The city of Delhi always had a vibrant high street culture. However, times are changing. The evolving preferences, higher disposable incomes and exposure to more foreign travel has caused the region’s growing middle class to aspire for a more wholesome and complete shopping experience – hence the mushrooming mall culture.
With nearly 100 malls, the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) has become the default mall capital of India. No other city comes close to the number of operational malls that are found in this region. NCR has the lion’s share of the gross Total Retail Space Demand (TRSD) of North Zone at 45.8 per cent.
The success rate of malls varies, usually depending on factors like design and layout, the mall’s brand positioning, location and how well they cater to the needs of their target segments. Also, whether or not they have been able to evolve into family destinations rather than just remaining shopping centres is important. Mall owners strive to provide shoppers with an unparalleled shopping experience combined with never-ending entertainment, fun and food.
Here is the list of malls that have been redefining retail in Delhi-NCR:-

1Ambience Mall, Gurgaon


Ambience Mall, is an apogee of lifestyle distinction. It offers not only unprecedented scale in terms of its size but also an experience of unparalleled retail mix combined with the entertainment and leisure attractions that has changed the concept of shopping mall experience.
Developed by: Ambience Developers & Infrastructure Pvt Ltd
Launch: October 2007
Total built-up area: 21 lakh sq.ft.
Total GLA, retail area: 18 lakh sq.ft.
Total no. of stores (excluding kiosks): 250
Avg no. of footfall on weekdays: 75,000 (as per Malls of India 2013)
Avg no. of footfall on weekends: 1,50,000 (as per Malls of India 2013)

2DLF Emporio, Vasant Kunj


DLF Emporio is one of the first truly zoned luxury malls to open in India. It is also one of the most expensive malls in the country with rental rates of Rs 900 – Rs 1,000 per sq.ft. per month. Spread over four floors, the mall has been designed by architect Mohit Gujral and Chandu Chadha in Italian marble, burnished wood, and gleaming brass detailing.
Developed by: DLF Group
Launch: August 2008
Total built-up area: 3 lakh sq.ft.
Total no. of stores (excluding kiosks): 100
Avg no. of footfall on weekdays: 10,000 – 12,000 (as per Malls of India 2013)
Avg no. of footfall on weekends: 15,000 – 20,000 (as per Malls of India 2013)

3DLF Mall of India, Noida


The newest edition in India’s retail real estate, DLF Mall of India is positioned as the first destination mall of the country. Spread across a retail space of 20 lakh sq.ft. of GLA, the mall is divided into five zones — Marketplace, International Boulevard, The High Street, Family World and Leisure Land — spread over seven floors.
Developed by: DLF Group Ltd
Launch: February 2016
Total built-up area: 27 lakh sq.ft.
Total GLA, retail area: 20 lakh sq.ft.
Total no. of stores operational currently (excluding kiosks): 250
Avg no of footfall in a month: 1.5 – 2 million

4Pacific Mall, Subhash Nagar


At Pacific it is a shopping, entertainment and leisure extravaganza 365 days a year! With over 140 international and national brands to choose from, Pacific is the new landmark of India’s shopping capital. The most stylish shopping, entertainment and leisure experience in Delhi. Pacific aims at create extraordinary retail spaces which has something for everyone.
Developed by: Pacific Development Corporation Ltd
Launch: January 2011
Total built-up area: 10 lakh sq.ft.
Total GLA, retail area: 4.95 lakh sq.ft.
Total no. of stores (excluding kiosks): 140
Avg no. of footfall on weekdays: 30,000 (as per Malls of India 2013)
Avg no. of footfall on weekends: 55,000 (as per Malls of India 2013)

5Select Citywalk, Saket

An unmatched shopping experience, innovative events, unique hospitality and more is all offered at the Country’s Most Admired Shopping Centre– Select Citywalk. It brings an unforgettable shopping and lifestyle experience with a plethora of brands, serviced apartments, cinemas, health club, destination restaurants, cafes, bistros and more! The shopping centre remains the first choice for most national and international fashion brands. Numerous brands have launched and made their debut in the country at this premier shopping centre.
Developed by: Select Infrastructure Pvt ltd
Launch: October 2007
Total built-up area: 12 lakh sq.ft.
Total GLA, retail area: 5 lakh sq.ft.
Total no. of stores (excluding kiosks): 175
Avg no. of footfall on weekdays: 40,000 – 45,000 (as per Malls of India 2013)
Avg no. of footfall on weekends: 60,000 – 70,000 (as per Malls of India 2013)
READ MORE: Understanding consumer preferences: Key to the success of malls
Malls no more just shopping destinations
How malls are embracing and leveraging technology
The evolution of shopping malls in India
Size Does Matter: 5 biggest shopping malls of India