�Modernity exists in the form of a desire to wipe out whatever came earlier, in the hope of reaching at least a point that could be called a true present, a point of origin that marks a new departure.�- Paul De Man
Modernity is the new Helen of Troy that can sail a thousand ships- raise a hundred homes to the sky and burn a thousand more to ash. It represents, all at once, the strength of our achievements and the fragility of our existence. Modernization and modernity is the order of human life, the mission of states and the question that haunts the rest of the population. Are we modern or post- modern, advanced or traditional, satisfied or de- personalized? Modern life has given us the wonders of luxury, and taken away the independence of human ability. One of the most glaring examples of the paradox of modern life is the shopping mall- tall, glitzy glamorous and�.. Destructive!
Shopping malls, or retail malls represent the basic tenets of modern life- competition, space and time management (resulting from the lack of both) liberal trade and conspicuous consumption. Goods, from all around the globe, are available in the same place, and at a glance. There is so much to do in a mall- one can catch a film in the morning, do a little shopping later, and when the hunger threads start pulling, there is more than one option to satisfy the taste buds. To give a greater utility value, and a more pleasant experience, there are additional perks that come with a mall, like parking space, gaming zones for kids etc. all in all, the shopping mall is a wonderful experience, and a convenient option to just � hang out�- something that people seem to love doing lately.
The Essay on Are Computers Essential In Modern Everyday Life
Argument Essay Are computers essential in modern everyday life. Gareth D. In today's society some people use computers as an essential component in their everyday life. It is with new technology, that people's daily routines are becoming faster and easier. For the purpose of this essay, the term "essential" can be defined as the need to use computers for a more efficient lifestyle. This essay will ...
�THE MALL REVOLUTION�
It is no surprise then that the growth of shopping malls has accelerated in the last few years. A developing nation like India is also facing the �mall revolution� All Indian metros can now boast of at least 6 to 10 grand malls. The other cities like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Patna and Hyderabad refuse to be left behind.
Madhu Chittora & Shakti Singh propose that today, some 250 malls are already in business and a similar number is going to come up in the next two years. By 2006, a whopping 19.6 million sq. ft of retail space will be made available in six major cities alone. Tier-II and tier-III cities are not far behind the big cities in attracting investments in malls. Smaller cities such as Baramula, Ludhiana, Mandya, Thrissur and Midnapore will soon have their own malls. According to ProjectsToday database, some 195 shopping malls and complexes are coming up in various parts of the country with an estimated investment of Rs 12,747 crore
The question then arises- are these retail malls eating into the economic opportunities and basic livelihood of the small retailers?
The most obvious impact that one can gauge from the situation is the explosion of competition that has occurred as a result of the growth of shopping malls. Following the rationality of survival of the fittest, one can say that the fate of small shop owners and retailers would depend on how well they can cope with the competition. – Whether they can successfully accommodate, adjust, accept and assimilate within the changing market structure. Where the traditional shop keepers have been prompt to this effect, the result has not been dramatic
However, the concern is the attitude of the small retailer, which more than often is negative, rather the all encompassing nature of these malls.
In pure economic terms, the consumer, who is a rational thinker, would look for maximum utility. Utility comprises of convenience and quality. It is known that the large shopping malls greatly outweigh the small retailers in this aspect. The malls are big spacious, and thrives on variety. The commodities available are also of higher quality with world famous brand names attached to them. It is an quite an experience to walk down a grand aisle in �the forum� or � city central� and throw passing glances at Benetton or Versace on one hand and Marks and Spencer�s on the other. It brings together Khadi and Cashmere in a commotion of the �high life�. Time is saved and utility is maximized- as a result no one complains. Contrastingly, the small retailers have limited stock of goods, particular range of products and a certain specific quality. Thus, when it comes to the big question of utility- they are surely the big losers.
The Review on Online Shopping vs Retail Shopping
Online Apparel Shopping v/s Retail Apparel Shopping Subject:- Research Methods in Business Topic:- Research Report Synopsis Online Apparel Shopping vs Retail Apparel Shopping is a new comparison in market these days. Where the internet consumption rate is growing at a lightning speed the consumers are shifting from retail shopping to internet online shopping to save more time. The research is ...
