Archive for January 2012
Looking Into Some of the Largest Shopping Malls of the World
January 4, 2012 | 
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The Dubai Mall:
Imagine a shopping mall that covers a staggering 12 million square feet of land, for many people in the world it will be a far-fetched idea. However, for a city like Dubai it is kind of regular news now. Dubai mall was inaugurated in the end of 2008, covering 12 million square feet of land in total and having space for 1200 shops, this mall is the world’s biggest shopping mall (in terms of land it covers). Situated right in the neighborhood of world’s tallest tower (which is not yet completed), Burj Dubai. Main attractions are the Gold market (Gold Souk) with 220 jewelry shops, a huge aquarium that has made its way into the Guinness book of world records and an underwater zoo, Sega republic, a splendid ice rink and The famous Dubai fountain. Visitors will also find a huge luxury hotel within this mall, as well as Dubai’s biggest Cineplex.
Golden Resources Mall:
People’s Republic of China has got some of the biggest shopping malls in the world, and why not? China as a region has the largest population in the world. Unfortunately though, the biggest super markets (Golden Resources Mall & South China Mall) are nowhere near to be called successful, as the number of occupied shops and the shoppers is extremely low, mainly because of the location. Golden Resources Mall has got shops in excess of 1000, though most of them are still vacant. Irrespective of its success business wise, Golden Resources is still the world’s second largest shopping mall.
West Edmonton Mall:
Moving from Asia to the North America (and skipping two or three other biggies in the Asian region), we have West Edmonton Mall of Canada on our list of biggest shopping malls, which offers a combination of shopping extravaganza and recreational facilities. It was accredited as the world’s largest mall for many years until some developing Asian countries came up with one massive super market after another, now it ranks on no 5th in the list. However, if we compare these malls in terms of visitors, West Edmonton Mall will probably rank above other contenders. In addition to 800 shopping stores, there is a huge amusement park known as Galaxyland, world’s largest waterpark, Luxurious Hotel, Recreation center, huge ice rink, and many other tourist attractions.
SM Mall of Asia:
The Fourth largest shopping mall of the world, SM mall covers 407,000 square meters and is described as a tourist destination instead of just being a super market. The entertainment section offers a whole range of cinemas and movie theaters including one of the world’s biggest IMEX screens, skating rink, huge bowling Alley, music hall and a very unique Science discovery center. Philippine’s largest convention center is also a part of SM Mall of Asia with a capacity of 6000 people. Almost all famous brands have got an outlet in the Mall; shoppers can find fashion garments, home and furnishing products, jewelry shops, Art, hypermarkets, Travel and financial services. Many world class events were also hosted at this place in the past three years.
Shanghai — Shopping Paradise
Can’t wait to shop in Shanghai? Well then, which are the best places to shop in this consumption-crazy city in China?
Shanghai is well known for some of the best shopping experiences you’ll find among major cities in China. When visiting Shanghai you’lll surely pass through the city’s two major commercial streets — upscale Nanjing Xi Lu (Nanjing West Road) and bustling Huaihai Lu (Huaihai Road).
But there’s a lot more to shopping than these two obvious places. Indeed, you’ll find streets big and small full of shopping centres. You’ll be able to plan a full day of shopping if that’s what you want. Even if you don’t really feel like shopping you should still visit them. (I know you’re a guy but you’re already in Shanghai, right?)
Shopping in Shanghai is an experience you will never forget. Whether or not you are a shopping fanatic, there are various shopping malls selling anything from high-priced luxury goods to stylish and affordable casuals and traditional Chinese handicrafts.
I should mention that as I’m writing this article, the infamous Xiang Yang Market has already been closed down. Some of you out there reading this will have fond memories of highly-charged bargaining sessions with fake goods vendors who speak six different languages.
Here are a few shopping highlights in Shanghai, starting with Nanjing Xi Lu…
Shanghai’s Plaza 66
Where: 55 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Shaanxi Lu
Plaza 66 is crystalline proof of Shanghai’s diligent obsession with consumption. Arguably, it’s the fanciest shpping mall in Shanghai, with a frosty demeanor to match.
Whether you’re looking for Prada for pret-a-porter, Waterford for cystal, Bose or Bang and Olufsen for sound, Plaza 66 has over 100 famous brands.
With its dazzling array of designer brands, this place is perfect for the nouveau riche with money to burn. There isn’t another shopping mall as luxurious as this one in Shanghai.
