Which properties are commonly referred to as malls?

Malls are primarily defined as large commercial complexes that house a variety of retail stores and services under one roof. Regional shopping centers, which include large malls, typically feature a diverse array of stores including department stores, specialty shops, and food courts, providing a shopping experience that attracts consumers from a wide geographical area. These shopping centers are designed to cater to a diverse clientele, often including hundreds of tenants, which makes them a definitive representation of what is commonly understood as a mall.

In contrast, grocery stores, small retail boutiques, and warehouse stores do not meet the criteria for being considered malls. Grocery stores focus on selling food and household products and generally do not offer the extensive range of retail options one would find in a mall. Small retail boutiques may sell specialized merchandise but lack the size and variety of establishments typically found in mall settings. Warehouse stores, while they may offer a wide range of goods, are usually characterized by bulk sales and a no-frills shopping experience, which differs significantly from the multi-faceted shopping and entertainment environments that characterize regional shopping centers.