Shopping malls were adversely affected by the pandemic, as consumers opted for the safety of online shopping. However they have bounced back somewhat, with a survey showing that majority of Americans are longing for a comeback of the mighty mall.
These commercial centers have their own appeal- aside from the shopping to be done, it’s also a hub for some people’s social lives. The way they are constructed is meant to attract as many customers as possible.
Why do most shopping centers have no windows?
There are several practical reasons for shopping malls not to have windows. Having more wall space gives shops a bigger area for them to showcase and store their products. A windowless structure also protects the merchandise from the effects of harsh sunlight.
Building windows also costs more than building walls, so there are savings involved in the design. Safety is another aspect that is addressed, because there are less entry points for possible intruders.
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The psychological effects of having no windows at shopping malls
The way that malls are built has an intended psychological effect on its customers. The fact that most of them have no windows, for example, is meant to make shoppers stay longer and buy more than they had planned.
When you are inside the mall, you are in a windowless environment and exposed to constant artificial lighting with no idea of whether the sun is still out, whether it’s raining, or if it’s already night time.
As there is no visible reminder as to what time of day it is, it makes it easy to wander about and lose track of time. Because there are no views to distract shoppers, they are able to focus on the items for sale and enjoy everything that malling has to offer.
Having no windows creates a separate world within the mall’s premises, where only the shops, restaurants, and services exist.