When was the last time you went to the mall?
In an era where shopping online seems easier and more convenient than going to a physical store, shopping malls can seem like mysterious places. Why should you drive or walk to a shopping mall, when you can find and buy pretty much anything you like by browsing the Internet on your smartphone or your computer?
The truth is that going to the mall can be a lot more fun than shopping online. Shopping malls allow you to meet with your friends, to eat a good meal, and to do some window shopping, even if you don’t want to buy anything in particular.
Shopping malls make it easy to find everything you need under one roof while supporting your local economy. Plus, there are no shipping costs when you buy something in a brick-and-mortar store.
Are you ready to go out and do some shopping? Here are some examples of the types of stores in a shopping mall.
Type #1: Department stores
Most shopping malls have at least one department store. These large stores are usually located at the ends of a mall, and you can find pretty much anything you could want in their different departments, whether you are looking for clothes, shoes, cosmetics, home accessories, or toys.
Type #2: Grocery stores
Many shopping malls feature a grocery store or a small food market, so shoppers can pick up some groceries after a busy shopping day. Why leave the mall to go to another grocery store when you can find one at the end of the mall?
Type #3: Restaurants
Hungry shoppers who don’t want to go to the grocery store can find delicious meals and snacks at the mall’s food court. Whether you are in the mood for a slice of pizza, a burger, some asian food, some pasta, a plate of fish & chips, or an ice cream cone, you will find it at the mall.
Type #4: Clothing stores
Shopping malls usually feature many clothing stores, so whether you like following the latest fashion trends, or you simply want to buy new clothes for your young children, your local mall should be your destination. Buying clothes that you can touch and try on makes more sense than ordering clothes online.
Type #5: Accessory stores
To complete your new look, search for the mall’s accessory stores. Jewellery stores, shoe stores, and retailers that sell different fashion accessories are always popular, especially those that appeal to teenagers.
Type #6: Pharmacies
Pharmacies are places where you can buy prescription drugs as well as a variety of health and fitness products. In addition to pharmacies, some shopping malls feature medical clinics so you can speak with a professional if you have concerns about your health.
Type #7: Technology stores
Shopping malls have technology stores that sell electronics. If you need a new smartphone, a new tablet, a new laptop, a new television, or a new stereo system, you are sure to find it at the shopping mall.
Type #8: Pet stores
For shoppers who want to spoil their beloved pets, most malls have pet stores where it’s possible to buy pet food, treats, and many accessories. The pet store is also the place where you can find your new friend, whether you love dogs, cats, hamsters, or turtles.
Type #9: Toy stores
Toy stores are filled with toys that can please kids of all ages. For children, they are magical places, and for parents, they are an occasion to go back to their childhood and to remember what it felt like to look at toys on the shelves of a store.
Type #10: Specialty stores
Depending on which shopping mall you are visiting, you could come accross different specialty stores. Those stores are where you can find books, calendars, sports equipment, ink for your printer, binoculars, gourmet foods, loose-leaf teas, fancy pocket watches, and many items that can be difficult to find in other stores.
Type #11: Thrift stores
Thrift stores are where you can donate clothes and other items you don’t need anymore, or shop for clothes and items donated by other people. They are places where you can find unique treasures for low prices, while giving back to your community.
Type #12: Services
While shopping at the mall, you can also visit different service providers. Being able to go to the bank, to get a haircut, to get your shoes repaired, to find someone to complete your tax return, to search for a new job, or to study for your driver’s license all under one roof can really simplify your life.
Type #13: Kiosks
Finally, you can find different kiosks when you go to the shopping mall. Kiosks can be extensions to the food court of the mall, or they can simply sell electronics or specialty items. Local businesses can rent kiosks to sell their products, since they are less expensive than stores, and can greatly help improve their visibility.
As you can see, there is something for everyone in a shopping mall. Maybe your local mall has something that was not mentioned here, like a movie theater or a bowling alley. It might be time for you to go discover what your mall has to offer!