A five-minutes walk from the Portman Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Plaza 66 has a cafe in the atrium and a few restuarants perched on the fifth floor.
Shanghai’s Citic Plaza
Where: 1168 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Plaza 66
A bright, gleaming five-storey mall offering a varied mix of clothing labels, Citic Plaza is a five-minutes walk from the Shimen Yi Lu metro station.
From high-end designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Chloe and Kenzo to the more affordable casuals from Tough and Esprit, this is a mall with more reasonable prices.
Whether you’re wealthy or light on budget, this place is perfect for anyone with an eye for fashion.
Feeling hungry after all that shopping? No worries there.
Every floor of the mall offers a restaurant — from McDonald’s (you’re not going to eat at McDonald’s in China, are you?) in the basement to super buffet Golden Jaguar (unlimited sashimi and Pacific oysters) on the third floor to chic Sichuan restuarant China Moon (puts your local Chinatown Sichuan restuarant to shame) on the fourth.
By the way, there’s also a convenience store and English-Chinese language bookstore in case you’re looking for mineral water or maps.
Shanghai’s Westgate Mall
Where: 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Citic Plaza
A smart, well-organized shopping haven, offering up a range of trendy shops from Burberry, Givenchy and Versace to Chinese label Zuczug. The Westgate Mall is perfect for mall lovers with cash to spend who fancy a change from their usual hang out.
Also a couple of minutes walk from Shimen Yi Lu metro station, the Westgate malls offers a Studio City Cinema (with super sound system), Watson’s, a small supermarket in the basement, Marie France sliming clinic and an Isetan Department store ( a major Japanese chain) accessible on every floor.
And much, much more…
As I mentioned before, Nanjing Xi Lu and Huaihai Lu are the most prominent shopping streets in Shanghai but they’re not the only ones. These are the modern shopping malls and they’ll give you a good idea of how things have changed in China over the last 20 years.
Other Shopping…
If you go on older streets like Dongtai Lu you’ll find classical hand-made items. This handicraft market offers a variety of classical items like Chinese ceramics, jade, bronze, wood articles, paintings, and calligraphic works. You can also get your tools there if you are an artist yourself or plan to be.
More of an intellectual shopping street, Fuzhou Lu boasts a vast collection of bookstores in Shanghai. Not only does it offer over thirty bookstores but also has some of the oldest bookstores (some over 100 years old) in Shanghai.
Shopping in Shanghai is probably the most time-consuming activity in Shanghai whether for visitors or locals. With big shopping malls on the more popular streets to small boutiques or specific markets on smaller streets, Shanghai is where shopping fanatics will find their Paradise.
I’m a foreigner who traveled to Shanghai and realized it is hard to have a great time in Shanghai when you are not well-informed. That is why I decided to come up with a complete online guide with the latest information and tips on having a great time in Shanghai, whether you’re traveling to Shanghai or living in the city.
Posted in shooping plaza | 
Tags: Bang And Olufsen, Chinese Handicrafts, Shpping Mall | 
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Horton Plaza – A Futuristic Shopping Mall
A picture of modern design, the buildings of Westfield Horton Plaza (Horton Plaza in short) itself is a work of art. This colorful shopping mall is located in the downtown San Diego area and is best known for its outdoor shopping outlets which offer a non-conventional shopping experience to its visitors. There are 5 floors belonging to the Westfield Horton Plaza building which covers a total area of 865,000sqft. The task of designing this shopping mall was given to Jon Jerde who looked at this particular project from a different view point so to speak and went on to design a complex using a form known as experience architecture. Although it was an unconventional method which involved a certain degree of risk, Jon Jerde gave the mall a character of its own which has now made it a distinctive landmark in the city.
Although Westfield Horton Plaza is a shopping complex it has earned a reputation as one of the key tourist attractions if the area not only for its architectural design but also for the great shopping options it offers. Visitors can buy almost anything from this mega mall in San Diego. From fine Jewellery shops to sportswear outlets, this multi purpose shopping facility is simply packed with stores and boutiques.
For those on the lookout for the latest cameras or the most engaging games a number of outlets are on offer at Westfield Horton Plaza such as Ritz Cameras, GameStop and Sam Goody. Louis Vuitton, Optometric Expression and Sunglass Design are but a few of the stores you might want to have a look at when in search of the best in designer eyewear. At the end of an exciting day of shopping visitors even have the chance to enjoy a meal or a refreshing cup of coffee at such restaurants as Café Nordstorm, California Crepes, O’Brother or Panda Inn.