Parking Management: ...
  • Malls a novelty in Tier-II and Tier III cities: ...
  • At the end of Mall Developers:

Is India having a ghost mall problem? ›

India is dealing with a strange issue known as "Ghost Mall," which is prevalent in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), Pune, and Hyderabad. According to the most recent report from Knight Frank India, "Think India, Think Retail 2022," the issue has caused a total loss of more than $524 million.

Are shopping malls declining in USA? ›

As of today, there are 116,000 shopping centers in the country. At the same time, the number of vast and iconic objects has decreased from 2,500 in the 80s of last century to 700 at present.

Will malls become obsolete? ›

Are malls coming to an end? It's unlikely that shopping malls will become obsolete. While the rise of online shopping has had an impact on mall traffic, malls are still popular places to shop, and many people enjoy the experience of going to the mall.

What is the problem of malls? ›

The main problems created by shopping malls include parking lot offenses (car theft, purse snatching, etc.), traffic congestion, shoplifting, check and credit card fraud, and employee theft.

Why do big malls replace small shops? ›

To conclude, there are so many benefits of shopping in large malls such as discounts on items, premium quality products, all kinds of items under one roof, etc which are attracting people to come there.

Where is the biggest mall in the US located? ›

The largest mall in the United States, the Mall of America is located in Bloomington, Minnesota only 15 minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.

What is the problem in retail in India? ›

Many challenges like logistics , power supply, understanding the customer behavior, ever increasing demands of customer, distribution channel , unorganized retailers etc were figured out. The availability, feasibility and adoption of technology is the major challenge faced by the Indian retail outlets.

What are the critical success factors for mall in India? ›

Going forward, several factors, such as store location, brand positioning, mall management, and mall marketing exercises, should be carefully evaluated in order to maximise revenues for both the mall developer or management controlling the mall as well as the retailer leasing space within the mall.

Which city is known as Ghost city in India? ›

Lakhpat, Gujarat

Previously an important port city, Lakhpat has now been abandoned for almost 200 years, after an earthquake in 1819 lead the town to its current fate. The earthquake that changed the course of river Indus to its present one, dried up the town.

Is India good for shopping? ›

India is a shopper's paradise! There is an astonishing variety of dazzling clothes, shoes, jewelry, handicrafts, spices, souvenirs and much more to buy in India. You can find all these items at different shopping places all across the country, ranging from traditional bazaars to high-end malls.

Which is India's biggest mall shopping? ›

Largest malls
NameLocationYear
The Great India PlaceNoida2007
Mantri SquareBengaluru2010
Phoenix CitadelIndore2022
Phoenix Marketcity (Bangalore)Bengaluru2011
81 more rows

Why are malls closing in America? ›

Why shopping centers are becoming obsolete. Experts have been predicting the demise of shopping centers for a long time now, but the COVID-19 pandemic may have put the final nail in the coffin. Many mall retailers are drowning in debt as the pandemic forced them to close their doors for months – or forever.

Are malls popular in USA? ›

Malls in the United States have become a trend as customers prefer a wider repertoire. You will find malls in every large city across America.

Will malls ever make a comeback? ›

Malls are seeing an increase in traffic in 2022, with U.S. malls and outlet centers reporting an occupancy rate of 93.9% as of June 2022, up from 91.8% a year before. So far this year, 4,432 stores have announced openings compared to 1,954 closures, resulting in a net of 2,478 openings.

How will malls survive? ›

The Bottom Line: By adding restaurants and services as well as creating experiences that cannot be mimicked online, malls will ultimately be turned into places where people go to shop, eat, and be entertained – which is a main reason people shop at malls rather than ordering online.

What is the lifespan of a shopping mall? ›

The average lifespan of a retail mall design globally is about seven years, and probably shrinking. That means that shopping centers built before 2004 probably don't provide the amenities and shopping environment or international fashion brands younger, more affluent consumers are seeking.

How will malls change in the future? ›

Najafi: The mall of the future is less retail and more content, more social and more experiential. There is an opportunity to reinvent the mall experience and bring people together in a way that encourages connection, functioning as the heart and central gathering place for the community.

What is the fear of shopping malls? ›

Translated, agoraphobia means 'fear of the marketplace'. Generally, busy public places (such as supermarkets, shopping centres, trams, trains, planes and airports) are feared the most.

Why do malls make me uncomfortable? ›

For example, you can experience dizziness walking around the mall because your brain is trying to deal with stimuli, bright lights, arrays of products everywhere, and other people's movements. That can produce dizziness as a side effect, making you feel anxious and uncomfortable in a large space.

