Location of the store inside the mall One of the factors that affect the appearance of the unit is the ease of access of customers to it and their access opportunities, but he does not work alone. A large number of visitors may pass in front of the store without being from the right audience, while a less crowded unit achieves better results because it is located on a route that serves its activity and has a clear interface and a cost that sales or rent can afford.
The fame of the mall or the description of the unit as being close to the entrance or elevator is not enough. The route of visitors, the direction of movement, attractions, operator roles, adjacent activities, clarity of the frontage should be determined, and then compare these items with the unit price, maintenance, equipment and expected return.
Short answer: what is the best location for the store inside the mall
The best location is the one that combines the passage of an audience suitable for the activity, an frontage that can be seen early, a natural access route, a thoughtful proximity to an attraction, and a price that does not excessively raise the breakeven point. So a unit inside an active corridor may be better than a more expensive unit at the entrance, and a shop in a loft may succeed if the activity is intentional and served by clear elevators and stairs.
Rate the site through five questions:
- Who passes in front of the unit, and is it the audience of the activity
- Does the visitor see the frontage before reaching it
- Is the path normal or does it need a detour or a search
- What attraction keeps the movement near
- Is the increase in price or rent justified by a realistic increase in sales or rental value
The most important rule: The number of passers-by is a preliminary indicator, not a guarantee of sales or yield.
What is meant by the location of the store inside the mall
The location does not mean the name of the mall or the floor only, but a set of details that determine the relationship of the unit with visitor traffic, services and entrances. The site should be described accurately, rather than just with phrases such as "featured site" or "on the move".
| Factor | What should be determined |
|---|---|
| Floor | The ground, the first or a specialized role and the method of access to it. |
| The corridor | Main, sub, annular or closed-ended. |
| The point of movement | Entrance, escalator, elevator, Plaza or dining area. |
| frontage orientation | Are you facing an incoming movement or a leaving movement |
| Viewing distance | From what point does the visitor begin to see the shop |
| Surrounding Mix | Nearby activities, competition, attractive shops. |
| Operational Requirements | Supply, waste, facilities and working hours. |
| Cost | The difference in price or rent and maintenance compared to alternatives. |
What is more important: the density of visitors or the quality of movement in front of the store
The elevated movement is useful when the Maroons are from the right audience and can see the unit, stop and enter. Fast or inconsistent traffic may raise the price of the site without raising sales at the same rate.
High movement with low quality
- Visitors rush towards the exit or garage.
- A narrow path does not allow stopping.
- An audience that does not need the product or service.
- The frontage you see after bypassing the shop door.
- Congestion blocks the view or entrance.
Less movement with higher quality
- Visitors who mean an activity or a complementary activity.
- A waiting or seating area allows viewing.
- A path that repeats the passage in front of the unit.
- The frontage is clear from more than one direction.
- The visit time is compatible with the shop activity hours.
Movement should therefore be described in terms of number, type, direction, speed and timing, not just number.
How to analyze the customer's journey inside the mall
Start from the client's access point to the project, and then follow the path he takes until he sees the unit and enters it. The trip varies between coming from the street and coming from the garage, and between a visitor to restaurants and a visitor to clinics or offices.
Stages of the journey
- Access: Street, garage or transport.
- Entry: Choose a gate or doorway.
- Orientation: Signage, visibility, elevators, stairs.
- Traffic: The corridor that connects to the unit.
- Viewing: Time to see the frontage and products.
- Stoppage: The presence of space and a reason pushes the visitor to slow down.
- Entry: Ease of opening the door and movement inside the shop.
- Exit and return: Easy to remember the location and access it again.
The shop may be close to the entrance by distance but it is out of the direction of view, while a unit farther on the normal path is more visible.
