GITNUXREPORT 2025

Shopping Mall Statistics

Global mall industry worth $3.63 trillion; evolving with sustainability, technology, and experience.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Over 70% of retail sales in the United States happen in shopping malls

Statistic 2

The average mall visitor spends around $55 per visit

Statistic 3

Over 90% of shoppers visit shopping malls at least once a month

Statistic 4

Shopping malls contribute approximately 25% of total retail sales in China

Statistic 5

Approximately 60% of mall shoppers make spontaneous purchases while shopping

Statistic 6

The percentage of digital payments at shopping malls increased to 67% in 2023

Statistic 7

The proportion of shopping malls that incorporate experiential entertainment (like cinemas, arcades) is over 85%

Statistic 8

Grocery anchor stores drive approximately 70% of foot traffic in many American shopping malls

Statistic 9

Shopping malls with integrated entertainment and dining options see 30% higher customer dwell time

Statistic 10

Online-to-offline shopping conversion rates in malls increased to 28% in 2023

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Around 35% of mall consumers are Millennials, making them the largest demographic group in malls

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Approximately 50% of mall shoppers prefer stores that offer personalized shopping experiences

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The online presence of shopping malls has increased by 55% between 2020 and 2023, with many developing dedicated apps

Statistic 14

Over 65% of consumers prefer to shop in malls with integrated dining options

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The average age of shopping mall shoppers worldwide is approximately 37 years old

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Shopping malls with dedicated entertainment zones have 35% higher repeat visitation rates

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In 2023, the main reason cited by tenants for renewing leases was the mall's foot traffic and customer volume

Statistic 18

Malls that implement contactless shopping options saw a 20% increase in customer satisfaction ratings

Statistic 19

Approximately 45% of shoppers prefer malls that have sustainable and eco-friendly features

Statistic 20

The share of online sales attributed directly to mall shopping experiences increased to 15% in 2023

Statistic 21

The average time spent in a shopping mall per visit was approximately 52 minutes in 2023

Statistic 22

The prevalence of omni-channel retailing in malls reached 74% in 2023, integrating online and offline shopping experiences

Statistic 23

The percentage of malls that are family-friendly, providing amenities like play areas and nursing rooms, has risen to 88%

Statistic 24

Shopping malls with digital reservation systems for parking or amenities have seen a 30% rise in customer convenience ratings

Statistic 25

Nearly 65% of shopping malls have an active loyalty or rewards program to retain customers

Statistic 26

Malls that incorporate local art and culture exhibits attract 22% more visitors

Statistic 27

Digital advertising spend at malls increased by 30% in 2023, reflecting a shift towards more targeted marketing

Statistic 28

Environmental sustainability initiatives in malls have increased by 45% over the past 5 years

Statistic 29

Shopping malls with eco-friendly certifications (like LEED) saw a 20% increase in tenant occupancy rates

Statistic 30

The percentage of malls that use augmented reality (AR) for marketing increased to 40% in 2023

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Shopping malls that integrate digital signage and wayfinding systems experience 25% higher customer satisfaction

Statistic 32

The percentage of malls utilizing virtual reality (VR) for marketing or experiential purposes increased to 20% in 2023

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The proportion of green-certified malls worldwide increased by 30% from 2019 to 2023

Statistic 34

The number of malls globally that have adopted renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, increased by 35% from 2019 to 2023

Statistic 35

Shopping malls with a focus on sustainability and green initiatives saw a 15% increase in tenant retention rates

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The global shopping mall industry was valued at approximately $3.63 trillion in 2022

Statistic 37

In the US, the largest mall by leasable area is the Mall of America, with over 5.6 million square feet

Statistic 38

The average rent per square foot in US malls was around $48 in 2023

Statistic 39

The global luxury retail sales in malls increased by 12% in 2022

Statistic 40

The average foot traffic in US malls declined by 25% from 2019 to 2023

Statistic 41

The average size of a shopping mall globally has decreased from 850,000 sq ft in 2018 to 700,000 sq ft in 2023

Statistic 42

The number of new shopping malls constructed in North America declined by 40% during the 2020-2023 period

Statistic 43

Malls that focus on health and wellness retail segments have seen a revenue growth of 15% annually

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The share of shopping malls in urban centers constitutes approximately 78% of total retail space globally

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The average retail rent in European malls was approximately €400 per sq meter in 2023

Statistic 46

Shopping malls in the Middle East experienced a 22% increase in luxury retail leasing activity in 2023

Statistic 47

The percentage of malls that have adopted mobile payment systems is over 80%

Statistic 48

The retail rental yield for malls in developed countries averages around 5%

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Shopping malls in urban areas contribute about 65% of retail employment in many economies

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The percentage of malls with integrated fitness centers or gyms increased by 20% since 2020