Are malls bad for the environment? ›

One of the most common pollutants in shopping malls is carbon dioxide (CO2). Since CO2 comes from exhaled air, it can start to accumulate in crowded malls with poor ventilation or air distribution.

Why did America build so many malls? ›

American malls were created in the rise of suburbia in order to create spaces for Americans to gather and form communities. Starting with the opening of the Southland Mall in 1956, malls have been a vaulted piece of Americana for decades.

What is the disadvantage of having a store in a mall? ›

The cons of operating in a mall retail space

Must follow operating days and hours, including holidays, with those of the entire mall. Higher rent costs, especially in larger, well-maintained and popular malls.

Why are smaller stores better? ›

Smaller store locations means lower rents, fewer employees, and less inventory-on-hand – overall it means lower overhead. With the right mix of product in-store, a smaller format store can often mean a more efficient sales strategy.

What is the biggest outlet in USA? ›

Sawgrass Mills, Florida

With a massive 350 stores to explore, Sawgrass Mills is the largest outlet, retail and entertainment destination in the United States. Stores include Coach, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren and Prada. One of the highlights of Sawgrass Mills is the life-size Barbie House.

Who is the largest mall owner USA? ›

Simon Property Group, Inc. is an American real estate investment trust that invests in shopping malls, outlet centers, and community/lifestyle centers. It is the largest owner of shopping malls in the United States and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Is destiny USA the largest mall in the US? ›

It is the largest shopping mall in the state of New York and the 9th largest in the country. In 2021, Destiny USA was included among the top 20 most visited shopping centers in America, attracting over 26 million visitors a year.

What is the main problem in the present industry in India? ›

What are the Challenges Associated with the Industrial Sector in India? Lack of Efficient Infrastructure and Manpower: High technology based Infrastructure especially for transportation and skilled manpower are crucial for enhancing manufacturing competitiveness in the globalized economy.

What is the future of modern retail in India? ›

As per Kearney Research, India's retail industry is projected to grow at 9% over 2019-2030, from US$ 779 billion in 2019 to US$ 1,407 billion by 2026 and more than US$ 1.8 trillion by 2030. Revenue of India's offline retailers, also known as brick and mortar (B&M) retailers, is expected to increase by Rs.

What is the future of retail India? ›

The future of retail in India is Omnichannel Assistance. It will offer an offline experience while letting you benefit from online portals. You will be able to buy online and ship from the store, reserve online and pick up from the store, and get unlimited digital aisle access to stores and fit catalogs.

Which mall is most expensive in India? ›

UB City – The Collection, Bengaluru

UB City, Bengaluru, is home to The Collection, which is among the premium shopping destinations in India. Brands such as Estée Lauder, Lladró, Louis Vuitton, and Michael Kors line the floors of the mall for you to experience the best of beauty, fashion, and home decor.

Which is the expensive mall in India? ›

The DLF Emporio is a luxury name and one of the country's most opulent shopping malls. The four-story complex, which boasts 320,000 square feet of retail space, offers a one-of-a-kind customer experience for those who appreciate the complexities of luxury.

Which city has best malls in India? ›

Phoenix Market City, Mumbai

Before the inauguration of Lulu Mall, Kochi was the largest retail centre in India. This mall offers the most refined luxury, much like all the other Phoenix Market Cities. High Street Phoenix, where all the major luxury brands like Gucci, Armani, Chanel, etc.

Why mall culture is growing in India? ›

The mall culture in India started during the 1990s. All this began when the retail trend became prominent in India in 1999. “Ansal Plaza” in Delhi was the first-ever mall in India. Till the end of 2002, only “Ansal Plaza ”, “Spencer Plaza ” in Chennai, and “Crossroads” in Mumbai were the only three malls in India.

What are malls What are the reasons for its emerging popularity in India? ›

As the contemporary retail sector in India is reflected in sprawling shopping center. Multiplex-malls and huge complexes offer shopping, entertainment and food all under one roof, the concept of shopping has altered in terms of format and consumer buying behavior, ushering in a revolution in shopping in India.

What are the reasons for the growth of malls in India? ›

ADVERTIsem*nTS: Driven by growth in middle class income, education level, standard of living and willingness to spare money, middle-class Indians have broken off their love of traditional stand-alone Indian stores that have no air conditioning; organized parking and other public amenities.

Where is black city in India? ›

Black City, Kolkata- A number of Europeans were imprisoned in a small lockup popularly known as the Black Hole of Calcutta. Another reason being a finger of goddess Kali fell here when Shiva was carrying her dead body.

