eMacromall.com - The Informative Mall

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As of 2025, approximately 61.3% of U.S. mall shoppers are female, while 38.7% are male, making the gender distribution closer to three-fifths than two-thirds. This pattern has remained relatively stable over the past decade, with women continuing to lead spending in categories such as fashion, beauty, home goods, and gifts. Younger women aged 18 to 34 play a key role in impulse shopping, heavily influenced by social media trends and experiential store environments. Men, though fewer in number, tend to concentrate their spending in electronics, sporting goods, and quick-service food outlets. Regionally, malls in the South and West draw higher foot traffic thanks to warmer climates and entertainment-centered designs, while malls in the Northeast and Midwest are transforming into hybrid destinations that integrate retail with dining, wellness services, and community experiences to stay competitive and relevant.
In U.S. shopping malls as of 2025, the most common jobs include retail sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security guards, janitorial staff, and customer service representatives. Retail sales associates typically earn around $33,700 per year, while cashiers average about $31,000. Store managers at major retailers can earn anywhere from $50,000 to over $100,000, with top performers at companies like Walmart and Target reaching $280,000+ through bonuses and stock options. Security guards and janitorial staff generally make between $30,000 and $40,000, and customer service reps earn approximately $35,000 to $45,000 annually. Overall, the average mall job pays about $33,700 per year, or $16.20 per hour, with wages ranging from $8.89 to $23.32 per hour depending on role and location.
In Canadian shopping malls as of 2025, the most common jobs include retail sales associates, store managers, cashiers, security personnel, cleaning staff, and customer service representatives. Retail sales associates typically earn around $42,600 CAD annually (about $31,500 USD), while store managers can make between $55,000 to $75,000 CAD (roughly $40,700 to $55,500 USD) depending on experience and location. Cashiers and cleaning staff tend to earn closer to $35,000 CAD (around $25,900 USD), whereas security personnel and customer service reps average between $40,000 to $50,000 CAD (approximately $29,600 to $37,000 USD). Salaries vary by province, with Alberta and Ontario generally offering higher wages due to stronger retail demand and cost of living.
As of 2025, shopping malls in Mexico commonly employ sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security guards, cleaning staff, and food service workers, with salaries converted to USD for clarity. Sales associates typically earn between $500 and $800/month, while cashiers make around $450 to $750/month. Store managers average $9,000 to $15,000/year, and assistant managers earn roughly $7,000 to $12,000/year. Security personnel and janitorial staff earn between $400 and $700/month, depending on experience and location. In food courts, baristas and kitchen staff earn about $450 to $750/month, with higher wages in urban centers like Mexico City and Monterrey. Overall, mall jobs in Mexico offer modest but steady income, with opportunities for growth in management and specialized retail roles.
In EU shopping malls as of 2025, the most common jobs include retail sales assistants, cashiers, store managers, security officers, cleaning staff, and customer service representatives. Retail sales assistants typically earn between $22,000 and $32,000 USD annually, depending on the country, with higher wages in Western Europe. Cashiers and cleaning staff average around $20,000 to $28,000 USD, while store managers earn between $35,000 and $60,000 USD, with top-tier positions in countries like Germany or the Netherlands reaching $70,000+ USD. Security officers generally make $25,000 to $40,000 USD, and customer service reps earn about $30,000 to $45,000 USD. Salaries vary widely across member states, with Luxembourg, Ireland, and the Netherlands offering some of the highest wages, while Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary tend to be on the lower end of the scale.
In U.K. shopping malls as of 2025, the most common jobs include retail assistants, store managers, cashiers, cleaning operatives, security officers, and customer service representatives. Retail assistants typically earn between £25,300 and £26,000 annually, which is about $32,000 USD, while store managers make around £32,900 to £35,000 (roughly $41,500 to $44,200 USD). Cashiers and cleaning staff earn closer to £22,000 to £26,500 ($27,800 to $33,400 USD), and security officers average about £28,000 to £32,000 ($35,400 to $40,500 USD). Customer service roles tend to fall in the £26,000 to £30,000 range ($33,000 to $38,000 USD), depending on location and experience. Salaries are generally higher in London and major retail hubs like Birmingham and Manchester.
As of 2025, shopping malls in Switzerland commonly employ sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security guards, cleaning staff, and food service workers, with salaries converted to USD for clarity. Sales associates typically earn between $3,800 and $5,500/month, while cashiers make around $3,500 to $5,000/month. Store managers average $65,000 to $95,000/year, and assistant managers earn roughly $50,000 to $70,000/year. Security personnel and janitorial staff earn between $3,200 and $4,800/month, depending on region and experience. In food courts, baristas and kitchen staff earn about $3,400 to $5,200/month, with higher wages in cities like Zurich and Geneva. Overall, mall jobs in Switzerland offer competitive pay and strong labor protections, making them attractive options for both locals and expatriates seeking stable employment in retail and hospitality.
As of 2025, shopping malls in Germany commonly employ sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security guards, cleaning staff, and food service workers, with salaries converted to USD for clarity. Sales associates typically earn between $2,000 and $2,800/month, while cashiers make around $1,900 to $2,600/month. Store managers average $45,000 to $70,000/year, and assistant managers earn roughly $35,000 to $50,000/year. Security personnel and janitorial staff earn between $1,800 and $2,500/month, depending on region and experience. In food courts, baristas and kitchen staff earn about $1,900 to $2,700/month, with higher wages in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. Overall, mall jobs in Germany offer solid pay, strong labor protections, and opportunities for advancement, especially in management and specialized retail roles.
As of 2025, shopping malls in France commonly employ sales associates, cashiers, store managers, visual merchandisers, inventory managers, customer service representatives, security guards, cleaning staff, and food service workers, with salaries converted to USD for clarity. Sales associates typically earn between $19,500 and $32,500/year, while cashiers make around $18,000 to $29,000/year. Store managers average $32,000 to $48,000/year, and visual merchandisers, inventory managers, and e-commerce specialists earn between $27,000 and $44,000/year. Customer service representatives make about $21,500 to $32,500/year, while security personnel and janitorial staff earn between $19,000 and $30,000/year. Food court workers, including baristas and kitchen staff, typically earn $19,000 to $33,000/year, with higher wages in cities like Paris and Lyon. Overall, mall jobs in France offer stable income and career growth, especially for multilingual professionals and those with retail experience.
As of 2025, shopping malls in Spain commonly employ sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security guards, cleaning staff, and food service workers, with salaries converted to USD for clarity. Sales associates typically earn between $1,700 and $2,500/month, while cashiers make around $1,600 to $2,300/month. Store managers average $34,000 to $52,000/year, and assistant managers earn roughly $26,000 to $40,000/year. Security personnel and janitorial staff earn between $1,500 and $2,200/month, depending on region and experience. In food courts, baristas and kitchen staff earn about $1,600 to $2,400/month, with higher wages in cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Overall, mall jobs in Spain offer modest but stable income, with opportunities for advancement in retail and hospitality sectors.
In Chinese shopping malls as of 2025, the most common jobs include retail sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security personnel, cleaning staff, and customer service representatives. Retail sales associates typically earn between ¥60,000 to ¥96,000 annually (about $8,300 to $13,300 USD), while cashiers and cleaning staff average around ¥48,000 to ¥72,000 ($6,600 to $10,000 USD). Store managers can make ¥120,000 to ¥180,000 ($16,600 to $25,000 USD), depending on experience and location. Security personnel and customer service reps generally earn between ¥60,000 to ¥96,000 ($8,300 to $13,300 USD). Salaries tend to be higher in Tier 1 cities like Shanghai and Beijing, where retail demand and cost of living are elevated.
In Japanese shopping malls as of 2025, the most common jobs include retail sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security staff, cleaning personnel, and customer service representatives. Retail sales associates typically earn between ¥2.4 to ¥3.6 million annually (about $16,200 to $24,300 USD), while cashiers and cleaning staff average around ¥2.2 to ¥2.6 million ($14,800 to $17,500 USD). Store managers can make ¥4.8 to ¥7.2 million ($32,400 to $48,600 USD), depending on experience and location. Security staff and customer service reps generally earn between ¥2.5 to ¥3.5 million ($16,900 to $23,700 USD). Salaries tend to be higher in Tokyo and other major urban centers, where the cost of living and demand for skilled workers are greater.
As of 2025, shopping malls in South Korea commonly employ sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security guards, cleaning staff, and food service workers, with salaries converted to USD for clarity. Sales associates typically earn between $1,500 and $2,300/month, while cashiers make around $1,400 to $2,100/month. Store managers average $36,000 to $55,000/year, and assistant managers earn roughly $28,000 to $42,000/year. Security personnel and janitorial staff earn between $1,300 and $2,000/month, depending on experience and location. In food courts, baristas and kitchen staff earn about $1,400 to $2,200/month, with higher wages in major cities like Seoul and Busan. Overall, mall jobs in South Korea offer modest but stable income, with opportunities for advancement in management and specialized retail roles.
In Vietnamese shopping malls as of 2025, the most common jobs include retail sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security staff, cleaning personnel, and customer service representatives. Retail sales associates typically earn between VND 96 million to VND 144 million annually (about $3,800 to $5,700 USD), while cashiers and cleaning staff average around VND 72 million to VND 96 million ($2,900 to $3,800 USD). Store managers can make VND 180 million to VND 300 million ($7,100 to $11,800 USD), depending on experience and location. Security staff and customer service reps generally earn between VND 84 million to VND 120 million ($3,300 to $4,700 USD). Salaries tend to be higher in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, where retail demand and cost of living are elevated.
In Thailand's shopping malls as of 2025, the most prevalent jobs include sales associates, cashiers, security personnel, cleaning staff, customer service agents, and food court workers. Salaries for these roles typically range from $250 to $700 USD per month, with retail and customer service staff earning approximately $450 to $650 USD, while cleaning and food service jobs tend to offer closer to $250 to $500 USD. Workers in urban centers like Bangkok generally receive slightly higher wages due to cost of living and mall foot traffic. Most of these positions are hourly or monthly wage roles, often hovering near Thailand's minimum wage, which is around $10 to $12 USD per day, depending on the province.
As of 2025, shopping malls in Hong Kong commonly employ sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security guards, cleaning staff, and food service workers, with salaries converted to USD for clarity. Sales associates typically earn between $1,900 and $2,800/month, while cashiers make around $1,800 to $2,600/month. Store managers average $40,000 to $65,000/year, and assistant managers earn roughly $30,000 to $45,000/year. Security personnel and janitorial staff earn between $1,700 and $2,500/month, depending on experience and location. In food courts, baristas and kitchen staff earn about $1,800 to $2,700/month, with higher wages in prime retail districts like Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. Overall, mall jobs in Hong Kong offer competitive pay and stable employment, especially for multilingual professionals and those with customer service experience.
As of 2025, shopping malls in Singapore commonly employ sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security guards, cleaning staff, and food service workers, with salaries converted to USD for clarity. Sales associates typically earn between $2,800 and $4,200/month, while cashiers make around $2,700 to $4,000/month. Store managers average $45,000 to $65,000/year, and assistant managers earn roughly $35,000 to $50,000/year. Security personnel and janitorial staff earn between $2,600 and $3,800/month, depending on experience and location. In food courts, baristas and kitchen staff earn about $2,700 to $4,100/month, with higher wages in prime retail districts like Orchard Road and Marina Bay. Overall, mall jobs in Singapore offer competitive pay and stable employment, especially for those with customer service experience or multilingual skills.