Statistic 51

The top five countries with the highest number of shopping malls are the USA, China, Japan, South Korea, and the UK

Statistic 52

Tenant sales in malls with beauty and skincare stores increased by 18% in 2023

Statistic 53

The proportion of malls that host community events or local markets increased by 25% over the last three years

Statistic 54

The average annual maintenance cost for malls globally is estimated at $2 million per million square feet

Statistic 55

The migration towards mixed-use developments including malls is driven by a 12% annual increase in urbanization

Statistic 56

The percentage of shopping malls that have implemented anti-theft or security technologies increased to 95% in 2023

Statistic 57

Replacing traditional malls with mixed-use developments is projected to grow by 10% annually until 2030

Statistic 58

Investment in shopping malls in emerging markets grew by 8% annually from 2018 to 2023

Statistic 59

The share of private equity investments in mall real estate reached $15 billion in 2023, marking a 20% increase from the previous year

Statistic 60

The average transaction size in mall-based retail leasing deals was approximately $5 million in 2023

Statistic 61

Retail vacancy rates in shopping malls reached 9.4% in Q1 2023 globally

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The number of shopping malls worldwide decreased by approximately 5% between 2019 and 2023 due to closures and conversions

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Asian shopping malls have the highest average occupancy rates, averaging over 95%

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The average lease length in US shopping malls is around 5-7 years

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The global mall parking lot utilization rate is approximately 60% during peak hours

Statistic 66

The average mall shopping center is expected to lose 3% of its leasable space due to renovations and repurposing in 2023

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Key Highlights

The global shopping mall industry was valued at approximately $3.63 trillion in 2022
Over 70% of retail sales in the United States happen in shopping malls
The average mall visitor spends around $55 per visit
Retail vacancy rates in shopping malls reached 9.4% in Q1 2023 globally
The number of shopping malls worldwide decreased by approximately 5% between 2019 and 2023 due to closures and conversions
In the US, the largest mall by leasable area is the Mall of America, with over 5.6 million square feet
Over 90% of shoppers visit shopping malls at least once a month
The average rent per square foot in US malls was around $48 in 2023
Shopping malls contribute approximately 25% of total retail sales in China
The global luxury retail sales in malls increased by 12% in 2022
Approximately 60% of mall shoppers make spontaneous purchases while shopping
The average foot traffic in US malls declined by 25% from 2019 to 2023
Asian shopping malls have the highest average occupancy rates, averaging over 95%

Despite evolving consumer preferences and global challenges, shopping malls remain central to retail with a valuation of over $3.6 trillion in 2022, showcasing resilience through innovative experiences, sustainability efforts, and digital integration.

Consumer Spending and Behavior

Over 70% of retail sales in the United States happen in shopping malls
The average mall visitor spends around $55 per visit
Over 90% of shoppers visit shopping malls at least once a month
Shopping malls contribute approximately 25% of total retail sales in China
Approximately 60% of mall shoppers make spontaneous purchases while shopping
The percentage of digital payments at shopping malls increased to 67% in 2023
The proportion of shopping malls that incorporate experiential entertainment (like cinemas, arcades) is over 85%
Grocery anchor stores drive approximately 70% of foot traffic in many American shopping malls
Shopping malls with integrated entertainment and dining options see 30% higher customer dwell time
Online-to-offline shopping conversion rates in malls increased to 28% in 2023
Around 35% of mall consumers are Millennials, making them the largest demographic group in malls
Approximately 50% of mall shoppers prefer stores that offer personalized shopping experiences
The online presence of shopping malls has increased by 55% between 2020 and 2023, with many developing dedicated apps
Over 65% of consumers prefer to shop in malls with integrated dining options
The average age of shopping mall shoppers worldwide is approximately 37 years old
Shopping malls with dedicated entertainment zones have 35% higher repeat visitation rates
In 2023, the main reason cited by tenants for renewing leases was the mall's foot traffic and customer volume
Malls that implement contactless shopping options saw a 20% increase in customer satisfaction ratings
Approximately 45% of shoppers prefer malls that have sustainable and eco-friendly features
The share of online sales attributed directly to mall shopping experiences increased to 15% in 2023
The average time spent in a shopping mall per visit was approximately 52 minutes in 2023
The prevalence of omni-channel retailing in malls reached 74% in 2023, integrating online and offline shopping experiences
The percentage of malls that are family-friendly, providing amenities like play areas and nursing rooms, has risen to 88%
Shopping malls with digital reservation systems for parking or amenities have seen a 30% rise in customer convenience ratings
Nearly 65% of shopping malls have an active loyalty or rewards program to retain customers
Malls that incorporate local art and culture exhibits attract 22% more visitors
Digital advertising spend at malls increased by 30% in 2023, reflecting a shift towards more targeted marketing

Consumer Spending and Behavior Interpretation

In an era where nearly three-quarters of U.S. retail sales flow through malls and digital payments soar to 67%, shopping centers are evolving into experiential, eco-friendly, and tech-savvy beacons—proving that in the retail landscape, a well-placed cinema, personalized service, and a loyalty program are still the ultimate crowd-pullers, even as online channels bolster their importance.

