Malls are becoming increasingly popular as not only shopping centers, but also social hubs, eateries and entertainment centres. Malls are now used for activities beyond just shopping, with some malls offering health clubs, movie theaters or even arcades (Chang & Snipes 2017). This provides people with a place to spend time outside of the home while still engaging in recreational activities that they would normally do indoors. Additionally, many malls have added food courts serving international cuisines which allow people to eat without having to leave the premises (Beaujean et al., 2019). This can provide convenient access for those who may not be able to travel far distances due to physical limitations or other reasons.

In addition to providing increased leisure options for visitors ,malls have also become important community gathering places where people from various backgrounds come together. Through events such as art exhibitions, holiday celebrations or educational seminars these spaces offer opportunities for meaningful interactions and networking (Gholami et al., 2020). This can help foster a sense of belonging and connection among those who frequent them thus contributing positively towards overall mental wellbeing.

It appears that malls provide much more than just retail services today. Through their provision of leisure options like movie theatres, food courts and arcades they serve as potential alternatives when looking for an escape from everyday life while their ample space allows them to host all types of events, both private and public, giving people an opportunity to network with one another regardless of age or background. As such, it is clear why these environments have become increasingly popular destinations over the years.