Not in Asia, where land is cheap and labor costs is low. A building boom has been observed as shopping malls popping up in China, Malaysia and the Philippines, with India expected to jump into the fold soon. Based on gross leasable area, or the amount of space devoted to revenue-producing operations like stores, amusements and food, the continent is home to nine of the world’s 10 largest malls, six of which have been built since 2004.
So here are some of the biggest shopping malls in the world. I hope you will love to shop in one of those.
South China Mall, China
In the Chinese mall arms race, this facility opened a year after the Golden Resources Mall to displace it as the countries and the worlds largest. The space includes wind mills and theme parks, plus a replica of the Arc de Triomphe. It was open in 2005 and has an area of 7.1 million sq ft.
Golden Resources Shopping Mall, China
Approximately 1,000 stores, selling plenty of familiar global brands like Nike and DKNY. A truly ambitious real estate project, with new apartments and offices, surround the mall. It was opened in 2004 and has an area of 6 million sq ft.
SM Mall of Asia, Philippines
Includes the first Olympic-sized swimming pool and first IMAX Theater in the Philippines. Spread over four buildings, customers can get around on a 20-seat tram. It was opened in 2006 and has an area of 4.2 million sq ft.
Cevahir Istanbul
Europe’s largest shopping mall in Istanbul, Turkey has a roller coaster, wave pool and several IMAX theaters. It was opened in 2005 and has an area of about 3.8 million sq ft.
West Edmonton Mall, Canada
The biggest in North America, the West Edmonton Mall has over 800 stores, along with attractions like a water park, skating rink, casino and rides. It was opened back in 1981 and has an area of about 3.8 million sq ft.
SM Megamall, Philippines
Fun stuff includes bowling, ice skating and a 12-cinema movie theater, along with traditional mall fare like arcade games. Customers can also get a haircut or see a doctor at the Manila clinic. SM Mall was opened in 1991 and has an area of about 3.6 million sq ft.
Berjaya Times Square, Malaysia
Built with an adjacent hotel and convention center. In addition to over 1,000 retail shops, the mall includes a 12-story-high roller coaster, plus a pool, skating rink and “Cosmo’s World,” a children’s theme park. It was opened in 2005 and has an area of 3.4 million sq ft.
Beijing Mall, China
The first real suburban mall in China, located about an hour from downtown Beijing, this center has four levels with parking for 8,000 cars, plus a man-made beach. Bootlegged DVDs of American movies are a top seller. It was opened in 2005 and has a area of 3.4 million sq ft.
Zhengjia Plaza, China
Has been known to attract over half a million shoppers on a good day. Another mixed-use space, the mall has a hotel and office tower in addition to retail stores. It has an area of 2 million sq ft.
SM City North Edsa, Philippines
The first major “mega mall” built by SM Prime Holdings, which now claims three of the largest 10 in the world. It’s a five-story complex that boasts over 100 retail outlets and restaurants, along with 12 cinemas, a bowling alley and skating rink. An IMAX theater could be added soon. It has an area of 3 million sq ft.