Comparison of the shop at the entrance and the shop inside the inner corridors
| Comparison Factor | The shop is at the entrance | The shop is inside the corridor |
|---|---|---|
| visibility | Watch early if the entry trend is encountered. | It depends on the strength of the passage and the points of attraction at its end. |
| Visitor speed | The visitor may be fast or not have started shopping. | It is often inside the browsing and comparison journey. |
| Appropriate activities | Express services, pharmacy, communication, quick coffee. | Fashion, accessories, gifts and products experience. |
| Stoppage | It may be limited if the entrance is crowded. | It may be better if the corridor widens and you find Sessions or attractions. |
| Price | It may carry a price premium for visibility. | It may offer better value if the passage is strong. |
| The most important check | Direction of entry, visibility and parking space. | The continuity of the corridor and the reasons for visitors ' access to it. |
Which is better: the ground floor or the upper floors
The ground floor serves activities that depend on direct traffic, but it is often more expensive and more competitive. The upper floors may suit the intended or specialized activities, provided there is clear access and physical occupancy.
| Factor | Ground Floor | Upper Floors |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Direct from the entrances most often. | It is based on elevators, stairs and routing. |
| Spontaneous movement | Mostly higher. | At least unless there is a strong attraction. |
| Privacy | Less for activities that need quiet. | Best for clinics, offices and intended services. |
| Cost | They may be higher. | They may be less with the difference of the project. |
| Risks | Paying a high price is not covered by sales. | Poor turn-on of the floor or difficult access. |
Do not buy in a loft before finding out what activities you will work in it, the access route, the operating times of elevators and stairs, the expected and actual occupancy ratio.
The shop is near the elevator, escalator or restaurant area
| Location | Nature of the movement | Activities that may benefit | What should be checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near the elevator | Direct access, short waiting and transition between uses. | Express services, pharmacy, limited-resolution gifts. | The direction of opening the doors, the place of waiting and blocking the view. |
| Near the escalator | Constant movement and predictable trajectory. | Retail, fashion, accessories and optical products. | The direction of ascent, descent and visibility before arrival. |
| Near restaurants | A peak in mealtimes and longer family visits. | Sweets, toys, gifts, Family Services. | Aromas, hustle, seasonality and strength of operation of the dining area. |
| Near the plaza | Gathering, seating, events, movement of different directions. | Cafes, restaurants and shops depend on the width and facade. | The right to use outdoor space, visibility and weather. |
Is a corner shop or near a store a better attraction
The corner unit
You may get two interfaces and a two-track view, but you should make sure that the two paths are active and the columns or services do not reduce the benefit of the additional interface. And the price premium may not justify if one of the facades is on a weak corridor.
Proximity to an attractive store
An attractive store or main activity may draw visitors to a particular area, but the effect depends on the direction of entry and exit and how similar the audience is.
Necessary questions
- Do customers of the attractive store pass in front of your unit or get to it from another route
- Is the neighboring activity complementary or a direct competitor
- Is the attractive store contractual and confirmed or just a marketing plan
- What happens to the movement if its opening is delayed or left
How to detect weak corridors and dead zones inside the mall
The Dead Zone is a part of the project in which there are fewer reasons for passing or stopping, even if it seems close on the scheme. It may be formed due to a closed end, a sharp turn, an invisible facade or the absence of attractive activities.
Warning signs
- A corridor that does not lead to an elevator, an entrance or an important activity.
- The unit is located after a corner and is obscured by another facade.
- A long distance between the shop and the nearest attraction.
- A closed service door or wall opposite the facade.
- The passage stopped at the unit with no reason to return.
- The dependence of the movement on a project or stage that has not been implemented.
- A house that does not have a variety of uses or a sufficient occupancy rate.
A unit in a quiet area may succeed if the activity is intentional, but it should be priced and operated on this basis, not assuming high retail traffic.
How to measure visitor traffic before choosing a store location
In the working Mole, an initial field measurement can be carried out. As for the project under construction, one should rely on the scheme and the expected sources of traffic with a conservative scenario, and not on an unverifiable visitor figure.
The method of initial field counting
- Choose a fixed point in front of the unit.