Shopping malls have given impetus to another phenomenon of �Window Shopping� when one is looking to only gawk at the unattainable luxury of high priced goods, the mall is the perfect place, due to various reasons-
For one, no one else will notice as the majority would be doing the same
Secondly is fair and natural to be window shopping in a place that offers Levis and Tommy Hilfiger
And most importantly it is quite comfortable to roam around window shopping in a place where an eating joint or a drink bar is a foot away. You get tired of ogling at all the expenses, and then you can take a break and have a meal to revitalize the sense organs. Or if that is not good enough one can even catch a movie, or just wait around for a friend without feeling too lonely or left out. In fact malls are planned with such citizen serving and friendly concerns that sometimes walking through a mall reduces the distance between two destinations. Isn�t that just wonderful!
Now how can a small retailer, limited in capacity, stretched across streets and strewn all over a city, and without any extra perks, serve such a purpose.
TAKE THE S OUT OF S-MALL
It is no surprise then that most of the small shop owners have suffered under the threat of the mall revolution. In a society that is infested with what is called the �demonstration effect�, copying and dreaming, emulating and modeling on the lifestyles of the affluent, �mall mania� shall only expand and conquer.
The Essay on Mall Of America: Shopping And A Whole Lot More
1. Why has Mall of America been such a marketing success so far? The Mall of America and its massive size is able to do what most malls could not. It was able to implement marketing strategies that have been successful for small-scale retail, use them on a much larger scale, and offer something for everyone, a process of market segmentation and retail mix. (Marketing to the core, pg. 35 and pg. ...
�A small sample survey of the impact of malls on small shops and hawkers in Mumbai points to a decline in sales of groceries, fruits and vegetables, processed foods, garments, shoes, electronic and electrical goods in these retail outlets, ultimately threatening 50 per cent of them with closure or a major decline in business. Only 14 per cent of the sample of small shops and hawkers has so far been able to respond to the competitive threat of the malls with the institution of fresh sales promotion initiatives.�
�According to national retail statistics, USA, 25 to 40 percent of small businesses fail in the first three years.�
It is a fact that the big malls are adversely affecting the small retailers. While, one can scream and shout against such ruthless demolition of the traditional traders and retailers on moral ethical grounds, we have to understand the challenges that are thrown at the economy in a globalizing world. When development is the key word then how can one step back from raising the standard of living of the masses by leading them into the majestic arms of the shopping malls.
Mony have argued and said that the small retailers have to buckle up and concentrate on innovation, client-servicing, and quality enhancement if they are to be in the race. While all this is a welcoming option, the feasibility and the probability of success is uncertain.
The small retailers are taking action, in an attempt to resist the mall revolution and hold their ground (for example in Thailand India etc.)However if barter could be replaced by the money system and gold by currency, then the mall invasion, somehow does not seem a distant possibility.
THE COST FACTOR
One thing that still holds good, and in favour of the small retailers is the cost factor. The larger shopping malls due to their maintenance and investment spectrum are highly priced in services. As a result, some down to earth consumers continue to prefer small shops over malls. Moreover it may be simply unreasonable and unaffordable for some classes, thus maintaining and nurturing a few of the small retailers. Also, some are just pure traditionalists, sticking to family preferences and generational styles that confirm loyalty to small and individual retailers. This group also includes those few who are just critical of capitalist invasionary instruments like the shopping mall.
The Term Paper on Role of Malls in Dubai Shopping Festival
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) takes place every winter with its mammoth array of discounts, competitions, prizes, fireworks and entertainment. DSF offers amazing shopping discounts, attracting holiday makers from around the globe keen on grabbing a bargain. Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) started on February 15, 1996 as a retail event intended to revitalize retail trade in Dubai, United Arab ...
One can still be sure of the fact that these sections hope to catch on to the mall mania one day, but are realistically and economically forbidden to do so. If malls start catering to these sections of the mass, the downfall of the small retailer is inevitable.
SRAMANA MAJUMDAR