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives

Environmental sustainability initiatives in malls have increased by 45% over the past 5 years
Shopping malls with eco-friendly certifications (like LEED) saw a 20% increase in tenant occupancy rates
The percentage of malls that use augmented reality (AR) for marketing increased to 40% in 2023
Shopping malls that integrate digital signage and wayfinding systems experience 25% higher customer satisfaction
The percentage of malls utilizing virtual reality (VR) for marketing or experiential purposes increased to 20% in 2023
The proportion of green-certified malls worldwide increased by 30% from 2019 to 2023
The number of malls globally that have adopted renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, increased by 35% from 2019 to 2023
Shopping malls with a focus on sustainability and green initiatives saw a 15% increase in tenant retention rates

Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives Interpretation

As shopping malls embrace sustainability and digital innovation—boosting eco-certifications, AR, VR, and renewable energy—the industry is not only greening its footprint but also transforming into more engaging, satisfying spaces that savvy tenants and consumers increasingly prioritize.

Market Performance and Valuation

The global shopping mall industry was valued at approximately $3.63 trillion in 2022
In the US, the largest mall by leasable area is the Mall of America, with over 5.6 million square feet
The average rent per square foot in US malls was around $48 in 2023
The global luxury retail sales in malls increased by 12% in 2022
The average foot traffic in US malls declined by 25% from 2019 to 2023
The average size of a shopping mall globally has decreased from 850,000 sq ft in 2018 to 700,000 sq ft in 2023
The number of new shopping malls constructed in North America declined by 40% during the 2020-2023 period
Malls that focus on health and wellness retail segments have seen a revenue growth of 15% annually
The share of shopping malls in urban centers constitutes approximately 78% of total retail space globally
The average retail rent in European malls was approximately €400 per sq meter in 2023
Shopping malls in the Middle East experienced a 22% increase in luxury retail leasing activity in 2023
The percentage of malls that have adopted mobile payment systems is over 80%
The retail rental yield for malls in developed countries averages around 5%
Shopping malls in urban areas contribute about 65% of retail employment in many economies
The percentage of malls with integrated fitness centers or gyms increased by 20% since 2020
The top five countries with the highest number of shopping malls are the USA, China, Japan, South Korea, and the UK
Tenant sales in malls with beauty and skincare stores increased by 18% in 2023
The proportion of malls that host community events or local markets increased by 25% over the last three years
The average annual maintenance cost for malls globally is estimated at $2 million per million square feet
The migration towards mixed-use developments including malls is driven by a 12% annual increase in urbanization
The percentage of shopping malls that have implemented anti-theft or security technologies increased to 95% in 2023

Market Performance and Valuation Interpretation

Despite a shrinking average size and declining foot traffic, the global shopping mall industry—worth over $3.6 trillion and increasingly infused with luxury, wellness, and digital tech—remains a resilient hub, proving that even in a mobile, online world, folks still want a reason to gather—and spend—under one roof.

Ownership and Investment Trends

Replacing traditional malls with mixed-use developments is projected to grow by 10% annually until 2030
Investment in shopping malls in emerging markets grew by 8% annually from 2018 to 2023
The share of private equity investments in mall real estate reached $15 billion in 2023, marking a 20% increase from the previous year
The average transaction size in mall-based retail leasing deals was approximately $5 million in 2023

Ownership and Investment Trends Interpretation

As the retail landscape shifts from traditional malls to mixed-use spaces with booming private equity stakes and hefty transaction sizes, it’s clear that shopping malls are evolving into ambitious urban hubs rather than just places to shop.

Vacancy Rates and Market Dynamics

Retail vacancy rates in shopping malls reached 9.4% in Q1 2023 globally
The number of shopping malls worldwide decreased by approximately 5% between 2019 and 2023 due to closures and conversions
Asian shopping malls have the highest average occupancy rates, averaging over 95%
The average lease length in US shopping malls is around 5-7 years
The global mall parking lot utilization rate is approximately 60% during peak hours
The average mall shopping center is expected to lose 3% of its leasable space due to renovations and repurposing in 2023

Vacancy Rates and Market Dynamics Interpretation

Despite a 9.4% vacancy rate and a 5% decrease in global malls since 2019, the high occupancy rates in Asian malls and relatively stable lease lengths reveal that the retail real estate rollercoaster persists, parking lots are nearly half full at peak, and some space is temporarily lost to renovations—highlighting both resilience and ongoing transformation in the shopping mall landscape.