A Brief History Of The Shopping Mall

A Brief History of the Shopping MalL

Shopping malls are important retail destinations in Australia, serving as hubs for shopping, socialising and entertainment. They contribute significantly to the economy, providing employment opportunities. Malls also shape the urban landscape of cities and suburbs across the country. The term "mall" originally meant a pedestrian promenade with shops along it (that is, the term was used to refer to the walkway itself which was merely bordered by such shops). The history of the shopping mall dates back to the late 19th century and has evolved quite significantly since then. Its origins can be traced to 19th century covered marketplaces in Europe, such as the Burlington Arcade in London (1819). These structures provided sheltered shopping experiences. At this time, arcade developments with indoor shopping streets were also attracting affluent shoppers.

The shopping mall, as we know it today, gained popularity during the post WWII era. This suburbanisation trend led to the development of large-scale malls outside city centres that capitalised on increasing car ownership and the desire for convenient shopping experiences. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s shopping malls proliferated and evolved into community gathering places, offering stores, amenities, entertainment areas and cinemas. This was followed in the 1980s and 1990s with the emergence of the mega-mall, characterised by their large size and the extensiveness of their offerings.

The history of the shopping mall in Australia follows a similar trajectory to other countries, with some unique characteristics and developments specific to the Australian context, like:

1. Early Retail Developments In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Australia saw the emergence of arcades and shopping precincts in major cities, including the Block Arcade in Melbourne (1892) and Strand Arcade in Sydney (1891). These destinations were characterised by ornate architecture and high-end shops

2. Post-WWII Boom Like the USA, Australia experienced a post-WWII suburbanisation trend, leading to the growth of shopping centres. In the 1950s and 1960s small-scale neighbourhood centres began to appear in the suburbs, catering to a population with increased car ownership and a desire for a quarter acre block suburban lifestyle. The first modern shopping centre in Australia opened in Chermside in Brisbane in May 1957 with 25 retailers, including a department store. This new American phenomenon was described by a local newspaper as “an island of retailing in a lake of parking”. 

3. Chadstone Shopping Centre opened in Melbourne in 1960 and is Australia’s first regional shopping centre. At the time, it was one of the largest malls in the Southern Hemisphere and set a new benchmark for the development of the mall in Australia.

4. The Westfield Group played a significant role in the development of shopping centres in Australia. Westfield started acquiring and redeveloping existing centres converting them into larger, modern shopping destinations, such as Westfield Shoppingtown Miranda in Sydney (1963)

5. Suburban Expansion Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the number of shopping centres grew rapidly in Australia. Major cities saw the development of large-scale suburban centres, such as Westfield Doncaster (1969) and Westfield Bondi Junction (1970). These centres featured department stores as well as a mix of specialty shops

6. Mega-Malls In the 1980s and 1990s Australia witnessed the rise of mega-malls and the integration of entertainment and leisure components. Examples include Westfield Fountain Gate in Melbourne (1970), Chadstone’s expansion in the 1980s and Westfield Parramatta in Sydney (1986)

7. Regional Centers The late 20th century saw the development of larger regional and super-regional centres, serving broader catchment areas. Centres, such as Westfield Chermside in Brisbane (1990) and Westfield Knox in Melbourne (1977), boasting a wide range of stores, dining options and entertainment facilities

8. Lifestyle There has been a noticeable shift in recent years toward lifestyle and open-air centres in Australia These centres focus on creating a more vibrant shopping environment, often incorporating outdoor spaces, alfresco dining areas, and a mix of retail and entertainment offerings.

9. Sustainability In line with global trends, Australian shopping malls are increasingly incorporating sustainability measures and leveraging technology to enhance the shopping experience. This includes initiatives such as energy-efficient design, renewable energy, smart parking systems and digital shopping platforms.

Shopping malls undoubtedly contribute to the economic, social, and physical fabric of a region, making them significant assets in the realm of real estate. They offer opportunities for revenue generation, community engagement ad urban development, thus influencing property values and local economies. A successful mall can attract visitors, tourists, and businesses, elevating the reputation of the surrounding area and positioning it as a desirable destination for commerce and investment. Malls are anchors for economic development, driving growth in nearby retail, hospitality and service sectors. In this sense, the presence of a shopping mall can enhance property values due to the convenience and amenities offered.