As of 2025, shopping malls in India commonly employ sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security guards, cleaning staff, and food service workers, with salaries converted to USD for comparison. Sales associates typically earn between $1,200 and $2,400/year, while cashiers make around $1,100 to $2,200/year. Store managers average $3,000 to $6,000/year, and assistant managers earn roughly $2,400 to $4,800/year. Security personnel and janitorial staff earn between $1,000 and $1,800/year, depending on experience and location. In food courts, baristas and kitchen staff earn about $1,100 to $2,000/year, with higher wages in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru. Overall, mall jobs in India offer modest but steady income, with opportunities for growth in management and specialized retail roles.
In Indonesia's shopping malls as of 2025, the most common jobs include sales assistants, cashiers, security guards, cleaning staff, customer service representatives, and food court workers. These roles typically earn between $150 to $500 USD per month, depending on location, experience, and employer size. For example, retail and customer service staff in urban centers like Jakarta may earn around $300 to $450 USD, while cleaning and food service roles often fall between $150 to $350 USD. Salaries tend to be higher in large malls and metropolitan areas, with Jakarta offering the highest minimum wage at approximately $320 USD per month.
As of 2025, shopping malls in Brazil commonly employ sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security guards, cleaning staff, and food service workers, with salaries converted to USD for clarity. Sales associates typically earn between $350 and $600/month, while cashiers make around $300 to $550/month. Store managers average $9,000 to $15,000/year, and assistant managers earn roughly $7,000 to $12,000/year. Security personnel and janitorial staff earn between $300 and $500/month, depending on experience and location. In food courts, baristas and kitchen staff earn about $320 to $550/month, with higher wages in major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Overall, mall jobs in Brazil offer modest but steady income, with opportunities for growth in management and specialized retail roles.
As of 2025, shopping malls in Argentina commonly employ sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security guards, cleaning staff, and food service workers, with salaries converted to USD for clarity. Sales associates and cashiers typically earn between $450 and $700/month, while store managers average $3,000 to $5,000/year, and assistant managers earn roughly $2,400 to $4,000/year. Security personnel and janitorial staff earn between $400 and $650/month, depending on experience and location. In food courts, baristas and kitchen staff earn about $450 to $700/month, with higher wages in urban centers like Buenos Aires and Mendoza. Overall, mall jobs in Argentina offer modest but steady income, with opportunities for growth in management and specialized retail roles.
As of 2025, shopping malls in the UAE commonly employ sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security guards, cleaning staff, and food service workers, with salaries converted to USD for comparison. Sales associates typically earn between $1,600 and $2,400/month, while cashiers make around $1,500 to $2,200/month. Store managers average $38,000 to $60,000/year, and assistant managers earn roughly $28,000 to $42,000/year. Security personnel earn between $1,800 and $2,700/month, and janitorial staff receive about $1,400 to $2,000/month. In food courts, baristas and kitchen staff earn approximately $1,600 to $2,300/month, with higher wages in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Overall, mall jobs in the UAE offer competitive pay and benefits, especially for expatriates, with opportunities for advancement in retail and hospitality sectors.
As of 2025, shopping malls in Saudi Arabia commonly employ sales associates, cashiers, store managers, security guards, cleaning staff, and food service workers, with salaries converted to USD for clarity. Sales associates typically earn between $1,000 and $1,500/month, while cashiers make around $900 to $1,400/month. Store managers average $30,000 to $45,000/year, and assistant managers earn roughly $22,000 to $35,000/year. Security personnel and janitorial staff earn between $800 and $1,300/month, depending on experience and location. In food courts, baristas and kitchen staff earn about $900 to $1,400/month, with higher wages in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. Overall, mall jobs in Saudi Arabia offer modest but steady income, with competitive benefits for expatriates and opportunities for advancement in retail and hospitality sectors.
As of 2025, the United States boasts approximately 46,437 shopping centers spanning 87 states and over 7,000 cities. Among the top contributors, California leads with 5,979 centers, followed by Texas with 4,326, New York with 1,945, Florida with 1,840, and Pennsylvania with 1,650, highlighting the widespread distribution of retail hubs across the country.
As of 2025, Canada is home to approximately 4,984 shopping centers, spanning a wide range of formats from massive malls like West Edmonton Mall and Yorkdale Shopping Centre, to smaller regional and neighborhood centers across the country. These retail hubs are distributed across 25 provinces and territories, with Ontario leading the count at 1,916 centers, followed by Quebec with 811, Alberta with 768, and British Columbia with 730. Despite the continued rise of e-commerce, physical shopping centers in Canada remain vital to the retail ecosystem, offering diverse experiences that blend shopping, dining, entertainment, and community engagement.
As of 2025, the United Kingdom is home to approximately 3,646 shopping centers, ranging from massive retail destinations like Westfield London and Metrocentre in Gateshead to smaller regional malls and outlet centers. Despite challenges from e-commerce and shifting consumer habits, these centers remain vital hubs for retail, leisure, and social interaction. The UK retail landscape continues to evolve, with many shopping centers integrating entertainment, dining, and digital experiences to stay competitive and attract foot traffic.
As of 2025, France is home to approximately 29,197 shopping centers, ranging from expansive retail destinations like Les Quatre Temps in Paris and La Part-Dieu in Lyon, to smaller regional malls and outlet centers spread across the country. These centers play a vital role in France’s retail ecosystem, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. Despite the rise of e-commerce, physical retail spaces in France continue to thrive by adapting to consumer trends and integrating digital innovations to enhance foot traffic and customer engagement.
As of 2025, Germany has approximately 506 shopping centers, encompassing a total retail area of around 16.7 million square meters. These centers range from major urban destinations like Mall of Berlin and Westfield Centro to regional malls and outlet centers across the country. Despite the rise of e-commerce, Germany's shopping centers remain vital hubs for retail and leisure, with many undergoing revitalization to include entertainment zones, food courts, and sustainability upgrades. The market has stabilized in recent years, reflecting a shift toward mixed-use developments and enhanced customer experiences.
As of 2025, the Netherlands is home to approximately 2,850 shopping centers, ranging from large-scale destinations like Westfield Mall of the Netherlands and Hoog Catharijne in Utrecht, to smaller neighborhood centers and outlet malls spread across cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven. Despite the continued growth of e-commerce, physical retail spaces remain essential in Dutch urban life, with many centers evolving into multifunctional hubs that blend shopping, dining, entertainment, and even residential elements. This transformation reflects a broader trend toward creating vibrant, experience-driven environments that cater to both local residents and tourists.
As of 2025, Russia is home to approximately 26,064 shopping centers, spanning a wide range of formats from massive urban malls like Galeria in St. Petersburg and Aviapark in Moscow, to smaller regional and neighborhood centers across the country. These retail hubs are distributed throughout major cities and regions, with Moscow Oblast alone accounting for over 2,176 centers, and St. Petersburg hosting around 836. Despite economic challenges and a growing shift toward e-commerce, physical shopping centers in Russia continue to play a central role in consumer life, though reports suggest that up to 25% of malls may face bankruptcy due to rising operational costs, tax burdens, and reduced profitability.
As of 2025, Spain is home to approximately 5,460 shopping centers, encompassing a wide range of retail formats—from expansive malls like Puerto Venecia in Zaragoza and La Maquinista in Barcelona, to regional centers and outlet parks across cities such as Madrid, Valencia, and Seville. These centers continue to thrive despite the rise of e-commerce, with foot traffic and sales showing steady growth. Many have evolved into multifunctional spaces that blend shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure, reflecting Spain’s vibrant consumer culture and its role as a top-tier tourist destination.
As of 2025, Norway is home to approximately 1,210 shopping centers, ranging from large-scale destinations like Strømmen Storsenter, Sørlandssenteret, and Sandvika Storsenter, to smaller regional malls and neighborhood centers spread across cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger. These retail hubs continue to play a central role in Norwegian consumer life, blending traditional shopping experiences with modern conveniences. Many have adapted to changing consumer habits by incorporating entertainment zones, dining options, and digital innovations to enhance foot traffic and customer engagement.
As of 2025, Switzerland is home to approximately 4,556 shopping centers, ranging from major retail destinations like Westfield Centro, Sihlcity, and Shoppi Tivoli, to smaller regional malls and outlet centers spread across cities such as Zurich, Geneva, Bern, and Lausanne. These centers form a key part of Switzerland’s retail landscape, offering a mix of fashion, electronics, groceries, and leisure experiences. Despite the steady rise of e-commerce, physical retail spaces in Switzerland continue to thrive by embracing sustainability, digital integration, and multifunctional layouts that cater to evolving consumer preferences.
As of 2025, Sweden is home to approximately 371 shopping centers and retail parks, according to the Swedish Shopping Centre Directory. These range from major destinations like Westfield Mall of Scandinavia and Nordstan in Gothenburg, to smaller regional malls and outlet centers spread across cities such as Stockholm, Malmö, and Uppsala. Despite the growing influence of e-commerce, physical retail spaces in Sweden continue to thrive by embracing sustainability, digital integration, and multifunctional experiences that blend shopping, dining, and leisure.
As of 2025, Denmark is home to approximately 1,260 shopping centers, ranging from major retail destinations like Field’s in Copenhagen, Bruuns Galleri in Aarhus, and Rødovre Centrum, to smaller regional malls and neighborhood centers spread across cities such as Odense, Aalborg, and Esbjerg. These centers remain integral to Danish consumer life, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. Despite the rise of e-commerce, physical retail spaces in Denmark continue to thrive by embracing sustainability, digital innovation, and multifunctional layouts that cater to evolving shopper preferences.
As of 2025, Greece is home to approximately 6,472 shopping centers, spanning a diverse range of retail formats from large-scale malls like The Mall Athens, Mediterranean Cosmos, and Designer Outlet Athens, to smaller regional centers and outlet parks across cities such as Athens, Patras, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion. Athens alone accounts for around 335 shopping centers, representing about 5.18% of the national total. Despite economic challenges and the rise of e-commerce, physical retail spaces in Greece continue to thrive, with many centers evolving into vibrant hubs that blend shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
As of 2025, Portugal is home to approximately 3,215 shopping centers, ranging from major retail destinations like Centro Colombo in Lisbon, NorteShopping in Porto, and Algarve Shopping in Albufeira, to smaller regional malls and outlet parks spread across the country. These centers remain a cornerstone of Portugal’s retail landscape, with high occupancy rates and growing foot traffic driven by both local consumers and international tourists. Despite the rise of e-commerce, physical retail spaces in Portugal continue to thrive by integrating dining, entertainment, and digital experiences, making them attractive to investors and essential to urban life.
