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Instead of natural light, malls use artificial lighting that mimics daylight, creating the illusion of day even during the evening hours.
People take selfies in a shopping mall, in Patna, Bihar. (AP Photo)
Shopping malls have become a common destination for roaming with friends, family outings, and leisurely strolls. However, have you ever noticed that time seems to slip away when you’re inside? You might enter a mall during the day and leave to find that it’s already evening, with no clear indication of how much time has passed. This curious phenomenon is due to the absence of windows in most shopping malls and stores.
This design choice isn’t accidental. According to a CNN report, the trend of windowless malls began in the United States as part of a strategic approach by mall developers. Without windows, shoppers lose track of time and are less likely to notice how long they’ve been inside. Instead of natural light, malls use artificial lighting that mimics daylight, creating the illusion of day even during the evening hours. This design element encourages people to stay longer, shop more, and ultimately spend more money.
Bert Flickinger, Managing Director of the Strategic Resource Group, explains that fewer windows allow mall operators to maximise the use of available space. Without windows, mall walls can be used for additional shelving and display units, increasing the amount of merchandise on display.
Moreover, the absence of windows also helps in controlling the mall’s climate. With fewer windows, it becomes easier and more energy-efficient to regulate the temperature, reducing electricity costs associated with heating or cooling. The same principle applies to grocery stores, where windows are limited to keep energy costs down and preserve the temperature of refrigerated goods.
The overall mall experience is designed to captivate visitors – soft music, pleasant scents, indoor plants, and the allure of sparkling stores all contribute to an atmosphere where time seems to stand still. As a result, shoppers remain in the mall longer, enjoying the environment without a sense of urgency to leave.
In essence, the lack of windows in shopping malls and stores is a clever design tactic aimed at keeping shoppers engaged, comfortable, and unaware of the passing hours, all while boosting sales and reducing energy costs.