What is the Difference Between Mall and Shopping Center?

The main difference between a mall and a shopping center lies in their structure and the types of stores they house. Here are the key differences:

• Mall: A mall is typically a large, enclosed retail structure with multiple levels, anchored by department stores. Malls usually have a variety of stores, food courts, and other amenities such as movie theaters and play areas. In the United States, Persian Gulf countries, and India, the term "mall" is commonly used to describe these enclosed retail structures.
• Shopping Center: A shopping center, on the other hand, is a group of buildings or a building complex containing a variety of stores. Shopping centers can be open-air or enclosed, and they may or may not have anchor stores. They often house a mix of retail, dining, and other businesses, making them more diverse and versatile than malls.

In summary, a mall is a large, enclosed retail space with multiple levels and department store anchors, while a shopping center is a group of buildings or a complex containing various stores and businesses, which can be open-air or enclosed. Both malls and shopping centers provide customers with access to multiple shops and amenities, but their structures and offerings may differ.

Comparative Table: Mall vs Shopping Center

The main difference between a mall and a shopping center lies in their structure and the arrangement of stores. Here is a table comparing the two:

Both malls and shopping centers provide a large space that allows customers to access multiple stores. However, malls are typically larger and enclosed, while shopping centers are often open-air and have stores arranged in a row, sharing a building.