As of 2025, Mexico is home to approximately 3,920 shopping centers, encompassing a wide range of retail formats from large-scale malls like Centro Santa Fe, Antara Fashion Hall, and Galerías Guadalajara, to smaller community centers and outlet parks across cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, and Querétaro. The retail real estate sector is experiencing a revival, with 15 new malls slated to open by the end of 2025 and an additional two projects scheduled for 2026. This growth is driven by rising consumer demand, increased foot traffic, and the entry of new brands into the market, prompting developers to focus on lifestyle-oriented and mixed-use spaces that blend shopping, dining, entertainment, and services2. Despite the rise of e-commerce, physical retail spaces in Mexico continue to thrive by evolving into experience-driven destinations.
As of 2025, Brazil is home to approximately 21,614 shopping centers, making it one of the largest retail landscapes in the world. These centers span a wide range of formats—from massive urban malls like BarraShopping and Shopping Leblon in Rio de Janeiro, to regional and community-focused complexes across cities such as São Paulo, Fortaleza, and Belo Horizonte. São Paulo alone accounts for 2,512 shopping centers, representing about 11.62% of the national total. The sector continues to expand, with 17 new malls scheduled to open in 2025 across various regions3. Despite challenges from inflation and shifting consumer behavior, Brazil’s shopping centers remain vital hubs for commerce, entertainment, and services, attracting over 476 million visitors per month and generating a projected R$ 201 billion in revenue for 2025.
As of 2025, Argentina is home to approximately 25,707 shopping centers, making it one of the most retail-dense countries in Latin America. These centers range from iconic urban malls like Galerías Pacífico and Patio Olmos, to regional and neighborhood complexes spread across provinces such as Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Santa Fe. Buenos Aires Province alone accounts for over 8,145 shopping centers, representing nearly 32% of the national total. Despite economic fluctuations and the rise of e-commerce, Argentina’s shopping centers remain vital hubs for commerce, leisure, and tourism, with many adapting to consumer trends by integrating entertainment, dining, and digital experiences.
As of 2025, Colombia is home to approximately 9,968 shopping centers, making it one of the most retail-dense countries in Latin America. These centers span a wide range of formats—from massive urban malls like Centro Comercial Gran Plaza, Mall Plaza de las Americas, and Ventura Plaza, to regional and neighborhood complexes across cities such as Bogotá, Barranquilla, Medellín, and Cartagena. Bogotá alone accounts for 1,879 shopping centers, representing nearly 18.85% of the national total. Despite the growing influence of e-commerce, physical retail spaces in Colombia continue to thrive by offering diverse experiences that blend shopping, dining, entertainment, and community engagement.
As of 2025, Turkey is home to approximately 447 shopping centers, according to the Council of Shopping Centers (AYD). These retail hubs span major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, with investments increasingly shifting toward Anatolian regions. Despite economic fluctuations and post-pandemic challenges, the sector reported a combined turnover of $55 billion in 2024, signaling strong recovery and resilience. While foot traffic has only modestly increased, food and beverage sales have surged, reflecting changing consumer behavior. With five new malls expected to open in 2025, Turkey’s shopping centers continue to evolve as vibrant spaces for commerce, leisure, and community engagement.
As of 2025, Egypt is home to approximately 32,659 shopping centers, according to data updated in May 2025. These centers span a wide range of formats—from mega malls like Mall of Arabia, City Stars, and Mall of Egypt, to regional and community-focused complexes across cities such as Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, and Sharm El Sheikh. Cairo Governorate alone hosts over 5,594 shopping centers, representing about 17% of the national total. Despite economic challenges and the rise of e-commerce, Egypt’s physical retail spaces remain vital to urban life, with many malls evolving into multifunctional destinations that blend shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences.
As of 2025, Saudi Arabia is home to approximately 4,549 shopping centers, reflecting a significant expansion in its retail landscape driven by urbanization, rising consumer demand, and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative. These centers range from mega malls like Al Nakheel Mall, Granada Center, and Mall of Arabia, to regional and community-focused complexes across cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, and Dammam. Riyadh alone accounts for about 35% of the country’s organized retail activity, underscoring its role as a commercial hub. Despite the rise of e-commerce, physical retail spaces remain central to Saudi consumer culture, with malls increasingly integrating entertainment, dining, and lifestyle experiences to attract foot traffic and enhance engagement.
As of 2025, the United Arab Emirates is home to approximately 1,200 shopping centers, with the majority concentrated in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. These range from iconic mega malls like The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Yas Mall, to community-focused centers and luxury retail destinations such as Galleria Al Maryah Island and City Centre Mirdif. The sector continues to thrive, driven by tourism, urban development, and the UAE’s push toward experiential retail. Malls are evolving into multifunctional hubs that blend shopping, dining, entertainment, wellness, and digital innovation, aligning with national goals like the UAE Net Zero 2050 initiative and the 15-minute city concept.
As of 2025, South Africa is home to approximately 6,086 shopping centers, according to data updated in May 2025. These centers span a wide range of formats—from mega malls like Mall of Africa, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, and Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, to smaller community and regional complexes across cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria. Pretoria alone hosts 436 shopping centers, accounting for about 7.16% of the national total. Despite economic challenges and shifting consumer habits, South Africa’s retail landscape remains robust, with 101 new malls in the pipeline over the next three years. Developers are increasingly focusing on underserved areas and smaller towns, reflecting a shift toward convenience and localized retail experiences.
As of 2025, China is home to approximately 10,000 shopping centers, making it one of the most dynamic and expansive retail landscapes in the world2. These centers range from massive urban malls like Aviapark in Moscow (often confused due to its scale) and K11 in Shanghai, to regional and community-focused complexes across cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Despite the rapid growth, the industry faces challenges from oversupply and shifting consumer behavior, with some reports predicting that up to one-third of malls may close or transform into experience-driven spaces within the next five years. Nevertheless, China’s shopping centers remain central to retail and leisure, increasingly integrating digital innovation, entertainment, and lifestyle elements to attract foot traffic and adapt to evolving market demands.
As of 2025, Hong Kong is home to approximately 45,000 retail facilities, which include shopping centers, malls, and various retail outlets. These range from iconic destinations like Harbour City, IFC Mall, and K11 Musea, to newly developed complexes such as 11 SKIES, Hopewell Mall, and Kai Tak Mall, reflecting the city’s reputation as a global shopping paradise3. Despite the rise of e-commerce, physical retail spaces remain central to Hong Kong’s economy and culture, with many malls integrating entertainment, dining, and experiential elements to attract both locals and tourists.
As of 2025, Taiwan is home to approximately 2,131 shopping centers, according to data from April 2025. These range from iconic destinations like Taipei 101, Dream Mall, and Miramar Entertainment Park, to trendsetting hubs such as Syntrend Creative Park and Huashan 1914 Creative Park. Spread across major cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and New Taipei, these centers offer a vibrant mix of retail, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences. Despite the rapid growth of e-commerce, physical shopping centers in Taiwan remain essential to urban life, with many evolving into multifunctional spaces that blend technology, leisure, and lifestyle.
As of 2025, Japan is home to approximately 3,000 shopping centers, a number that has remained relatively stable over the past decade despite the growing influence of e-commerce. These centers range from large-scale urban malls like Tokyo Midtown, Grand Front Osaka, and Canal City Hakata, to smaller suburban complexes that serve local communities. Japanese shopping centers are typically characterized by a mix of specialty retailers, food establishments, and entertainment facilities, often located near transport hubs for convenience. While digital platforms such as Rakuten and Amazon continue to expand, physical retail spaces in Japan remain culturally significant and commercially viable, with ongoing developments and new openings signaling resilience in the sector.
As of 2025, Thailand is home to approximately 2,300 shopping centers, ranging from massive urban malls like Iconsiam, CentralWorld, and Siam Paragon in Bangkok, to regional centers and community malls across cities such as Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Khon Kaen. These retail hubs play a vital role in Thailand’s economy, driven by a blend of tourism, urbanization, and evolving consumer preferences. Despite the rise of e-commerce, physical retail spaces continue to thrive by integrating lifestyle elements such as dining, entertainment, and digital experiences. The sector is expected to grow steadily, supported by infrastructure investments and the return of foreign tourists.
As of 2025, Vietnam is home to approximately 201 shopping malls, with the majority concentrated in urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City (54 malls) and Hanoi (37 malls), while Tier-2 to Tier-4 cities host the remaining 110 malls. This number reflects only formal shopping malls and does not include thousands of smaller retail outlets, supermarkets, and commercial centers that also contribute to Vietnam’s vibrant retail landscape. The country’s retail market is booming, projected to reach US$350 billion by 2025, driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and strategic investments from major players like Aeon, Central Retail, and VinGroup, all of which are expanding aggressively across both metropolitan and regional areas.
As of 2025, Singapore is home to approximately 773 shopping malls, according to data from July 2025. These range from iconic destinations like Jewel Changi Airport, VivoCity, and ION Orchard, to neighborhood centers and newly developed complexes such as Punggol Coast Mall and Pasir Ris Mall. Despite its compact geography, Singapore boasts a dense and diverse retail landscape, with malls serving as multifunctional hubs that blend shopping, dining, entertainment, and community engagement. The sector continues to evolve with renovations, eco-friendly designs, and digital integration, reinforcing the city-state’s reputation as a global shopping paradise.
As of 2025, Malaysia is home to approximately 1,150 shopping centers, spanning a diverse mix of retail formats from mega malls like IOI City Mall, Mid Valley Megamall, and Suria KLCC, to regional complexes and community malls across states such as Selangor, Penang, Johor, and Sabah. Selangor leads in mall density, followed by Kuala Lumpur, reflecting the concentration of urban development and consumer activity. Despite the rise of e-commerce, physical retail spaces in Malaysia remain vital to the economy, with many malls evolving into lifestyle destinations that integrate shopping, dining, entertainment, and wellness. Developers are increasingly incorporating malls into mixed-use projects and real estate investment trusts (REITs), signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term viability.
As of 2025, Indonesia is home to approximately 1,000 formal shopping centers, including malls, retail parks, and lifestyle complexes, with the majority concentrated in urban hubs like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung. While this figure excludes the vast network of traditional markets and informal retail spaces, the country’s retail landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and a tech-savvy youth population. Developers are increasingly investing in premium outlets, mixed-use developments, and omnichannel strategies to meet shifting consumer preferences and compete with the booming e-commerce sector, which now accounts for over 22% of total retail sales.
As of 2025, India is home to approximately 750 operational shopping malls, with a combined retail area exceeding 200 million square feet. These malls span Tier 1 cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, as well as emerging Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities such as Lucknow, Indore, Jaipur, and Surat, which are expected to account for 40–45% of new mall developments in the coming years. The industry is projected to grow at a 12–15% CAGR, reaching a market value of USD 39 billion by the end of 2025. Despite the rise of e-commerce, Indian shopping centers continue to thrive by evolving into lifestyle destinations that blend retail, dining, entertainment, and wellness experiences.
Japan is a shopper’s paradise, and its malls are as much about experience as they are about retail therapy. Below are some of the largest and most famous shopping malls across Japan.

