Shopping malls provide a completely different experience in different towns. Not every shopping mall is the same, compared to other types of retail stores, which is why many people love shopping at the mall.
Mall shopping: then and now
The concept of shopping malls has evolved over time. The mall model as we know it now made its public debut in 1950 in Seattle. Back then, shopping malls had a more practical and straightforward goal: Provide shoppers what they need. Therefore, going to a mall for pure enjoyment or to pass time was not really ideal.
Now, it is not uncommon to find arcades, vendors, movie theaters and other types of entertainment in shopping malls.
Benefits of shopping at the mall
So, why choose a mall over other types of businesses? Here are a few benefits:
- Many stores conveniently located next to each other
- Eateries located inside the mall for lunch or dinner breaks
- Many mall retail stores sell up-to-date fashion clothing
- Great place to advertise your business
Consumers are often bombarded by multiple sales that are exclusive to mall shoppers. In fact, the mall is the number one location for many people who shop on days like Black Friday, which is a very popular day after Thanksgiving for great sales and discounts.
Some people have coupons, like nordstrom coupons, that are only valid inside mall stores. These types of coupons are typically very valuable, giving customers even greater incentive to spend their shopping days at their local mall.
Psychological implications of mall shopping
Since the 60s, teenagers and young adults have spent most of their free time browsing their local malls. In fact, malls are a social icon for many young people; it is a great way to spend time with your friends and develop your social skills.
Many iconic movies have scenes where teenagers and young adults spend their time at a mall. These messages spread across families, making their local mall the number one place to spend time, even if no money is spent.
Some psychologists even suggest that without malls, the way people relate and interact with each other would be vastly different, suggesting that people would probably me more guarded and distant towards acquaintances and strangers — which may be a good or bad, depending on how you look at it.
The future of malls
The generation is trending towards social media influence. People by now are used to sharing information at a very past pace. Additionally, teenagers learned new ways to relate to each other, not including text speak.
Malls are expected to adopt the social media mindset of young people to keep current and influential. Therefore, future generations may see kiosks that allow shoppers to order from their favorite stores before they enter the store. There may also be apps developed to do the same thing.
Cards may be created that contain the owner’s information, including interests and dislikes, to help that person’s shopping experience. The information may be read by individual store scanners via WiFi technology to help associates assist individual shoppers.
Shopping malls have been, and will continue to be, one of the main influential establishments in people’s lives. Of course, the way shopping malls influence an individual’s life will depend on his personality and social skills.