- Passers-by counted for 15 minutes in each direction.
- Repeat the measurement more than once morning and evening.
- Compare a working day with a weekend or a weekend.
- Record the direction of movement, its speed and the type of audience.
- Repeat the count in two alternate units in the same way.
Estimated traffic per hour = number of people passing in 15 minutes × 4
This is only a directional estimate, and it is not valid to convert it directly into annual sales without input, transfer, average invoice and seasonal data.
What are the indicators of visibility, stop and entry
Field observation can be turned into more useful indicators than the number of passers-by alone.
Interface observation rate = number of people who looked at the interface ÷ number of passersby × 100
Stop rate = number of people who stopped in front of the unit ÷ number of passers-by × 100
Entry rate = number of entrants ÷ number of passers-by × 100
Conversion rate = number of buyers ÷ number of entrants × 100
Before turning on the activity the conversion rate will not be available, but the clarity of the interfaces, the stopping space and the trajectory of movement can be compared. After Operation, these indicators help to find out whether the problem is in the site, offer, product or pricing.
What is the best location for the store inside the mall by type of activity
| Activity | A convenient location for studying | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy and express services | The ground near the entrance or garage is easy. | An intentional visit and speed of arrival are important. |
| Fashion and shoes | A main corridor, near an escalator or plaza. | The activity is based on viewing, comparison and wandering. |
| Perfumes, accessories, gifts | A waiting area or an active path and a clear interface. | You benefit from spontaneous buying and visibility. |
| Coffee and drinks | Plaza, entrance or seating area depending on the model. | Visibility, stops, sessions or quick pick-up. |
| Restaurant | Dining area or terrace with convenient loading and ejection. | Operation and services are more important than traffic density alone. |
| Family toys and gifts | Proximity to food, entertainment or a family path. | A suitable audience and a longer visit duration. |
| Clinic | A quiet medical role near a clear elevator. | The visit is intentional, privacy and access are more important. |
| Office and professional service | An administrative role with organized entrances and elevators. | Address, arrival and tranquility are more important than spontaneous passage. |
These are preliminary directions and are not a guarantee of the success of the activity. The audience, competition, cost, licensing and processing should be reviewed.
How the interface and the form of the module affect the value of the site
The shop may be on a strong but poorly visible path due to a narrow facade, a column, a glass reflection or a blocked sign. Therefore, the interface should be evaluated with the site, not after it.
Review:
- Net Interface Width.
- The viewing angle is from two directions.
- The distance from which the appearance of the shop begins.
- The location of the door relative to the movement.
- Columns,service boxes and adjacent signage.
- Rules of painting and lighting of the project.
- The possibility of seeing products from the outside.
- Having a safe space to stop in front of the facade.
See the manual Commercial shop space To find out the effect of facade, depth and columns in the efficiency of use.
How do neighboring activities and competition affect the location of the store
Complementary neighborhood
The activity may be supported when the audience serves itself without offering the same product, such as gifts near a family area or sweets near restaurants.
Rival neighborhoods
It may create a niche destination that attracts customers, or squeeze sales if demand is limited and differentiation is weak. The number of competitors, their areas, brands and prices should be measured.
Annoying or incompatible neighbors
Smells, noise, loading and queues may affect activities that need quiet or a high-end image.
Don't rely on the mix plan only
Ask to know which activities are actually contracted and open, and the policy of non-repetition or exclusivity if any, because the mix may change during Operation.