Lalaport Tokyo Bay (Chiba) – One of Japan’s biggest malls, with over 400 stores ranging from fashion to electronics.
Canal City Hakata (Fukuoka) – A visually stunning complex with shops, restaurants, a theater, and even a canal running through it.
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (Odaiba, Tokyo) – Famous for its life-sized Gundam statue and a wide range of entertainment and shopping options.
Shibuya Hikarie (Tokyo) – A sleek, modern mall with eight floors of shopping and two floors of dining. It even has refrigerated lockers for your sweets.
Yaesu Shopping Mall (Tokyo) – Located right by Tokyo Station, this massive underground mall has over 100 shops and 60 restaurants.
Grandberry Park (Tokyo) – A sprawling open-air outlet mall with a park-like atmosphere and a Snoopy Museum nearby.
Abeno Harukas Kintetsu (Osaka) – Part of Japan’s tallest skyscraper, this department store is a luxury shopping destination with panoramic city views.
Porta Kyoto (Kyoto) – An underground mall beneath Kyoto Station, perfect for fashion, souvenirs, and gourmet bites.

China is home to some of the most colossal and extravagant shopping malls in the world. Below are some of the largest and most famous ones. Each of these malls is more than just a shopping destination—they’re cultural and architectural landmarks in their own right.

New South China Mall (Dongguan) – Once dubbed the largest mall in the world by total area, this mega-structure boasts over 6.5 million square feet of space and more than 2,500 stores.
New Century Global Center (Chengdu) – Not just a mall, but a self-contained city. It includes a water park, IMAX theater, hotels, and even an indoor beach. It’s considered the largest building in the world by floor area.
Golden Resources Mall (Beijing) – Nicknamed the “Great Mall of China,” this massive complex spans over 6 million square feet and houses more than 1,000 stores.
Global Harbor (Shanghai) – A baroque-style shopping and entertainment complex with luxury brands, restaurants, and even a museum.
MIXC Shenzhen (Shenzhen) – A high-end mall known for its luxury boutiques, gourmet dining, and an indoor ice rink.
IFC Mall (Hong Kong) – A luxury shopping destination with stunning harbor views, Michelin-starred restaurants, and top-tier fashion brands.
Harbour City (Hong Kong) – The largest mall in Hong Kong, featuring over 700 shops and a prime location along Victoria Harbour.

Vietnam is home to some truly impressive shopping malls that blend luxury, entertainment, and local flavor. Below are some of the largest and most famous ones.

In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Vincom Center (District 1): A landmark mall split into two buildings (A & B), offering high-end fashion, electronics, and dining.
Saigon Centre & Takashimaya: A sleek, modern complex with international brands and a Japanese department store.
Crescent Mall: Located in District 7, known for its scenic lakeside setting and family-friendly vibe.
AEON Mall Tan Phu Celadon: One of the largest malls in the city, with over 84,000 m² of retail space.
ICON68 Shopping Center: Located in the Bitexco Financial Tower, it offers shopping with a view.

In Hanoi

Vincom Mega Mall Royal City: A massive underground mall with an ice rink, cinema, and hundreds of stores.
AEON Mall Long Bien & Ha Dong: Japanese-style malls with a wide range of shops and eateries.
Lotte Center Hanoi: A mix of shopping, dining, and panoramic views from the observation deck.

In Other Cities

Vincom Plaza (Da Nang, Nha Trang, Can Tho, Hai Phong, etc.): These malls are part of a nationwide chain offering consistent quality and variety.
Phu Quoc Centre: A popular spot for both shopping and nightlife on the island.

Thailand is a shopper’s paradise, and its malls are nothing short of spectacular. Below are some of the largest and most famous shopping malls across Thailand.

Central WestGate (Nonthaburi) – The largest in Thailand by gross leasable area, this mega-mall boasts over 700 stores, an IKEA, and a massive cineplex.
ICONSIAM (Bangkok) – A luxury shopping and lifestyle destination on the Chao Phraya River, featuring high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermès, an Apple Store, and the unique SookSiam cultural zone.
Siam Paragon (Bangkok) – Known for its upscale shopping, gourmet food hall, and attractions like Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World and the Paragon Cineplex.
CentralWorld (Bangkok) – One of the largest lifestyle malls in Southeast Asia, offering everything from fashion and tech to entertainment and dining.
Terminal 21 (Bangkok) – A themed mall where each floor represents a different world city—London, Tokyo, Paris, and more. It’s a favorite for both shopping and selfies.
MBK Center (Bangkok) – A legendary shopping complex popular for affordable fashion, electronics, and souvenirs. It’s a must-visit for bargain hunters.
Mega Bangna (Samut Prakan) – A sprawling one-story mall anchored by IKEA, with hundreds of shops and a family-friendly vibe.
Central Phuket (Phuket) – A stylish mall combining high-end retail with local culture, perfect for tourists exploring the island.

Shinsegae Department Store, located in Seoul's Jung-gu district, is the largest and oldest department store in South Korea. It was originally established in the 1930s as the Gyeongsong branch of Mitsukoshi, a Japanese department store franchise, before adopting its current name in 1963. This flagship store, which underwent a major remodeling in 2007, contains floor upon floor of designer names representing everything from fashion to books and from kitchenware to toys; it also has a beautiful spa, a relaxing roof garden and an impressive 60 tee golf driving range. The store is a luxury shopping destination featuring high-end brands, designer boutiques, and cultural spaces like Trinity Gardens and art halls. Shinsegae Department Store is also known for its Christmas media facade, a dazzling display of lights and music during the holiday season.
Shinsegae Department Store, Macy's, Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Selfridges, and Harrods are the most largest department stores in the world, which offer a mix of luxury brands, dining options, and entertainment facilities, making them more than just shopping destinations.
- Shinsegae Department Store (South Korea) – The largest department store globally, with a total floor area of over 3.16 million square feet.
- Macy's (United States) – One of the most iconic department stores in the U.S., covering 2.2 million square feet.
- Galeries Lafayette (France) – A prestigious department store in Paris, spanning 1.8 million square feet.
- Printemps (France) – Another major French department store, with 1.6 million square feet.
- Selfridges (United Kingdom) – A well-known luxury department store in London, covering 1.5 million square feet.
- Harrods (United Kingdom) – One of the most famous department stores in the world, with 1.4 million square feet.
Harrods, Macy's, Galeries Lafayette, El Corte Inglés, Isetan, Nordstrom, KaDeWe, are Selfridges are ones of the most iconic department stores in the world; they are not just places to shop but also cultural landmarks in their respective cities.

Harrods (London, UK): Known for its luxury goods and opulent interior, Harrods is the largest department store in London.
Macy's (New York City, USA): This historic store is famous for its Thanksgiving Day Parade and its massive flagship store in Herald Square.
Galeries Lafayette (Paris, France): A stunning department store with a beautiful glass dome and a wide range of high-end products.
El Corte Inglés (Madrid, Spain): The largest department store group in Europe, offering everything from fashion to electronics.
Isetan (Tokyo, Japan): A high-end department store known for its excellent customer service and wide range of products.
Nordstrom (Seattle, USA): Known for its customer service and wide range of products, Nordstrom is a popular choice in the US.
KaDeWe (Berlin, Germany): One of the largest department stores in Europe, offering a wide range of luxury goods.
Selfridges (London, UK): Known for its innovative displays and wide range of products, Selfridges is a popular shopping destination.

Isetan, Takashimaya, Lotte, Sogo, Shinsegae, Central, Parkson, and City'Super are the most famous department stores known for their vast range of products and unique shopping experiences in Asia; these notable department stores provide not only a fantastic shopping experience but also a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle.

Isetan (Tokyo, Japan): A high-end department store offering a variety of products, from fashion to gourmet food.
Takashimaya (Tokyo and Osaka, Japan): Known for its luxurious merchandise and excellent service, with locations in several cities.
Lotte Department Store (Seoul, South Korea): A popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a wide range of products and services.
Sogo (Hong Kong and Taipei, Taiwan): A well-known department store chain with a diverse selection of goods.
Shinsegae (Seoul, South Korea): One of the largest department stores in the world, known for its luxury brands and impressive facilities.
Central (Bangkok, Thailand): A major department store chain with a variety of products, from fashion to electronics.
Parkson (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia): A popular department store chain with locations throughout Malaysia and other Asian countries.
City'Super (Hong Kong): A premium lifestyle supermarket and department store offering high-quality products.

Harrods, Selfridges, Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché, KaDeWe, La Rinascente, El Corte Inglés, and Bijenkorf are the most famous department stores in Europe; these most prestigious and iconic department stores are not just shopping destinations but also cultural landmarks in their respective cities.

Harrods (London, UK): Known for its luxury goods and opulent interior.
Selfridges (London, UK): Renowned for its innovative displays and wide range of products, Selfridges is a popular shopping destination.
Galeries Lafayette (Paris, France): A stunning department store with a beautiful glass dome and a wide range of high-end products.
Le Bon Marché (Paris, France): One of the oldest and most elegant department stores in Paris, offering a curated selection of luxury items.
KaDeWe (Berlin, Germany): One of the largest department stores in Europe, offering a wide range of luxury goods.
La Rinascente (Milan, Italy): A historic department store in the heart of Milan, known for its high-end fashion and gourmet food section.
El Corte Inglés (Madrid, Spain): The largest department store group in Europe, offering everything from fashion to electronics.
Bijenkorf (Amsterdam, Netherlands): A premium department store known for its high-quality products and excellent customer service.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, Westfield Forum des Halles, Galerie Vivienne, Bercy Village, Centre Commercial Beaugrenelle, La Vallee Village, Passage du Havre, and Carrousel du Louvre are considered as the top shopping destinations in Paris, based on popularity, variety, and visitor experience.

