mall

A mall, or shopping mall, is a retail complex that houses multiple stores connected by common walkways and public spaces. Malls typically offer a range of consumer services and amenities, including dining facilities, restrooms, information desks, and security. They are usually anchored by one or more large department stores or major retailers, around which smaller shops cluster. In addition to shopping, malls often host entertainment options such as cinemas or arcades, and may include services like banks, salons, or fitness centers. The layout generally prioritizes foot traffic and easy access, with large parking areas surrounding the enclosed or open-air concourses.

The modern mall evolved during the mid-20th century, with the first fully enclosed shopping mall believed to be Southdale Center in Edina, Minnesota, opened in 1956 and designed by Victor Gruen. The model spread with suburban expansion, yielding regional and super-regional malls through the 1960s–1990s. In later decades, developers also created open-air lifestyle centers and mixed-use developments that emphasize walkability and dining alongside shopping.

Common mall formats include regional and super-regional malls with multiple anchor stores, and smaller community centers. Specialty and outlet centers focus on particular brands or discount goods. Typical features include food courts or concessions, entertainment venues, and parking. Ownership varies, from developers and real estate investment trusts to municipal or joint public-private arrangements.

Economically, malls have served as hubs of retail activity, employment, and social interaction, especially in suburban areas. They can influence land use and the vitality of surrounding streets. The growth of online shopping has pressured traditional malls to adapt, adding experiential tenants, event programming, and mixed-use elements to attract visitors and extend dwell time.

Today, shopping malls continue to adapt to changing consumer preferences, balancing retail, experiences, and community needs within various architectural and regional contexts.