Malls started to emerge in India during the late 1990s. The modern concept of shopping malls gained popularity as urbanization and consumerism increased in the country.
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Malls in India: A Journey Through Time and Consumerism
As an expert with extensive practical knowledge in the field of retail and consumer trends in India, I am excited to delve into the history of malls in this diverse and rapidly developing country. The emergence of malls in India has not only transformed the retail landscape but has also become a symbol of urbanization and the growing consumer culture. Join me as we explore the timeline, unique features, and the impact of malls in India.
Timeline of Mall Development in India:
- Late 1990s: Malls started to emerge in India during the late 1990s. The modern concept of shopping malls gained popularity as urbanization and consumerism increased in the country.
- Early 2000s: The early 2000s witnessed a significant rise in mall developments, especially in major metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. Landmark projects such as Select Citywalk in Delhi and Inorbit Mall in Mumbai became pioneers of the mall culture in India.
“In the age of consumerism, malls are the modern cathedrals where people come to worship their wallets and temporarily escape their daily lives.” – Anonymous
Interesting Facts about Malls in India:
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Mall Multiplexes: Indian malls aren’t just about shopping; they provide a holistic entertainment experience. Malls embraced the concept of incorporating multiplex cinemas within their premises, offering moviegoers convenience and a luxurious movie-watching experience.
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Diverse Retail Mix: Malls in India host a wide assortment of domestic and international brands under one roof. From high-end luxury fashion boutiques to Indian ethnic wear, electronics stores to bookshops, and food courts to restaurants offering global cuisines, malls cater to a diverse range of consumer preferences.
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Anchor Stores: Large anchor stores serve as the main attractions of many Indian malls. These stores, usually spread across multiple floors, showcase a variety of products, including household goods, electronics, and apparel. Some notable anchor stores in Indian malls include Lifestyle, Shoppers Stop, and Big Bazaar.
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Cultural Festivals and Events: Malls have become vibrant cultural hubs that host various events and festivals throughout the year. From Diwali melas (festivals) to fashion shows, art exhibitions to live performances, malls offer a platform for artists, designers, and performers to showcase their talent.
Impact of Malls in India:
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Economic Growth: Malls in India have played a pivotal role in boosting the economy. They generate employment opportunities, attract tourism, and contribute significantly to the retail sector’s growth.
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Changing Consumer Behavior: The advent of malls has transformed Indian consumer behavior. People now prefer the convenience of shopping under one roof along with the added perks of entertainment, dining options, and a curated shopping experience.
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Reinventing Social Spaces: Malls have redefined the concept of public spaces in India. They provide a safe and well-maintained environment for people to socialize, relax, and engage in recreational activities.
Table: Comparing Notable Malls in India
| Mall Name | Location | Year of Establishment | Total Retail Space |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select Citywalk | Delhi | 2007 | 1.3 million sqft |
| High Street Phoenix | Mumbai | 2008 | 3.3 million sqft |
| Forum Mall | Bangalore | 2004 | 765,000 sqft |
| Express Avenue | Chennai | 2010 | 1.8 million sqft |
| DLF Mall of India | Noida, Delhi NCR | 2016 | 2 million sqft |
In conclusion, the emergence of malls in India has been a significant paradigm shift in the country’s retail landscape. These dynamic shopping destinations provide a haven for consumers, offering a wide range of retail options, entertainment, and cultural experiences. From their inception in the late 1990s to their continued growth today, malls have become an integral part of India’s evolving urban consumer culture.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are based on my practical knowledge and observations as an expert in the field, and do not represent the views of any specific institution or organization.
A visual response to the word “When did malls start in India?”
The Lulu Group International, based in Abu Dhabi, is investing in building malls in cities across India. After successful ventures in Kochi and Lucknow, they are now planning to invest Rs 3,000 crore to construct India’s biggest shopping mall in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2023 and the mall will feature over 300 national and international brand shops, a 15-screen multiplex theater, a spacious food court accommodating 3,000 people, and a large children’s amusement center. The aim is to make Ahmedabad a highly sought-after shopping destination in India.
Here are some other responses to your query
1999The first shopping Mall in India was launched in 1999 by Ansal’s Plaza in Delhi followed by Crossroads in Mumbai and Spencer Plaza in Chennai. After 2003 Malls starts multiplying in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and tier two cities like Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad etc.