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann – A legendary department store with luxury brands, gourmet food halls, and a stunning rooftop view.
Westfield Forum des Halles – A massive underground mall in the heart of Paris offering fashion, tech, and dining.
Galerie Vivienne – A charming 19th-century arcade filled with elegant boutiques and Parisian flair.
Bercy Village – A unique open-air shopping street with cozy shops and restaurants in renovated wine warehouses.
Centre Commercial Beaugrenelle – A sleek, modern mall near the Eiffel Tower featuring fashion, design, and food.
La Vallee Village – An outlet shopping village outside Paris with luxury brands at discounted prices.
Passage du Havre – A well-located shopping center near Gare Saint-Lazare, offering a mix of fashion and lifestyle stores.
Carrousel du Louvre – A stylish underground mall beneath the Louvre Museum, perfect for upscale souvenirs and designer finds.

Mall of Berlin, ALEXA Berlin, Designer Outlet Berlin, Einkaufsbahnhof Berlin Hbf, Hackesche Höfe, Gesundbrunnen-Center Berlin, Europa-Center, and Bikini Berlin are considered as the most Berlin’s shopping destinations. Kurfürstendamm (KaDeWe) and Friedrichstrasse are iconic shopping streets, while Schlossstrasse is home to Boulevard Berlin and other malls. Together, these areas offer everything from luxury fashion and local design to outlet deals and cultural flair.

Mall of Berlin – A massive shopping complex at Leipziger Platz with hundreds of stores and a vibrant food court.
ALEXA Berlin – Located near Alexanderplatz, this mall offers a wide range of fashion and electronics in a colorful, retro-themed space.
Designer Outlet Berlin – Just outside the city in Wustermark, this outlet mall features major brands at discounted prices.
Einkaufsbahnhof Berlin Hbf – Berlin’s central station doubles as a shopping hub with food, fashion, and convenience stores.
Hackesche Höfe – A charming network of courtyards filled with boutique shops, galleries, and cafes in the heart of Mitte.
Gesundbrunnen-Center Berlin – A bustling mall in the north with a wide selection of stores and services.
Europa-Center – A historic shopping center near Kurfürstendamm, known for its unique architecture and water-powered clock.
Bikini Berlin – A concept mall near the Berlin Zoo featuring indie boutiques, pop-up stores, and rooftop views.

The largest and most popular shopping centers in Mexico, based on scale, variety, and visitor traffic.

Centro Santa Fe – Located in Mexico City, this massive mall boasts hundreds of retail stores and is one of the largest in Latin America【Centro Santa Fe】.
Forum Buenavista – Also in Mexico City, it’s a sprawling complex with extensive food options and a wide range of stores, attracting heavy foot traffic【Forum Buenavista】.
Plaza Las Americas – Situated in Cancún, this mall offers a vast selection of shops and a vibrant food court, making it a key retail destination in the region【Plaza Las Americas.
Las Plazas Outlet Cancun – A major outlet center in Cancún, known for its variety of stores and restaurants【Las Plazas Outlet Cancun】.
Galerias Insurgentes – Another Mexico City favorite, this large mall features a diverse mix of retail and entertainment options【Galerias Insurgentes】.

The most Hong Kong’s top shopping destinations:

Times Square – A seven-floor retail haven in Causeway Bay, packed with luxury and high-end brands.
Pacific Place – Located in Admiralty, it offers upscale shopping and diverse dining options.
LANDMARK – Central’s luxury hotspot, filled with high-end boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
ifc mall – A sleek, modern mall in Central with premium stores and seamless office connections.
Elements – Tsim Sha Tsui’s go-to for luxury brands like LV and Dior.
K11 Art Mall – A stylish fusion of art and retail in Tsim Sha Tsui, featuring luxury outlets and a Legoland-themed food court.
Langham Place – Mong Kok’s vertical mall with trendy shops and a buzzing food scene.
Hysan Place – A vibrant Causeway Bay mall with fashion-forward stores and a popular food court.
Harbour City – One of the largest malls in Hong Kong, offering everything from luxury to local brands (not shown in cards but widely recognized).
Festival Walk – A Kowloon favorite with fashion, dining, and an ice rink (also not shown in cards but commonly included in top lists).
New Town Plaza, SOGO, and Wing On are iconic department stores and shopping complexes, but they’re often considered separately from the top-tier mall rankings due to format and scale.

The most Tokyo’s top shopping destinations:

Ginza – Luxury brands, flagship stores, and upscale department stores.
Asakusa – Traditional crafts, souvenirs, and street shopping near Senso-ji Temple.
Shinjuku – Massive department stores, electronics, and fashion hubs.
Roppongi – High-end boutiques and international brands.
Ebisu – Trendy fashion and gourmet shopping.
Shibuya – Youth fashion, mega malls, and iconic crossings.
Harajuku & Aoyama – Street style meets designer chic.
Ikebukuro – Anime, electronics, and department store giants.
Odaiba – Futuristic malls and waterfront shopping.
Tokyo Solamachi – Skytree views, local treats, and over 300 shops.

2025 is shaping up to be even more turbulent for retail than 2024. So far, over 15,000 brick-and-mortar stores are expected to close across the United States—more than double the closures from the previous year. This wave includes major chains such as below. Bankruptcy filings have surged as well, with Burger King, Forever 21, Hooters, and 23andMe among the most surprising names to file for Chapter 11 this year. The closures reflect a broader shift in consumer behavior, rising operational costs, and the dominance of e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Shein.

JoAnn Fabrics: All 800 stores and its online site are shutting down.
Walgreens: Closing 500 stores in 2025, with plans to eliminate 1,200 by 2027.
Macy’s: Set to close 66 stores this year, part of a broader plan to shutter 150 by 2026.
Party City: All locations are closing due to bankruptcy.
Big Lots: Planning to close around 500 stores amid restructuring.
Kohl’s: Closing 27 stores but maintaining over 1,100 locations.
JCPenney: Adding 7 more closures to its long list since 2020.
At Home: Closing 26 underperforming stores following bankruptcy.

In 2024 the increase in store closures and bankruptcies is significant, with 7,300 stores expected to close, compared to 5,500 in 2023. The rise in bankruptcies, with 48 retailers filing for bankruptcy, including Big Lots, Party City, Express and Joann, in 2024 compared to 25 last year, highlights the financial difficulties many are facing.
Macy’s was founded by Rowland Hussey Macy in 1858 as a small dry goods store at Sixth Avenue and 14th Street in New York City. Though not the first department store in the U.S.—that title is often attributed to Arnold Constable, founded in 1825—Macy’s quickly distinguished itself through innovative retail practices like fixed pricing, advertising, and elaborate window displays2. In 1902, Macy’s moved to its now-iconic Herald Square location, which later earned the title of the “World’s Largest Store” in 19244. Its growth into a national retail chain helped define the American department store experience.
Wanamaker’s, founded in 1861 by John Wanamaker in Philadelphia, was a pioneering force in American retail and one of the earliest true department stores in the country. It transformed consumer culture by introducing fixed pricing and becoming the first store to use price tags—abolishing the practice of haggling and fostering transparency. Known for its customer-first ethos, Wanamaker’s also implemented policies like money-back guarantees and truthful advertising, while enriching the shopping experience with amenities such as restaurants, electric lighting, and even a giant pipe organ in its flagship Grand Depot. Opened in 1876, that location became a retail palace with over 100 departments and famously received wireless news of the Titanic’s sinking. Wanamaker’s innovations laid the foundation for modern department stores and influenced the rise of retail giants across the U.S.
Arnold Constable & Company, founded in 1825 by Aaron Arnold, began as a modest dry goods store in lower Manhattan and evolved into a retail powerhouse that operated for over 150 years, making it the oldest department store in America during its time. Its flagship location, famously dubbed the “Palace of Trade,” occupied an entire city block and catered to New York’s elite—including the families of Carnegie, Rockefeller, and Vanderbilt. The store pioneered innovations like monthly credit billing and expanded into suburban branches before ultimately closing in 1975. Its legacy lives on as a symbol of early American retail ingenuity.
A shopping mall (or simply mall) is a North American term for a large indoor shopping center, usually anchored by department stores. There are two main types of shopping malls, super regional malls and regional malls. A super-regional mall is a shopping mall with a size of over 800,000 sq ft, three or more anchors, mass merchant, more variety, fashion apparel, and serves as the dominant shopping venue for the region (25 miles or 40 km) in which it is located. A regional mall is a shopping mall with a size of 400,000 sq ft to 800,000 sq ft and at least two anchor stores. The other malls include strip malls and outlet malls. A strip mall is strictly sub urban and usually consist of large parking lots surrounded by single story shops, and an Outlet mall is a special shopping mall where manufacturers sell their products directly through their own stores.
Southdale Center, a shopping mall located in Edina, Minnesota, opened in 1956 and is both the first and the oldest fully enclosed, climate-controlled large-scale shopping mall, with nearly 75 shops filling two levels of retail space, in the United States. Today, Southdale Center has 1,297,608 square feet of leasable retail space, and contains 106 retail tenants. The mall is owned by Simon Property Group and the anchor stores are Macy's, Dave & Buster's, AMC Theatres, Hennepin Service Center, and Life Time Athletic.
One of the earliest contenders for the title of “first department store” is Bennett’s of Derby, originally founded as an ironmongers in 1734 and still operating today in its historic building. While Bennett’s boasts remarkable longevity, the distinction of being the first reliably dated department store goes to Harding, Howell & Co., which opened in 1796 on Pall Mall, London. This store broke new ground by organizing its merchandise into four distinct departments—furs and fans, fabrics and haberdashery, jewelry and clocks, and perfume and millinery—providing customers with a diversified and sophisticated shopping experience that closely mirrors the modern department store format.
A department store is a retail establishment that offers a broad range of consumer goods, systematically organized into distinct "departments," each specializing in a particular product category—from fashion and cosmetics to homeware and electronics. Arnold Constable, David Jones, Le Bon Marché, Harding, Howell & Co., Hermann Tietz, and Mitsukoshi are considered the first department store in the world. Together, these pioneering institutions laid the foundation for the global department store model—blending commerce, architecture, and culture into a single destination.

In the United States, Arnold Constable, founded in 1825 as a dry goods store on Pine Street in New York City, is considered the first American department store, pioneering innovations like credit billing and catering to elite clientele.
In Australia, David Jones, established on 24 May 1838 by Welsh immigrant David Jones in Sydney, is recognized as the oldest continuously operating department store franchise in the world, still trading under its original name and shaping the nation’s retail identity.
In France, Le Bon Marché, revamped in 1852 by Aristide Boucicaut, is widely regarded as the first modern department store, introducing fixed pricing, refunds, and catalog shopping—revolutionizing consumer culture across Europe.
In the United Kingdom, Harding, Howell & Co., opened in 1796 on Pall Mall, London, is credited as the first reliably dated department store, offering four distinct departments and a refined shopping experience for the emerging middle class.
In Germany, Hermann Tietz launched the country’s first department store in 1882, later evolving into the Hertie chain, which became a dominant retail force before its Aryanization during the Nazi era.
In Japan, Mitsukoshi transitioned from its origins as the kimono shop Echigoya (founded in 1673) into the country’s first department store in 1904, setting the standard for luxury retail and customer service in Asia.

