Mall vs Department Store: Difference and Comparison

In big cities, we come across many malls and departmental stores where different products, goods, and services are sold. Mall and departmental stores come under the category of the retailing industry.

Malls and department stores look alike, but there is a differences in size and the type of products their sell.

Key Takeaways

1. A mall is a large shopping center with many stores and businesses in one location. In contrast, a department store is a large retail store that sells various merchandise in different departments.
2. Malls offer various shopping and entertainment options, while department stores focus on selling merchandise.
3. Malls have a central area with common amenities and services, while department stores have distinct departments with different merchandise categories.

Mall vs Department Store

The difference between Mall and Department store is that Malls is a large complex joining multiple buildings to sell every product a person needs in one place, Whereas a department store is a small portion of a building or a single-story building where multiple goods of different brands are available.

Malls are also known as shopping malls, city centres, or town centres in different countries, operates as different unit.

Malls have large parking areas, multiple entrances, a convention hall to celebrate birthdays, small get-togethers, and has attractive architecture and decor. Malls are modern retail chains where multiple retailing merchandises take part.

A department store is a single-story building where different categories of goods are separated into departments. Departmental store does not have entertainment areas like malls.

Department stores have different branches in different cities with the same name and services. It can also be housed in a mall.

Comparison Table

Parameters Of Comparison	Mall	Department Store
Size of Area	It is formed by connecting multiple buildings where multiple department stores are housed.	It is a single building or a small portion in a mall where a single product category is sold.
Entertainment area	Malls have an entertainment corner where birthdays and other small celebrations can be done.	Departmental stores do not have any entertainment area as the place will be small.
Parking	There will be a parking area in the malls.	There will be no parking area.
Location	Malls are located in the city centers.	Department stores are located anywhere like general stores.
Targeted consumer groups	Malls are for every age group from children to old people.	Department stores target specific consumer groups depending on the merchandise.

What is Mall?

Malls are known as shopping malls that are located in the city centre, targeting every area of people. Malls provide an ambience experience to visitors, customers, and merchandise.

It is a place where everything is available for every age group of people. The mall’s most important thing that makes it look different from other stores is its interior decor and entrance.

It also has a seating arrangement for tired customers, baby care, restrooms, a kids’ play department, a restaurant, a gaming section, and many more. Malls have walkways to go from one building to another.

Malls have different departments where merchandise stock and sell their goods. It requires a lot of investment to build a mall.

Malls display special, exclusive, and branded items in one place. It is a modern way to retail goods. It is a large complex attractive facade, displays, and a large entrance.

Malls are also arranging the facilities for the party by building a convention hall where birthday parties and get-togethers are organized. Malls and departmental stores provide similar services and goods to customers.

Malls require a lot of investment in maintaining the departments and running smoothly. It is a place of huge employment compared to other retail stores.

What is Department Store?

Departmental stores are the other type of retail industry. It is also serving customers in the same manner as malls but with limited goods.

Departmental stores have a variety of goods like clothes, furniture, food, and others in one building, making it convenient for customers to buy their needy things.

It stocks and sells general things that are required in daily life. Departmental stores are small compared to malls.

Departmental stores do not have walkways to go from one building to another as it is only single-building store.

Unlike in malls, department stores do not have parking areas and waiting areas. Each department in the building targets a specific customer segment.

Some stores are only dedicated to specific age groups. Departmental stores do not have entertainment sections.

It does not have food courts. It is a simple building with many stores.

The interior or decoration is not given that much importance.

Department stores are located anywhere within the town and cities. It may be a single department or a building with multiple departments in one place.

Departments are housed in malls also, but a department can’t become a mall even if it houses multiple departments in one place. It also requires a lot of investments to stock and sell goods.

Some departmental stores also deliver goods and services to homes. Departmental stores have fixed prices and give occasional discounts to attract customers.

Main Differences Between Mall and Department Stores

1. Malls are multiple large-storeyed buildings connected with walkways, whereas a department store is a small portion of a mall or a single-storeyed building.
2. Malls have multiple departments housed, whereas a department cannot house a mall.
3. Malls have an entertainment section, food section, and celebration section, but department stores do not have such.
4. Malls target every consumer segment, but department store targets selected consumer segment.
5. Malls have a parking area, but department stores do not have one.

References

1. https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Retail_Management/5tnIDdWLQI0C?hl=en&gbpv=1
2. https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Sales_and_Distribution_Management/5EaNDAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Buying,+Selling+and+Distribution&printsec=frontcover