Although the terms mall and shopping center are often used interchangeably, they do have a slight difference. Both refer to large spaces that allow access to multiple shops, but a mall does not have to be an enclosed space, whereas a shopping center typically is. A mall can be a shopping center, strip mall, or a pedestrian street, making a shopping center just one type of mall.
Key Takeaways
- A shopping center is an enclosed space containing multiple stores that sell various merchandise.
- A mall can be a shopping center, strip mall or a pedestrian street, and does not have to be an enclosed space.
- Both malls and shopping centers can house additional facilities such as food courts, play areas, and movie theaters.
What is a Mall?
A mall is a place that provides access to multiple shops, which can be a shopping center, strip mall, or pedestrian street. Malls can be open-air or enclosed spaces, containing various types of shops selling a range of merchandise such as clothes, jewelry, electronics, toys, household items, and food. Prices may vary by store, with some selling branded items at higher prices than others selling general merchandise. Some famous malls include Mall of America (USA), Tokyo Midtown Galleria (Japan), Berjaya Times Square (Malaysia), Champs-Élysées (France), Istinye Park (Turkey), Mall of the Emirates (United Arab Emirates), West Edmonton Mall (Canada), Dubai Mall (United Arab Emirates), and Golden Resources (China).
What is a Shopping Center?
A shopping center is a building or group of buildings that house a variety of stores selling merchandise to the public. These centers often also include food courts, play areas, and movie theaters to attract larger crowds, and are typically found in urban areas. The International Council of Shopping Centers has classified shopping centers in the US into eight divisions, such as neighborhood centers, community centers, regional centers, and fashion/specialty centers. These classifications are based on the size and type of merchandise sold in the centers.
Similarities Between Mall and Shopping Center
Both malls and shopping centers have a variety of stores selling various merchandise, and they may also include additional facilities such as food courts, play areas, and movie theaters.
Difference Between Mall and Shopping Center
The main difference between a mall and a shopping center is that a mall can be a shopping center, strip mall, or pedestrian street, while a shopping center is a building or group of buildings that house multiple stores. A mall may be an open space, while a shopping center is typically an enclosed space.
Summary – Mall vs Shopping Center
While the terms mall and shopping center are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two. A shopping center is a building or group of buildings that contain a variety of stores, whereas a mall can be a shopping center, strip mall, or pedestrian street.