During the mid-1960s, the three retail titans in the United States were Macy’s, Hudson’s, and Marshall Field, ranked in that order. These stores weren’t just places to shop—they were urban institutions, shaping consumer culture and city life.

Macy’s, based in New York City, had already earned its reputation as the largest department store in the country, with its Herald Square location becoming a retail landmark and cultural icon.
Hudson’s, located in Detroit, operated a 25-story flagship store with 16 selling floors and four basement levels, employing up to 12,000 people and welcoming 100,000 shoppers daily. It even had its own telephone exchange and one of the largest switchboards in the U.S., rivaled only by the Pentagon and Bell System.
Marshall Field, headquartered in Chicago, was known for its elegance and conservative refinement. Though Marshall Field himself was skeptical of department stores, visionary manager Harry Selfridge transformed it into a customer-friendly institution with innovations like tea rooms and improved lighting.

Alexander Turney Stewart’s visionary innovations laid the groundwork for modern retail. He revolutionized the shopping experience by introducing fixed pricing and money-back guarantees, eliminating the unpredictability of haggling and building consumer trust. His stores were thoughtfully designed with elaborate window displays and full-length mirrors to captivate shoppers and encourage browsing—a novel concept at the time. In the 1860s, Stewart broke new ground by launching a mail-order service, enabling customers in rural areas to access urban goods from afar; by 1876, this venture was earning over $500,000 annually. His pioneering model reshaped retail strategy and aesthetics, inspiring department store empires across Europe and North America, including Macy’s, Selfridges, and Harrods.
Alexander Turney Stewart is widely hailed as the father of the American department store, and his impact on retail was nothing short of revolutionary. In 1862, he constructed the Cast Iron Palace in New York City—a sprawling, six-story emporium that occupied an entire city block between Broadway and Fourth Avenue, from 9th to 10th Streets. At the time, it was the largest retail store in the world, featuring 19 departments and employing around 2,000 people. His business acumen was equally impressive: by 1863, Stewart’s annual income reached US$1,843,637, which would be equivalent to over $35 million today. This staggering figure placed him among the wealthiest individuals of his era and underscored the immense success of his retail empire.
The Dubai Mall, with an astounding total area of over 13 million square feet—equivalent to more than 50 football fields—is the largest mall in the world by size and a global magnet for visitors. Housing over 1,200 shops, two anchor department stores, and hundreds of dining options, it’s far more than a retail hub; it’s home to world-class attractions such as the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, a full-sized Olympic ice rink, the immersive VR Park, and the captivating Dubai Fountain. As the most visited building on the planet, the mall attracted around 54 million visitors annually in its early years, and that figure soared to 105 million by 2023, solidifying its status as a monumental center of commerce and entertainment.
Since 2010, the Shinsegae Centum City department store in Busan, South Korea, has held the title of the world’s largest department store, as recognized by Guinness World Records. Covering over 3.16 million square feet, this retail colossus blends luxury shopping with entertainment, offering hundreds of shops across 16 floors, Spa Land—a high-end Korean spa, an ice rink, a multiplex cinema, a rooftop dinosaur-themed park called Zooraji, and even a multi-level golf driving range. More than just a shopping destination, Shinsegae Centum City represents a bold fusion of commerce, leisure, and architectural spectacle, redefining what a department store can be.
The 1840s and 1850s marked the beginning of large-scale department store development in France, the UK, and the US, driven by industrialization, urbanization, and a growing middle class with disposable income. These early emporiums revolutionized retail by offering variety, convenience, and spectacle—setting the stage for the department store boom that defined 19th-century consumer culture.

In France, Le Bon Marché opened in 1852 and is widely considered the first modern department store. It pioneered fixed pricing, refunds, and elegant displays, transforming shopping into a leisure activity.
In the United Kingdom, stores like Kendals (1836) and Harrods (1834) began expanding into multi-department formats, offering a wide range of goods and services under one roof.
In the United States, Marble Palace in New York City opened in 1846, followed by Macy’s in 1858, which introduced innovative retail practices and eventually became a national icon.