Does the US have ghost cities? ›

As The New York Times reported, some 3,800 ghost towns exist in America, mostly abandoned between the 19th and 20th centuries for greener pastures and big city dreams. However, just because no one lives there doesn't mean you can't visit. Here are 11 ghost towns in the U.S. you can still experience today.

What is the largest ghost city in America? ›

Welcome to Jerome, Arizona, America's largest ghost town.

Is America good for shopping? ›

As the birthplace of the mega-mall and many of the world's best-known brands and retailers, it's no surprise that the USA is home to many fantastic shopping destinations.

What to buy from India to USA? ›

Kitchen Supplies
  • Pressure Cooker. Well, this is the first and foremost thing everyone recommends but they are heavy and take space. ...
  • Chakla (Rolling Board) / Belan (Rolling Pin) ...
  • Tava & Chimta for Chapatis. ...
  • Spices Box & Indian Spices. ...
  • Cutlery & other utensils. ...
  • Kadai, Pots, and Pans. ...
  • Other Miscellaneous.

Which is the most beautiful mall in India? ›

Phoenix MarketCity, Mumbai

One of the largest and the prettiest shopping malls in India, Phoenix MarketCity is situated in Kurla, Mumbai. With a number of shopping brand outlets for apparels, footwear, accessories etc, the mall also boasts of a humongous food court and a huge multiplex for movies.

Which is Asia's biggest mall? ›

List of largest shopping malls in South Asia
RankNameLocation
1Jamuna Future ParkDhaka
2Lucky One MallKarachi
3(tie)SM Tarlac CityTarlac
4(tie)Sarath City Capital MallHyderabad
6 more rows

Which state has the most malls? ›

California has the most with 15,285, followed by Texas's 12,834 and Florida's 10,843, according to CoStar data presented in the International Council of Shopping Center's annual State Statistics report.

Why large shopping malls are replacing small shops? ›

To conclude, there are so many benefits of shopping in large malls such as discounts on items, premium quality products, all kinds of items under one roof, etc which are attracting people to come there.

When was the last mall built in the US? ›

The Mall at Turtle Creek in Jonesboro, Ark., on March 29, 2006, was considered to be the last truly enclosed mall constructed, according to the ICSC, and was the only enclosed mall to open in the country that year.

Why are malls bad for the environment? ›

Hydrocarbons, such as trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, and dichlorobenzene, can also contribute to air pollution in shopping malls. This class of VOCs can come from cleaning products, dry cleaning chemicals, and air fresheners.

What are the factors affecting the success of malls? ›

2.3 Factors that contribute to the shopping mall success

Among the factors that contribute to the shopping centre success are strategic location, good shopping centre design and layout, wide ranging tenant mix, sufficient parking space and efficient promotion and marketing strategy.

How can I improve my shopping mall? ›

Organize events and activities to drive more traffic to the mall. Invite non-profit organizations and community groups to hold events to entertain the audience and improve their mall experience. Plan events that will entice them to engage and spend more time at the mall.

Why do consumers go to shopping malls? ›

... Shopping malls are visited by customers not only to search for a product or service, but they also view these visits as a form of entertainment activity that provides fun from the shopping experience. This is (Makgopa, 2016) .

What are the disadvantages of shopping in a big mall? ›

On the other hand, there are also disadvantages when shopping in large shopping mall. Due to the high rent, products in shopping malls can be more pricy than their counterparts in traditional stores.

Who owns the most malls in America? ›

Simon Property Group, Inc. is an American real estate investment trust that invests in shopping malls, outlet centers, and community/lifestyle centers. It is the largest owner of shopping malls in the United States and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

What is the oldest covered mall in America? ›

Southdale Shopping Center, located in Edina, Minnesota, was the first totally enclosed shopping center in the nation.

What is the most environmentally friendly shopping center? ›

Burwood Brickworks, The World's Most Sustainable Shopping Centre. The LBC is the most advanced and considered award of sustainability in the building environment. No 'greenwashing' in sight, the requirements for this award are specific.

Why are malls so noisy? ›

This use of malls produces huge traffic rates in a closed area—even with the existence of open spaces—and results in raised sound levels. This leads to poor acoustic comfort due to the noisy space, and these effects primarily influence the staff working in shopping malls.

How can a mall be eco friendly? ›

Shopping malls can incorporate sustainable design elements into their buildings and facilities. This can include utilizing passive cooling techniques such as natural ventilation, locally sourced building materials like wood from sustainably managed forests, or recycled steel beams from local scrap yards.

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