Is the store's location suitable for daily supply and services
The powerful front position may fail operationally if it is not possible to insert the goods, install the parcel or manage the waste. The customer route should be separated from the supply route as much as possible.
| Factor | Required questions |
|---|---|
| Supply | Where does the goods come from and what are the loading hours |
| Service elevator | What is its capacity, distance from the unit and availability |
| Residues | What is its route and Where Is it assembled |
| Expulsion | Is there a permitted and independent course of activity |
| Electricity | What load is allocated and the possibility of increasing |
| Drainage and water | Are the points suitable for the proposed processing |
| Operating hours | Does it correspond to the activity and available entrances |
How to choose a location in a ready-made mall compared to a project under construction
| Factor | A ready-made or working mall | A project under construction |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Can count and actual observation. | Depend on the planned and expected occupancy. |
| Surrounding Mix | Open activities can be found out. | The list of activities may be endless. |
| Access | Entrances, elevators, garage can be tested. | Reviews on the scheme and specifications. |
| Risks | Changed occupancy or management performance. | Implementation, delivery, commissioning and opening. |
| Pricing | It can be compared with actual rents and movement. | He needs a conservative scenario and a waiting period. |
In the project under construction, the expected movement is not treated as a fact. Correlate your decision with the quality of the scheme, versatility of uses, operation plan and contract, with a reserve for delays or poor initial occupancy.
How to link the site bonus to the price and return
The unit at the entrance, plaza or corner may be more expensive. It is not enough to be better at appearing; it must justify the increase in investment or rent.
Location Premium = Premium unit price − the price of a similar unit in an alternative location
Required increase in net income = position premium × target rate of return
Illustrative example: if the site premium is large, the unit should achieve a defensible increase in rent, sales or rental speed. If insufficient data is available, use a conservative scenario.
For financial details, see the manual Return from commercial real estate. As for the full Mall evaluation, check it out in the guide investing in malls in New Damietta..
How to apply location criteria inside the ONE and Tuvalu mall
The following examples illustrate the examination method, and do not represent a recommendation for a specific unit or a guarantee of movement and yield.
| Project | Elements of the published movement | What should be compared within the project |
|---|---|---|
| by Mahawer project | Two buildings are built around a central plaza, commercial units on the movement and plaza areas, with commercial distribution in the ground and first by building. | Street frontage or Plaza, Building A or B, ground or first, and the direction of entrances and movement between uses. |
| Tuvalu Mall | Five entrances, six elevators for visitors, three service elevators, eight staircases, an open plaza. | Proximity to the entrance, elevator or plaza, floor, terrace, corridor, and convenient service access for the activity. |
The official ONE page shows the presence of commercial units in buildings A and B and facades on the movement and plaza areas, while the Tuvalu page displays multiple elements of access, movement and service. The plan of the unit, its exact location and an updated offer must be requested before booking. citeturn801418search0turn801418search2
What are the terms of the contract that are related to the location of the store inside the mall
- The number of the unit, the role, the building and its location on the scheme.
- Area, method of measurement, facade and terrace, if any.
- Permitted activity and prohibited activities.
- The right to use outdoor or shared spaces.
- Signage, facade and lighting rules.
- Operating and entry hours after closing.
- Supply, service elevators and waste.
- Maintenance, management and service fees.
- Change the scheme, entrances or adjacent activities.
- Exclusivity or prevention of repetition of activity if any.
- Delivery date, opening and grace period.
- Assignment, sublease and resale.
Do not rely on verbal descriptions such as "in front of the entrance" or "on the highest movement". The location must be indicated on an official scheme attached to the contract or offer.
Store location evaluation card inside the mall
Give each criterion a score from 1 to 5, writing down the evidence justifying the score.
| Criteria | The question | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Audience Quality | Are the Maroons the potential customers of the activity | 1–5 |
| Vision | Does the interface appear early and from more than one direction | 1–5 |
| Continuity of movement | Is the corridor connected to attractions and works all day | 1–5 |
| Stoppage | Is there a space that allows you to slow down and watch | 1–5 |
| Suitability of activity | Does the site suit the customer's purchasing method | 1–5 |
| Surrounding Mix | Are neighboring activities complementary and stable | 1–5 |
| Operational Requirements | Is the supply, facilities and service suitable | 1–5 |
| Cost | Is the site premium justifiable | 1–5 |
| Rental Flexibility | Does the site serve more than one potential activity | 1–5 |
| Clarity of the contract | Are the site, rights and services documented | 1–5 |
Do not use the sum to bypass such a fundamental problem as the Prevention of activity, the absence of a parcel or an unclear contract.
