General

When you picture a shopping mall, what comes to mind? Crowds of people shuffling between stores. The unmistakable buzz of the food court. Bright window displays tempting you at every turn. But here’s the twist: the very first mall in history wasn’t just about shopping, it was about reimagining how people gathered, explored, and experienced …

The surprising history of shopping malls: From ancient Rome to today Read More »

After the slower rhythm of summer, August arrives with a sharp pivot. Schools reopen, inboxes fill up, routines return. For businesses, it’s not just a reset—it’s a strategic window. But while many brands wait until September to launch their big Q4 plans, savvy marketers are already making August count. It’s a perfect time to reconnect, reward, and …

Back-to-School: Why August Is Prime Time for Gifting with Purpose Read More »

Gift cards have long been a go-to tool for boosting sales and customer loyalty. But in the digital age, their value goes far beyond the transaction. They’re becoming a key data source—revealing insights into visitor behavior, campaign effectiveness, and seasonal trends. When this data is analyzed and enhanced with machine learning, gift cards unlock powerful opportunities …

Unlocking the Power of Data Through Gift Cards: From Analytics to Prediction Read More »

Remember when finding “the one” meant swiping endlessly or hitting up a bar?Now imagine this: your next big love story could kick off… right next to a Cinnabon. Sounds wild? Maybe. But what if shopping centers — those temples of consumerism — are quietly becoming the new places for romantic connection? It turns out your love life …

Love in the Time of Cinnabon: Are Shopping Malls the New Dating Hotspot? Read More »

When most people think of summer, they imagine vacations, music festivals, rooftop bars, and street fairs. But for marketers and retailers, July isn’t just about sun and fun—it’s a golden opportunity to drive customer acquisitionthrough creative, mobile-first gifting. In 2025, consumers are more spontaneous than ever. They make decisions on the go, often with little time …

Instant Gratification at Summer Events: How Gift Cards Are Changing the Festival Experience Read More »

When it comes to boosting sales, most brands focus on what people see: visuals, logos, displays. But science tells us we may be missing the most powerful influence of all — scent. Research has shown that scent can increase purchase intent by 80%, extend dwell time, and make customers rate the store more positively — even if nothing else …

The Science of Scent: How Smells Boost Sales — and Loyalty Read More »

Summer is a peak season for travel, dining, and shopping. As tourists explore new destinations, they seek convenient ways to spend money—and gift cards provide the perfect solution. From shopping centers to restaurants and entertainment venues, digital gift cards can drive revenue while offering a seamless customer experience. Why gift cards are perfect for summer …

Summer shopping & tourism: How retailers can capitalize on holiday gift cards Read More »

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 …

Malls Are Getting Weirder — And That’s the Point Read More »

Imagine shopping for sneakers… in the Arctic. Or grabbing a coffee in a mall surrounded by dense jungle. It might sound like something out of a movie, but it’s very much real. Take Longyearbyen, Norway — one of the world’s northernmost towns. Here, you’ll find a shopping center that serves a small community surrounded by polar …

Shopping in the Most Unlikely Places: Malls at the Edge of the World Read More »

Have you ever shopped in two countries — without even leaving the building? Welcome to Eurode Mall, a hidden gem tucked right on the border between Germany and the Netherlands. This small but fascinating shopping and office center offers one of Europe’s most unique retail experiences. Located between the German town of Herzogenrath and the Dutch town of Kerkrade, the mall quite …

Shopping Across Borders: The Curious Case of Eurode Mall Read More »