Homogeneous shopping malls in Hong Kong : the underlying cause

Abstract

"Shopping malls in Hong Kong are homogeneous, the operating mode for each malls are almost the same." commented by Hong Kong shoppers. It is being criticized that Hongkongers do not have choice when they do shopping in malls, the tenant mix in every shopping malls are similar, small and medium enterprises were asked to leave the malls after tenancy expiry, their space are then replacing by well known brands or chain stores.

In this dissertation, one would first identify the extent of homogeneity of regional shopping malls in Hong Kong, selected shopping malls including New Town Plaza in Shatin, APM in Kwun Tong, Domain in Yau Tong and Cityplaza in Taikoo Shing are studied, by interviewing shoppers in those shopping malls, one would be able to understand more on their views in shopping malls homogeneity.

Shoppers' views are important in this dissertation as they are the one who make the complain on shopping malls. The tenant mix, quality design, marketing and promotions, and customer services are important factors leading to success of malls. Being the shopping mall operators, in order to increase footfall and thus sale volume of their tenants, when tenants' business improved, they could be able to pay higher rent. In result, the income of shopping malls increased.

In the second part of this dissertation, further analysis will be concluded from shopping mall operators regarding their views on shopping malls homogeneity and investigating the underlying causes for the homogeneity in different aspects. From shopping mall operators aspects, no one would be intentionally sculpture a mall which is similar to its counterparts. Operators aim at satisfying the need of their target customers so that they will visit the malls frequently. This intention might be the causes leading to the similarities of regional shopping malls as the target catchment of the regional shopping malls are larger, unlike neighbourhood shopping malls aim at serving shoppers from the estate nearby, more effort should be made in order to attract target shoppers.

Finally, the concluding chapter of this dissertation provide suggestions for further studies in Hong Kong shopping malls, an unique retail environment which is far different with shopping malls overseas. Hong Kong shopping malls are yet to be improved so that it would offer shoppers unforgettable shopping experience, it is the responsibility for every operators, both public and private ones. In result, Hong Kong could retain its name of "shopping paradise".