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May 28, 2007:
Do our mega centres like Gateway, Menlyn, Canal Walk and Eastgate even feature?
Eight of the world's ten largest shopping malls are in Asia and more than half of them have been built within the last three years.
According to statistics released from an American university, which compiles data for mall management companies, more than three million m2 of shopping space has sprung up in China and Malaysia since 2004.
Worldwide trends show that retail property is coming off the boil and many developers are opting for smaller, neighbourhood centres as opposed to mega malls. This is not the case in cities like Dongguan and Beijing, which are host to the two biggest malls.
This is based on gross lettable area (GLA), which is the total number of square metres of the mall, comprising retail and dining components and with some malls offering amusement areas and theme parks.
The size of the biggest South African malls (100 000m2 to 130 000m2) pale in comparison on an international scale - the world's biggest shopping complex has an area of nearly 660 000m2.
Some of South Africa's mega malls include Canal Walk in Cape Town, Gateway in Umhlanga, Menlyn in Pretoria and Sandton City and Eastgate in Johannesburg.
It is not possible to compare on a like-by-like basis as the international mega malls include attractions such as a theme parks, complete with roller coasters, man-made beaches and skating rinks.
According to a list posted on Forbes.com, these are the world's biggest shopping malls:
South China Mall, Dongguan, China
Opened in 2005, this sprawling mega mall has an area of just over 659 000m2. The amusement area includes theme parks, windmills and a replica of the Arc de Triomphe.
Golden Resources Shopping Mall, Beijing, China
This mall is five-storeys high with 1 000 stores and was opened last year. It is just less than 558 000m2 in size.
SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City, Philippines
It is home to the Philippines' first IMAX theatre and Olympic-sized swimming pool was opened in 2006. Its area is 390 180m2.
West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
This is the biggest mall in North America and amusements include a skating rink, water park casino and rides. It is made up of 800 stores and is just over 350 000m2 in size.
SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, Philippines
The mall was opened in 1991 and its area is just over 334 000m2. Besides the stores, shoppers can go bowling or ice-skating.
Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A hotel and convention centre adjoins this mall of over 1 000 shops that was opened in 2005. Attractions include a 12-storey roller coaster, theme park and skating rink.
Beijing Mall, Beijing, China
This 315 000m2 mall, opened in 2005, has a man-made beach and enough parking for 8 000 cars.
Zhengjia Plaza, Guangzhou, China
It is not unusual for more than 500 000 shoppers to visit this mall that is nearly 280 000m2.
SM City North Edsa, Quezon City, Philippines
The five-storey mega mall was opened in 1985 and has 278 700m2 of 100 stores and restaurants.
King of Prussia Mall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Built in the early 60s, it is the oldest mall in the top ten. The complex comprises around 400 stores and little attractions and theme parks.