The United Kingdom has a rich history of department store innovation, with landmark retailers that helped shape shopping culture. Austin’s in Derry, Northern Ireland, founded in 1830, is considered the world’s first department store. In Scotland, Jenners opened in 1838 in Edinburgh and earned the nickname “Harrods of the North,” serving as the country's oldest independent store until its acquisition in 2005. Harrods itself launched in London in 1849, becoming synonymous with luxury retail, while Fenwick (1875) in Newcastle and Selfridges (1909) in London added grandeur and modernity to the experience. Marks & Spencer began humbly as a stall in Leeds in 1884 and evolved into a retail titan, and John Lewis, established in 1928, is renowned for its employee-owned model. House of Fraser, founded in Glasgow in 1909, expanded its footprint by acquiring historic names like Jenners, weaving together a legacy that continues to influence British retail.
Bennett’s of Derby, established in 1734 as an ironmongers, is often regarded as the world’s oldest department store, though it transitioned into a true multi-department format later. In Manchester, Kendals, originally known as Kendal Milne & Faulkner, began in 1836 and stands among the first true department stores in the UK. Harrods, founded in 1834 and relocated to Knightsbridge in 1849, rose to global prominence for its expansive product range and lavish design, making it one of the most iconic luxury retailers worldwide. Debenhams, with origins dating back to the 18th century, became one of the most popular department store chains in Britain, offering affordable fashion and home goods across hundreds of branches. In contrast, Marks & Spencer, although the largest clothing retailer in the UK, is typically not categorized as a department store due to its more focused offerings in apparel, food, and home essentials, lacking the broader multi-department format.
Founded in 1838, Jenners holds the distinction of being Scotland’s oldest independent department store until its acquisition by House of Fraser in 2005. Nestled on Princes Street in Edinburgh, it earned the nickname "Harrods of the North" and was granted a Royal Warrant in 1911, underscoring its prestige. After a fire destroyed the original building, a grand Victorian structure was unveiled in 1895, becoming a cherished city landmark. Although Jenners closed its doors in 2021, plans are underway to restore and repurpose the historic site while honoring its rich architectural and cultural legacy.
Austin’s, founded in 1830 in Derry, Northern Ireland, is widely recognized as the world’s oldest independent department store. It predates other iconic retailers like Harrods in London and Macy’s in New York, and for nearly two centuries, it stood as a cornerstone of Derry’s commercial life. The five-story Edwardian-style building became a beloved local institution, known for its elegant interiors and festive window displays. Although the store closed in 2016, its legacy endures, and restoration efforts are currently underway to preserve the historic structure
Arnotts, founded in 1843 and located in the heart of Dublin, is Ireland’s largest and oldest department store, offering a vast selection of fashion, beauty, homeware, and dining across 300,000 square feet of retail space. Alongside Arnotts, Brown Thomas is Ireland’s premier luxury retailer, showcasing high-end fashion and designer labels, with flagship and regional stores in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway. Also notable is Dunnes Stores, one of the country’s largest chains, which combines groceries with clothing and household goods, serving customers across Ireland and the UK. Together, these three brands form the cornerstone of Ireland’s diverse and dynamic retail landscape.
Founded in 1670 as a fur trading enterprise, the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) is the oldest incorporated joint-stock company in North America and played a pivotal role in the continent’s colonial and commercial history2. Over the centuries, it evolved from managing remote trading posts to becoming Canada’s largest department store operator by the mid-20th century. HBC expanded its retail footprint through acquisitions and diversification, operating iconic stores under the Hudson’s Bay brand. However, by the mid-1980s, financial challenges and shifting consumer trends led to a decline in its dominance. Despite its transformation and recent restructuring, HBC remains a symbol of Canadian retail heritage.
Le Bon Marché, founded in 1852 and regarded as the first modern department store in France, revolutionized shopping with fixed prices and elegant displays. Today, France's leading upscale department stores are Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps, both of which have iconic flagship locations on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris and maintain branches throughout the country. These institutions are celebrated for their stunning architecture and luxury offerings, continuing France’s legacy of refined and influential retail culture.
In Germany, the most iconic department store is Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe) in Berlin. Established in 1907, it is the largest department store on the European continent and renowned for its luxury goods and legendary gourmet food hall.
In Canada, department stores like Canadian Tire, Giant Tiger, Costco, and Holt Renfrew remain prominent, while Target Canada, Sears Canada, Ogilvy, and Les Ailes de la Mode have either closed or been restructured. Canadian Tire and Giant Tiger serve broad consumer needs, while Holt Renfrew caters to luxury shoppers.
Rowland Hussey Macy opened his first successful dry goods store, R.H. Macy & Co., on October 28, 1858 in New York City, at the corner of Sixth Avenue and 14th Street. Though Macy had experienced several failed ventures before this, his persistence paid off. That modest store, which earned just $11.06 on its first day, eventually grew into one of the most iconic department store chains in the United States. Macy’s innovative approach included fixed pricing, money-back guarantees, and eye-catching window displays—strategies that helped revolutionize retail. The flagship store later moved to Herald Square in 1902, becoming the “World’s Largest Store” and a centerpiece of American shopping culture.
J.C. Penney and Sears were trailblazers in shaping American department store retail during the early 20th century. J.C. Penney soared from just 4 stores in 1908 to 312 by 1920, and an impressive 1,452 by 1930. Sears, transitioning from a mail-order powerhouse to brick-and-mortar retail, launched its first 8 stores in 1925 and grew to 338 by 1930, reaching 595 by 1940. While their legacy remains pivotal to retail history, today’s U.S. department store landscape is dominated by major brands such as Kohl’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, and Belk, with retail giants like Walmart, Target, and Burlington leading in overall store presence.
From South America to Asia and Oceania, department stores reflect the unique retail cultures of their regions. In Chile, chains like Falabella, Ripley, Almacenes París, La Polar, and Johnson's dominate the landscape, while Brazil features retail giants such as Carrefour, Pão de Açúcar, Lojas Americanas, Macro, and Walmart Brasil, the third-largest supermarket chain. Australia’s standout is Myer, the largest and most iconic in the country. Over in Hong Kong, Lane Crawford, founded in 1850, remains a landmark of luxury shopping.
Gath & Chaves, founded in 1905, and Harrods Buenos Aires, established in 1912, were Argentina’s first iconic department stores, ushering in a new era of upscale, Western-style retail in Buenos Aires. Situated in the heart of the city, they became symbols of modernity and elegance, with Harrods Buenos Aires especially standing out—spanning an entire city block and offering everything from luxury merchandise to refined tea salons. These institutions weren’t just shopping destinations; they were cultural landmarks that defined the retail experience for generations of porteños and played a pivotal role in shaping Argentina’s commercial identity.
In Cyprus, Debenhams (formerly Woolworths Cyprus) has long held prominence, while Denmark showcases historic names like Magasin du Nord, Illum, and Salling. Finland’s Stockmann, located in Helsinki, is the biggest department store in all of the Nordic countries. India’s vibrant scene includes Big Bazaar, Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons, Ezone, Reliance Fresh, and DMart, catering to everything from groceries to fashion. Indonesia’s largest chain, Ramayana, with over 90 branches, and Matahari Department Store round out Southeast Asia’s offerings.
Falabella, originally a Chilean retail giant, has expanded its footprint across Latin America and become a major player in both Argentina and Colombia. In Argentina, it operates stores in key cities including Buenos Aires, Córdoba, San Juan, Mendoza, and Rosario, offering a wide range of fashion, electronics, and home goods. In Colombia, Falabella has an even broader presence, with branches in Barranquilla, Cali, Bogotá, Medellín, Pereira, and Bucaramanga, among many others. This regional expansion reflects Falabella’s strategy to become a leading department store brand across South America.
In Chile, Falabella, Ripley, Almacenes París, La Polar, and Johnson's are among the most prominent department store chains, offering everything from fashion and electronics to home goods and furniture. These retailers dominate the urban shopping landscape and are key players in the country’s retail economy.
In Australia, Myer stands as the largest and most iconic department store chain, with over 60 locations nationwide. Its flagship store in Melbourne is the biggest in the country, spanning more than 200,000 square meters.
In Brazil, department store scene is led by Carrefour, Pão de Açúcar (GPA), Lojas Americanas, and Macro, which operate across various formats including hypermarkets and discount stores. Walmart Brasil, which entered the market in 2010, is now the third-largest supermarket chain in the country, trailing behind Carrefour and GPA.
In Hong Kong, the first department store was Lane Crawford, established in 1850 on Hong Kong Island. It pioneered Western-style retail in the region and remains a luxury shopping destination to this day.
In Cyprus, Debenhams was long considered the most famous department store chain, having evolved from Woolworths (Cyprus). However, the brand has undergone changes in recent years, and Ermes Department Stores—which operated Debenhams stores—remains a leading retail group on the island.
In Denmark, the major department store chains include Magasin du Nord (founded in 1868), Illum (1891), and Salling (1906). These stores are known for their upscale offerings and central locations in cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, blending classic architecture with modern retail experiences.
Finland’s most iconic department store is Stockmann, founded in 1862. Its flagship location in Helsinki is the largest department store in the Nordic countries, spanning ten floors and over 50,000 square meters. Stockmann is a cultural and commercial landmark, offering everything from fashion and design to gourmet food.
India’s department store landscape is diverse and dynamic, with major players like Big Bazaar, Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons, Ezone, Reliance Fresh, and DMart offering everything from fashion and electronics to groceries and home goods. These chains cater to a wide range of consumers, from budget-conscious shoppers to those seeking premium experiences.
In Indonesia, the largest department store chain is Ramayana, which operates over 90 branches nationwide and primarily serves the mass market with affordable clothing and essentials. Another key player is Matahari Department Store, known for introducing the modern department store concept to Indonesia in the 1970s and maintaining a strong presence across major cities.
In Iran, Shahrvand is a major department store chain, originally established in 1994 and owned by the Tehran Municipality. It operates over 30 branches across Tehran, offering a wide range of products from groceries and household items to electronics and fashion. Another notable player is Hyperstar, launched in 2009 under a license from Carrefour, with stores in Tehran, Shiraz, and Isfahan.
In Israel, the oldest and largest department store chain is Hamashbir Lazarchan, founded in 1947 by the Histadrut. Today, it operates 33 branches nationwide and is known for its flagship seven-story store at Zion Square in Jerusalem3. Hamashbir offers a broad selection of fashion, cosmetics, home goods, and more, and remains a central fixture in Israeli retail culture.
Italy’s most famous department stores include Coin, founded in Mirano, Venice in 1926, known for its wide range of fashion, home goods, and beauty products across multiple locations. Even more iconic is La Rinascente, established in Milan in 1865 by Luigi and Ferdinando Bocconi, which has become a symbol of Italian luxury retail, offering high-end fashion, gourmet food, and elegant design in its flagship stores throughout major cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence. These two brands represent the heart of Italy’s department store tradition, blending heritage with modern style.
Japan’s department store scene is a fascinating blend of tradition, luxury, and innovation. Major players include Daimaru and Matsuzakaya, both under J. Front Retailing, and Hankyu and Hanshin, part of H2O Retailing. Isetan and Mitsukoshi, operated by Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings, are among the most prestigious, with flagship stores in Tokyo offering everything from designer fashion to gourmet food. Takashimaya, Tobu, and Tokyu (109) are also widely recognized for their expansive offerings and central locations. Marui and Matsuya cater to fashion-forward shoppers, while Seibu and Sogo, under 7&i Holdings, maintain a strong presence across urban centers. Printemps Ginza, once a stylish fixture, has since closed, but its legacy remains part of Japan’s retail history.
De Bijenkorf and HEMA are two of the most well-known department store brands in the Netherlands, with De Bijenkorf offering luxury goods and HEMA known for affordable, everyday items. Maison de Bonneterie and Vroom & Dreesmann (V&D) were once iconic fixtures of Dutch retail, but both have since closed—Maison de Bonneterie in 2014 and V&D in 2015—leaving behind a legacy that still resonates in the country’s retail history.
Smith & Caughey’s, founded in 1880, is a prominent department store in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Kirkcaldie & Stains, established in 1863 in Wellington, was once a retail icon in the capital but closed in 2016. Ballantynes, dating back to 1854, continues to operate in Christchurch, the country’s second-largest city, and is known for its elegant shopping experience. These stores reflect New Zealand’s rich retail heritage, with Ballantynes and Smith & Caughey’s still serving as landmarks of traditional department store culture.
In Oslo, Norway’s capital, several department stores offer a mix of tradition and modern retail. Steen & Strøm, established in 1797, is a landmark destination known for luxury brands and a stylish food court. Christiania Glasmagasin, often referred to as Glasmagasinet, is one of the oldest and most exclusive stores, offering housewares, fashion, and electronics. Åhléns, a Swedish chain, also has a presence in Oslo, providing a broad range of affordable goods. Illums Bolighus, originally Danish, specializes in high-end Scandinavian design and home decor. House of Oslo, while not a traditional department store, functions as a curated shopping center focused on interior design and lifestyle brands. Together, these stores reflect Oslo’s blend of heritage and contemporary style.
As of 2025, SM Supermalls and Robinsons Malls stand tall as titans of Philippine retail, each weaving vast networks of shopping centers that go far beyond just storefronts. SM Supermalls, under SM Prime Holdings, commands over 78 malls nationwide, with crown jewels like SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and SM North EDSA—each featuring the iconic SM Store stocked with fashion, home essentials, and tech goodies. Meanwhile, Robinsons Malls, driven by Robinsons Land Corporation, brings its signature blend of convenience and variety to dozens of locations, including Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Manila, and Robinsons Magnolia, all anchored by Robinsons Department Store—a haven for stylish, mid-range fashion and lifestyle finds. More than mere retail hubs, these malls have become cultural epicenters where Filipinos dine, shop, unwind, and celebrate daily life, turning mall-going into a full-fledged national pastime.
