Evolution of Ancient Shopping Malls to Contemporary Shopping Centres
The concept of the shopping mall, shopping center, or shopping plaza can be traced back to ancient outdoor markets where people would gather to purchase goods from local farmers, artisans, and craftsmen. One of the well-known ancient marketplaces was the Agora in ancient Greece, which emerged in the early 6th century. In Greece, residential areas developed around these marketplaces due to the convenience of trade, as they were easily accessible from surrounding farmlands and the seaport of Piraeus. Over time, these marketplaces evolved into the shopping malls we know today and have since spread across major cities worldwide in various forms.
Modern shopping malls are not only places to discover and purchase goods but have also become cultural hubs where people of all ages gather and network. In India, the history of shopping malls dates back to the British Raj, with the first shopping mall, ‘Spencer Plaza,’ built in 1985 in Chennai. Since then, India has witnessed the rapid growth of shopping malls, with approximately 600-700 malls present in major cities and towns, each housing 50-200 stores.
Recent studies indicate that an average mall-goer in India spends around 7 to 8 lakhs a month, which translates to approximately 15,000 to 25,000 per day. Mall-goers visit these establishments for various reasons, with 48% coming for shopping, 21% for leisure activities, 12% for movies, and 9% to dine and enjoy delicious food available at restaurants or food courts.
Shopping Mall - an opportunistic place for any businesses for marketing and advertising
For businesses with stores inside malls, strip stores, and standalone retailers, advertising within malls holds significant value. Mall advertising efficiently captures the attention of mall-goers, leading to quick conversions and high reachability. The mall environment provides a unique opportunity for brands to engage with consumers while they are on the path of their purchase journey.
At BuyMediaSpace, we understand the potential of mall advertising in reaching consumers during their shopping experiences. If you want to effectively connect with your target audience as they navigate through shopping malls, our agency can provide you with the necessary tools and strategies to create impactful mall advertising campaigns.
With the steady footfall and diverse demographics found in shopping malls, advertising in these locations ensures consistent exposure and conversion of the audience. So, if you are seeking to reach consumers during their shopping endeavours through mall advertising, our agency can certainly assist you in achieving your advertising objectives effectively. We have the expertise and resources to help your brand make a strong impact on mall-goers and generate positive outcomes for your business.