Shopping center

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Viiri shopping centre

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Cornelius Oregon strip mall

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Shopping center, also known as a shopping mall or shopping precinct, is a complex of retail stores, dining establishments, and other service businesses housed within a single large or interconnected group of buildings. These centers are designed to serve the shopping and social needs of the surrounding community or region. Shopping centers vary in size and complexity, from small strip malls with a few stores to large, multi-level malls with hundreds of shops and additional facilities like cinemas, restaurants, and amusement parks.

History

The concept of the shopping center has evolved significantly since the early 20th century. The first planned shopping mall in the United States was the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, which opened in 1922. However, the modern shopping mall, as it is known today, began to take shape in the 1950s with the development of suburban areas and the rise of car culture. Victor Gruen, an Austrian-born architect, is often credited with designing the first enclosed shopping mall, the Southdale Center in Edina, Minnesota, which opened in 1956. This model of a fully enclosed, climate-controlled shopping space became a blueprint for future malls across the world.

Types of Shopping Centers

Shopping centers can be categorized into several types based on their size, configuration, and primary target market. These include:

• Strip Mall: A row of retail stores with parking in front of the stores. Strip malls are usually open-air and smaller in size.
• Community Center: A type of shopping center that typically offers a wider range of services, including grocery stores, drug stores, and other convenience-oriented retailers, along with some apparel and home goods stores.
• Regional Mall: A large shopping center that provides general merchandise (a large percentage of which is apparel) and services in depth and width. A typical regional mall is usually enclosed and has one or two levels.
• Superregional Mall: Similar to regional malls but larger in size, offering more variety and a deeper selection of merchandise. Superregional malls often include multiple anchor stores.
• Outlet Mall: A type of shopping center that specializes in retailing brand-name goods at discounted prices. Outlet malls are often located farther from major metropolitan areas and can be either enclosed or open-air.
• Lifestyle Center: An open-air shopping center that combines retail with leisure amenities designed to mimic a traditional downtown shopping district.

Economic and Social Impact

Shopping centers have a significant economic and social impact on the communities they serve. Economically, they create jobs, generate sales tax revenue, and can attract additional business to the area. Socially, shopping centers often become community hubs where people gather not just for shopping but for entertainment, dining, and socializing. However, the rise of online shopping and changes in consumer behavior have challenged the traditional shopping center model, leading to the decline of some malls and the evolution of others into mixed-use developments.

Challenges and Future Trends

The retail industry is facing significant challenges, including the growth of e-commerce, changing consumer preferences, and the economic impacts of global events. In response, shopping center developers and retailers are adapting by integrating technology, enhancing customer experiences, and diversifying their offerings to include more entertainment and lifestyle options. The future of shopping centers may involve a greater emphasis on community and convenience, with a blend of retail, residential, and office space to create vibrant, multi-use environments.

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