Shopping malls are buildings containing multiple retail stores, with open-air and closed options. The first malls were ancient covered bazaars, with the modern version appearing in the US after World War II. Regional and super regional malls serve larger areas, while outlets sell directly from manufacturers. Food outlets and chain department stores are also common components. However, malls have faced controversy for displacing traditional small businesses and major thoroughfares.
Malls are buildings that contain multiple retail stores. The term generally applies to open-air developments containing many buildings adjacent to pedestrian walkways. Closed malls, where all units are accessible under one roof, are referred to as malls. In the UK, they are known as business parks or districts.
The first shopping malls were the open-air covered bazaars of ancient Europe. After World War II, suburban life in the United States led to the advent of the modern version. As cities became crowded and dirty, people started looking for better living conditions which led to the development of open air shopping malls.
Fully enclosed shopping malls first appeared in the 1950s. Northgate Mall built in Seattle, Washington, USA, and Northland Shopping Center built near Detroit, Michigan, USA were the first indoor shopping malls. Built between 1950 and 1954, they were originally open-air centers, later closed.
Regional and super regional malls are designed to serve larger areas than traditional malls. They are often part of larger superstructures that include residential and commercial office space. They serve as the main commercial area for the region in which they are located.
Outlets are shopping malls where goods are sold to the public directly from the manufacturer’s stores. They also include stores that sell discontinued and customer-returned products at significantly reduced prices. The first outlet opened in Reading, Pennsylvania, USA in 1974.
Food outlets are common components of shopping malls. They feature vendors selling a variety of foods and a seating area. This area is generally an open plaza surrounded by various vendors.
Chain department stores are also a mainstay of many malls. In the beginning, these landmark stores were financially needed for the malls to stay open. Today, they exist as a means of attracting traffic to the smaller stores found within malls. They are placed as far from each other as possible to maximize this traffic.
There has been some controversy surrounding modern shopping malls due to their displacement of traditional small businesses and major thoroughfares. Many modern consumers still prefer shopping malls with large parking lots, entertainment, and private security over busy downtown areas. This preference has led to the dropping of many “mom and pop” stores in local malls.
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