In battle for survival, mall operators focus on making shopping more of a social experience

To understand how shopping centres across the world are dealing with the challenges posed by e-commerce and changing demographics, you need look no further than two successful retail properties.

In Bangkok, Siam Paragon houses an ocean park and aquarium, an art gallery, an opera concert hall as well as a bowling alley and karaoke centre. In Alberta, Canada, the West Edmonton Mall has the world’s largest indoor amusement park, the largest indoor water park as well as an ice rink. It also has an 18-hole miniature golf course, a bowling alley and cinema.

Offerings such as cinemas or ice rinks are becoming more common as shopping mall operators face the challenge of attracting consumers who could otherwise shop online.

In response, landlords are refreshing their tenant mix to woo new visitors with amenities ranging from yoga studios to indoor rainforests.

“Nowadays, customers don’t want money to be drained from their pockets,” said Reinhart Viane, business development director at KCC Entertainment Design, a firm that specialises in designing entertainment concepts for shopping centres. “They want to socialise, and have an experience with their friends and family. It’s not just about the shopping any more.”