The first shopping mall in India was launched in 1999 by Ansal’s Plaza in Delhi, followed by Crossroads in Mumbai and Spencer Plaza in Chennai. However, it might come as a surprise to many that the first modern mall in India was actually opened in Chennai in 1985, and was one of the biggest shopping malls in South Asia at the time.
The first shopping Mall in India was launched in 1999 by Ansal’s Plaza in Delhi followed by Crossroads in Mumbai and Spencer Plaza in Chennai.
It might come as a surprise to many that India’s first modern mall didn’t begin in Mumbai or Delhi or even Bangalore for that matter. In fact, while people in these cities were yet to experience mall-culture, it was Chennai that trumped them and became home to not only the first mall in India but also one of the biggest in South Asia when it opened in 1985.
Originally built during the period of the British Raj and reconstructed in 1985 on the site of the original Spencer’s department store, it is the oldest shopping mall in India and was one of the biggest shopping malls in South Asia when it was built.
I’m sure you’ll be interested
When did shopping malls start in India?
Response will be: 1999
The first mall in India was launched by Ansal’s Plaza, Delhi, in 1999, followed by Crossroads and Spencer Plaza. After 2003, there was a surge in the number of malls in metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, and tier-two cities like Gurugram, Noida, Mangalore, etc.
When did malls become common?
Response will be: The enclosed shopping center, which would eventually be known as the shopping mall, did not appear in mainstream until the mid-1950s. One of the earliest examples was the Valley Fair Shopping Center in Appleton, Wisconsin, which opened on March 10, 1955.
Which is India’s 1st biggest mall?
Response: Lulu International Shopping Mall in Kochi boasts to be the largest mall in India. Covering a sprawling area of 17 acres with over 225 outlets across four floors, Lulu mall has opened doorways to more than 100 biggest international brands in Kerala.
When was the oldest mall built?
Southdale Center is a shopping mall located in Edina, Minnesota, a suburb of the Twin Cities. It opened in 1956 and is both the first and the oldest fully enclosed, climate-controlled shopping mall in the United States.
When was the first shopping mall built?
The response is: The first shopping mall was the Country Club Plaza, founded by the J.C. Nichols Company and opened near Kansas City, Mo., in 1922. The first enclosed mall called South-dale opened in Edina, Minnesota (near Minneapolis) in 1956. In the 1980s, giant megamalls were developed.
How many malls are there in India?
According to Images, there are a total of 96 operational malls in India with a total built-up area of 21.6 million sq ft. The number will rise to 158 malls by the end of the current year. Organized retailing is projected to grow at the rate of 25-30 per cent per annum to touch $8 billion by 2005 and $24 billion by 2010, said the Images study.
Which shopping malls are in Jharkhand?
The reply will be: This is a list of shopping malls in India, sortable by name, location, year opened and Gross Leasable Area Here is a list of shopping malls in Jharkhand. Bhawani Mall, Bhubaneswar is one of the largest malls in Bhubaneswar Inside The ‘NEXUS VIJAYA’, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Where did the modern shopping center come from?
Answer will be: The modern shopping center, which includes everything from small suburban strip centers to the million-square-foot super-regional malls, had its genesis in the 1920s. The concept of developing a shopping district away from a downtown is generally attributed to J.C. Nichols of Kansas City, Mo.
When did shopping malls start in India?
Answer to this: The first shopping Mall in India was launched in 1999 by Ansal’s Plaza in Delhi followed by Crossroads in Mumbai and Spencer Plaza in Chennai. After 2003 Malls starts multiplying in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and tier two cities like Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad etc.
Which cities have the most malls in India?
Answer: Cities that have seen maximum malls include Gurgaon, Noida, Greater Noida and Delhi in NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Pune. Over the next 5 years, nearly 85 malls are expected to come up in India,” explains Anuj Kejriwal, MD & CEO – ANAROCK Retail.
What were the first downtown malls?
Response will be: Early downtown pedestrianized malls included the Kalamazoo Mall (the first, in 1959), "Shoppers’ See-Way" in Toledo, Lincoln Road Mall in Miami Beach, Santa Monica Mall (1965).
When did shopping centers start?
Answer: Shopping centers have existed in some form for more than 1,000 years as ancient market squares, bazaars and seaport commercial districts. The modern shopping center, which includes everything from small suburban strip centers to the million-square-foot super-regional malls, had its genesis in the 1920s.