Think your local mall is weird? Think again.
Around the world, shopping centers are pushing the boundaries of what “retail” means — and getting wildly creative in the process.
In Dubai, you can ski indoors at the Mall of the Emirates — yes, real snow in the desert. In Tokyo, there’s a mall with a full-on replica of Venice, complete with gondolas and canals. And in Canada, the West Edmonton Mall features not just shops, but a full water park, roller coasters, and even a sea lion show. Because why just shop when you can surf and scream?
And it gets even stranger. In China, there’s a mall shaped like a giant violin. In Bangkok, one mall was built inside an old airplane hangar. In Seoul, some malls double as underground bunkers — combining retail therapy with survival prep.
So, what’s behind this global mall madness? One word: experience. As online shopping dominates the market, malls are evolving to stay relevant. They’re no longer just places to buy — they’re becoming destinations, Instagram backdrops, and family entertainment hubs.
Even in these bizarre setups, gift cards and loyalty programs play a role — helping malls build lasting connections with their visitors and offering flexible, engaging ways to shop.
Next time you think malls are dying… think again. They’re not disappearing — they’re just getting stranger.