As of 2025, Portugal has two major El Corte Inglés department stores—one located in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and the other in the Porto Metropolitan Area2. The Lisbon store, situated on Avenida António Augusto de Aguiar, opened in 2001 and remains the country’s flagship location, offering luxury brands, gourmet dining, and personalized services4. The Porto store, in Vila Nova de Gaia, mirrors this upscale experience with multiple floors of fashion, technology, and home goods. These two locations anchor El Corte Inglés’ presence in Portugal, complemented by a handful of smaller supermarkets across the country.
By 2025, GUM, TsUM, and Petrovsky Passage continue to reign as Moscow’s most legendary department stores—each one a fusion of retail elegance and historical grandeur. GUM, an opulent fixture on Red Square, was revived by Lenin in 1921 and still mesmerizes visitors with its 19th-century arches, cascading glass ceilings, and lineup of luxury boutiques housed in a building that feels more like a palace than a shopping center. Just steps from the Bolshoi Theatre, TsUM defines high fashion, curated by the Mercury Group and stocked with exclusive designer labels, making it Russia’s answer to Parisian couture. Meanwhile, Petrovsky Passage offers an equally enchanting experience—this ornate arcade-style gem boasts a stunning vaulted glass roof, whispering old-world elegance as you stroll past high-end storefronts. These aren’t just places to shop; they’re immersive cultural icons, where history, architecture, and luxury collide in the heart of Moscow.
Singapore’s department store scene in 2025 remains a vibrant mix of old-world charm and retail evolution. Takashimaya, Tangs, and Isetan continue to dominate Orchard Road, enchanting visitors with luxe fashion, curated lifestyle offerings, and elegant Japanese food halls. Meanwhile, Metro, Marks & Spencer, and OG stay firmly rooted in the hearts of everyday shoppers, serving up fashion, beauty, and homeware with familiar flair. Mustafa Centre, the round-the-clock shopping wonder of Little India, still dazzles with its labyrinth of unbeatable deals and global goods. BHG, once known as Seiyu, quietly holds ground in selected malls, while retail icons Robinson & Co. and John Little have mostly faded into history or reinvented themselves for a new age. More than places to shop, these storied names are part of Singapore’s cultural fabric—each aisle echoing with generations of retail memories and reinventing what it means to go shopping on the island.
As of 2025, Lotte, Hyundai, and Shinsegae remain the three most prevalent department store chains in South Korea, with approximately 30, 12, and 8 stores respectively. These "Big Three" continue to dominate the market, anchoring major retail complexes across Seoul and other metropolitan areas. Despite economic shifts and rising online competition, they maintain strong brand loyalty and high sales volumes, especially in luxury goods and experiential retail. However, industry analysts expect further restructuring and consolidation, particularly among underperforming locations outside the top 20, as part of a broader effort to adapt to changing consumer behavior and digital transformation.
Åhléns and Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) are two of Sweden’s major department store chains, with NK offering upscale shopping experiences in Stockholm and Gothenburg. PUB was once a historic store in Stockholm but closed in 2015. Gothenburg itself is a city—not a store—but houses an NK location. Sweden also has other retail hubs like Mood Stockholm and Gallerian, which function more like shopping malls with a mix of stores, while Väla Centrum in Helsingborg and Emporia in Malmö deliver department store-style variety through large shopping center formats.
As of 2025, Switzerland’s department store sector is largely dominated by two major cooperatives: Migros and Coop, which together account for a substantial portion of the country’s retail economy—worth around CHF 100 billion annually and employing over 300,000 people. Migros, founded in 1925, operates as a federation of regional cooperatives with over 2 million members, managing a wide array of formats from supermarkets to specialized stores for electronics and furniture. Coop, similarly structured, runs diverse formats including Coop City department stores, and specialty chains such as Interdiscount and Jumbo, also boasting more than 2 million members and generating CHF 34.9 billion in sales in 2024. Both play key roles in shaping Swiss retail, leading initiatives in sustainability, digital transformation, and community engagement.
As of 2025, Central Department Store, Robinson Department Store, and The Mall remain among the most popular department stores in Thailand, consistently drawing high foot traffic and retail sales across major cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket2. Central leads with its upscale offerings and nationwide presence, Robinson caters to mid-range shoppers with lifestyle-focused formats, and The Mall Group continues to innovate with its “Lifestore” concept, blending fashion, dining, and entertainment. These brands anchor many of Thailand’s largest shopping centers and play a key role in shaping the country’s retail landscape.
Neiman Marcus was a trailblazer in luxury retail, launching its InCircle loyalty program in 1984—one of the first department store rewards systems tailored to high-spending customers. InCircle offered exclusive perks like private shopping experiences, early access to sales, travel benefits, and concierge services, all tied to a tiered rewards structure that elevated benefits with increased annual spending. Alongside this, Neiman Marcus introduced the first in-store gift-wrapping service, further enhancing the personalized shopping experience and setting a new industry standard for upscale customer care. These innovations firmly positioned the brand as a leader in luxury retail strategy long before such practices became widespread.
As of 2025, Kuala Lumpur’s top shopping malls blend iconic favorites with exciting new entrants, offering a diverse retail experience across the city. Pavilion KL, Suria KLCC, and Mid Valley Megamall & The Gardens Mall remain anchors of luxury and mainstream shopping, while 1 Utama continues to impress with over 700 stores and unique attractions like a surfing pool. Newcomers like The Exchange TRX, featuring Malaysia’s first Apple Store and rooftop gardens, and LaLaport BBCC, a Japanese lifestyle hub, have rapidly gained popularity. Malls such as Sunway Pyramid, Berjaya Times Square, and Plaza Lowyat maintain their appeal through themed entertainment, tech gear, and family fun, while Lot 10, Fahrenheit88, and The Starhill cater to niche shoppers seeking culinary gems and curated fashion. Collectively, these malls form Kuala Lumpur’s dynamic retail core, attracting both local shoppers and international tourists.
As of 2025, Malaysia’s shopping mall sector encompasses approximately 100–110 million square feet of gross leasable area, with a combined real estate value exceeding US$35 billion, slightly above earlier estimates of 100 million sq ft and US$33 billion. Major urban centers like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru continue to drive expansion, bolstered by rising consumer demand, foreign investment, and growth in tourism. This surge has spurred the development of mixed-use retail complexes featuring green building designs, experiential retail, and lifestyle offerings that help Malaysia remain competitive within Southeast Asia’s evolving commercial real estate landscape.
The New South China Mall in Dongguan, China—once labeled the world’s largest and emptiest shopping mall after its 2005 debut—has undergone a dramatic revival and is nearing full occupancy as of 2025. Spanning 659,612 square meters (7.1 million sq ft) with capacity for 2,300 stores, the mall initially struggled due to poor accessibility and low foot traffic, with less than 1% occupancy at one point. Recent renovations have refocused the mall on affordable retail, family entertainment, and dining tailored to local preferences, adding IMAX-style cinemas, play zones, and popular restaurant chains. Its transformation into a vibrant, themed lifestyle destination has turned what was once a global retail misfire into a thriving commercial hub with “almost no empty shops.”
As of 2025, the total commercial building area for China’s shopping centers is estimated to exceed 2.6 billion square meters, reflecting substantial growth from the 1.7 billion sq.m. recorded in 2011. This expansion has been driven by rapid urbanization, increased consumer spending, and the development of mixed-use retail complexes across tier-1 and emerging cities. In May 2025 alone, nearly 50 new shopping centers opened, adding over 3.68 million sq.m. of commercial space, marking the highest monthly increase in three years
As of late 2024, Milan’s Via Monte Napoleone overtook New York’s Fifth Avenue as the world’s most expensive shopping street, ending Fifth Avenue’s 34-year reign at the top. Annual retail rents on Via Monte Napoleone rose by 11%, reaching approximately $2,047 per square foot, surpassing Fifth Avenue’s $2,000 per square foot, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s global retail rankings. The shift highlights Milan’s surging luxury retail market, fueled by tourism, favorable tax policies, and intense competition for prime space in the fashion capital.
According to recent data, brick-and-mortar retail stores in the U.S. generated approximately $5.93 trillion in sales in 2024, which accounts for 81.6% of total retail revenue. This includes shopping centers, malls, and other physical retail formats. The rise reflects both inflation-adjusted growth and the continued relevance of in-person shopping, even as ecommerce reached $1.34 trillion, or 18.4% of total retail sales
Mall of America in Minnesota, the second largest mall in the United States, has approximately 40 million visitors a year, and 4 out of its 10 visitors are tourists
As of 2025, California is estimated to have fewer than 5,200 active shopping malls, reflecting a significant decline from the 6,243 malls recorded in 2013. This drop is largely due to the nationwide trend of mall closures, with projections suggesting that up to 87% of large malls may shut down over a 10-year span. Factors driving this shift include the rise of ecommerce, changing consumer habits, and the repurposing of mall spaces into mixed-use developments, residential units, and entertainment hubs2. While high-end malls in affluent areas are seeing a resurgence, many mid-tier and struggling malls have either closed or been transformed into alternative spaces.
As of 2025, Wyoming is estimated to have fewer than 40 active shopping malls, reflecting a gradual decline from the 55 malls recorded in 2013. This reduction aligns with national trends, where many traditional malls have shuttered or been repurposed due to the rise of ecommerce and shifting consumer preferences. The state’s largest remaining malls include Frontier Mall in Cheyenne, Eastridge Mall in Casper, and White Mountain Mall in Rock Springs2. Many smaller malls have transitioned into mixed-use spaces or local shopping centers, while downtown districts and outlet-style venues have gained popularity for their boutique and experiential offerings.
The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) once estimated that shopping centers supported approximately 12 million jobs, representing 9–10% of the U.S. workforce. However, by 2025, this landscape has markedly changed due to the rapid rise of ecommerce, widespread store closures, and ongoing retail consolidation. According to recent figures from the U.S. Census Bureau and Bureau of Labor Statistics, while retail continues to be a major employer, the number of jobs directly linked to shopping centers has likely declined. For instance, employment in the retail clothing sector fell from 1.8 million in 2017 to 1.5 million in 2022, and numerous malls have either shuttered or been transformed into mixed-use spaces. While the 12 million jobs figure was once accurate, the current total is likely lower, and the share of the workforce employed in shopping centers has probably dropped below 9%.
As of 2025, total shopping-center space in Europe is estimated to exceed 160 million square meters, reflecting steady growth from the 135.1 million sq.m. recorded in 2011. This expansion has been driven by redevelopment of existing centers, the rise of mixed-use retail destinations, and increased investment in urban and lifestyle-oriented shopping environments. Notable projects like Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier in Germany and Westfield Milano in Italy are contributing significantly to this growth, with individual gross leasable areas (GLA) surpassing 80,000 to 155,000 sq.m. respectively.
As of 2025, the U.S. retail landscape has evolved dramatically since 2009. The number of clothing and clothing accessory stores has declined from 150,205 to approximately 121,610 establishments, reflecting a shift toward ecommerce and retail consolidation. Department stores have experienced an even steeper drop, falling from 8,663 to about 4,678 stores, a 46% decrease due to changing consumer habits and store closures. In contrast, hobby, toy, and game shops saw exponential growth, rising from 8,424 in 2009 to 69,761 businesses in 2025—fueled by demand for niche collectibles, creative retail concepts, and successful online-to-offline strategies.
As of 2025, female U.S. mall shoppers spend an average of 58 minutes per visit, while male shoppers average about 45 minutes, creating a 13-minute gap. This difference reflects broader behavioral trends: women tend to browse more across categories like fashion, beauty, and home goods, often influenced by social media and in-store experiences. Men, on the other hand, typically shop with more targeted intent, focusing on electronics, sporting goods, and food outlets. The time disparity is most pronounced among younger shoppers aged 18–34, where women’s visits can stretch even longer due to impulse buying and social engagement.
As of 2025, U.S. mall performance varies notably by mall type. Luxury malls, such as The Grove or Bal Harbour Shops, attract longer visits averaging 70–85 minutes, with shoppers spending between $90–$120 per visit, driven by premium fashion, dining, and leisure offerings. Outlet malls see moderately shorter visits of about 50–60 minutes, with spending averaging $60–$75, mainly on discounted merchandise. In contrast, community and neighborhood malls host quicker trips, with 35–45 minute visits and average spending of $35–$50, often focused on essentials and fast food. Mixed-use lifestyle centers, which integrate shopping with dining, entertainment, and fitness, record the highest engagement, with visits lasting 90+ minutes and spending often exceeding $100, especially on weekends.
As of 2025, malls with high-quality or diverse food courts experience shopper spending increases of 15–25% compared to those with limited dining options. The presence of a “good food court” not only encourages longer visits but also attracts broader audiences such as families and social groups. Experiential dining spaces—featuring upscale vendors, celebrity chef concepts, or themed culinary hubs—transform malls from mere shopping venues into lifestyle destinations, prompting increased spending across retail categories. The enhanced ambiance, convenience, and social appeal of these food courts play a vital role in extending dwell time and boosting overall shopper engagement.
According to recent industry data, U.S. shoppers who visit movie theaters within shopping centers spend between $99 and $130 per month, encompassing not only ticket purchases but also significant spending on dining, retail, and entertainment during their visits. Theaters function as powerful anchor attractions, drawing foot traffic and encouraging longer dwell times that lead to increased cross-category sales. Malls offering premium cinema experiences—such as IMAX screenings, dine-in theaters, and luxury recliner seating—tend to generate even higher monthly expenditures from moviegoers, turning a simple night out into a full-fledged shopping spree.
Goods are subject to either sales or use tax, not both. You pay consumer's use tax on the use of goods in many states in the U.S. (e.g. Virginia) when you didn't pay sales tax at the time of purchase.


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