What does the UK call a mall?

Beyond “Mall”: Understanding UK Retail Spaces

The term “mall” conjures up images of sprawling, climate-controlled shopping havens, perhaps with a food court and a cinema. While such spaces exist in the UK, it’s inaccurate to broadly label them all as “malls.” The preferred and more encompassing term in the UK and Ireland is shopping centre. This distinction reflects a nuanced understanding of retail environments that goes beyond the American conception of the “mall.”

The umbrella term “shopping centre” encompasses a wide variety of retail spaces. This includes:

• Covered shopping centres: These are the closest equivalent to the American “mall,” featuring multiple stores under one roof, often with a central atrium or walkway. They can range in size from small, local centres to vast, multi-level complexes containing hundreds of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Examples include the Trafford Centre in Manchester or the Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham.

• Open-air shopping centres or precincts: These are pedestrianized areas with shops lining the streets, often featuring a mix of independent boutiques and larger chain stores. They might be newly developed areas or repurposed historical streetscapes. These spaces often have a more localized feel than their covered counterparts. Think of Covent Garden in London or the independent shops in towns and cities across the UK.

• Retail parks: These are usually located outside town centres and often consist of large standalone stores, typically selling items like furniture, electronics, or home improvement supplies. They often feature ample parking.

The reason for the preference of “shopping centre” over “mall” likely stems from the evolution of retail spaces in the UK. While large enclosed malls exist, the term “shopping centre” accurately encompasses the broader range of retail environments found across the country, from bustling high streets to purpose-built complexes. Using “shopping centre” avoids any confusion or implication of a specific architectural style or size.

Therefore, while you might hear “mall” used informally, “shopping centre” provides a more accurate and widely understood descriptor for the diverse range of retail spaces found throughout the UK and Ireland. The choice of terminology reflects a richer understanding of the varied landscape of British retail.