End of Department Store Dream Run?

Are department stores still the heroes in a mall? Do they still have a significant impact on the success of a shopping mall as they did at the peak of their popularity? We ask some leading shopping centre players..

- Sandeep Kumar

Ever since department stores made their entry into the shopping malls, they have been playing a significant role in their success. Offering a diverse range of products under one roof, including clothing, accessories, cosmetics, footwear, home goods, electronics, and more, department stores serving as anchor stores has been a regular pattern in malls.

E The presence of department stores, like Shoppers Stop, Pantaloons, Reliance Trends, Lifestyle attracts a significant amount of foot traffic to the mall, benefiting both the mall and the retailers.

As department stores house a massive mix of popular national and international brands, it gives them an edge over the other stand-alone stores in the mall also in terms of dwell time. Shoppers tend to spend extended time in a department store browsing through the broad range of choices in terms of styles, sizes and price points.

"The department stores in malls drive substantial revenue and foot traffic. They serve as anchor tenants, attracting customers who often explore other stores. Their broad product range caters to diverse needs, enhancing mall appeal. Moreover, these stores often host sales and events, boosting overall mall engagement and profitability," Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall explained.

However, with the emerging trend of food courts, F&B (Food & Beverage), Family Entertainment Centre (FEC), gaming zones, cinema and events in malls taking precedence, the role and impact of department stores have taken a back seat in terms of footfall and revenue in the last few years.