Steps of choosing the location of the store inside the mall
1. Select Activity and client
Describe what the client is buying, why, when and how long the decision takes.
2. Draw sources of movement
Select entrances, garage, elevators, stairs, Plaza and food.
3. Choose three sites to compare
Compare an entrance, an internal corridor, an attraction or an alternative role.
4. Test vision and trajectory
Walk as a customer and decide when to see the interface and how to get to it.
5. Measure the movement or value it conservatively
Use the count in the Working Project, and the scheme and scenarios in the new project.
6. Check the neighborhood and operation
Review activities, competition, supply, facilities and opening hours.
7. Compare cost and return
Test whether the site bonus is justified by a realistic increase in income.
8. Review the scheme and contract
Confirm the unit number, location, interface, activity and rights before booking.
Errors and risks of choosing a store location
| The mistake | The result | Preventive Action |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic entrance selection | Pay a premium for a site where the visitor quickly passes in front of him. | Measure vision, stop and direction of movement. |
| Count only passers-by | Expect sales that do not correspond to the quality of the audience. | Measure gaze, stop and enter. |
| Ignore the role | The unit is in a low-occupancy role. | Review of attractive and accessible activities. |
| Dependence on an attractive store is uncertain | The disappearance of the expected cause of movement. | Request Contractual Data and an alternative scenario. |
| Neglect of services | Difficulty in supplying or operating the activity. | Review of elevators, parcels and utilities. |
| Choosing an excellent site at an inflated price | Low net yield and high breakeven point. | Calculation of the site bonus and the reserved return. |
| Not documenting the site | The difference of the scheme or interface from the expectation. | Attach an official scheme to the contract. |
Check list before booking the store
- It determined the activity, audience and peak time.
- I knew the main customer access point.
- I checked the direction of entry and movement.
- I tested the visibility of the interface from more than one point.
- I compared three sites within the project.
- I checked the corridor and the attractions at its end.
- I checked the elevators, stairs, garage.
- Examined neighboring activities and competition.
- I checked the supply, waste and utilities.
- Measured the movement or used a conservative scenario.
- I calculated the location premium and the full cost.
- I experienced low traffic or delayed occupancy.
- I checked the permitted activity.
- I checked the location of the unit in the official scheme.
- I checked the contract, maintenance, operation and assignment.
Article Methodology and Commercial Disclosure
This guide has been prepared to evaluate the location of the unit within the commercial project only, focusing on the quality of movement, visibility, tracks, neighborhood, operation and price premium. The article is not aimed at choosing the store space, evaluating the entire mall, or calculating the return in detail; there are separate pages for these intentions.
Methodology Update: The assumptions that the entrance, the ground floor or the escalator are better in all cases have been deleted. The counting of passers-by was also treated as a preliminary indicator, not a guarantee of sales.
Commercial Disclosure: The article is published on the website of Mahawer real estate development, and uses ONE and Tuvalu mall as examples of the company's projects. Therefore, it does not represent an independent assessment of all malls and commercial units in Egypt.
Content limits: The article does not represent an approved movement Study, Feasibility Study, real estate appraisal or a guarantee of return. The unit, the scheme, the contract and the existing data should be checked, and specialists should be hired when needed.
Sources and references of the article
Conclusion: how to choose a site that actually serves the activity
Start from the customer and the way he buys, and then follow his path inside the mall. Compare the quality of the audience, clarity of the interface, continuity of movement, breakpoints, proximity and operation, pay a price premium only if it has a justifiable impact on income or rental speed.
The strongest site is not always the busiest, but the most compatible with the activity, the clearest for the client, the easiest to operate and the most balanced between price and value.
Frequently asked questions about the location of the store inside the mall
What is the best location for the store inside the mall
A site in front of which a suitable audience passes, its interface is clearly visible, accessible, and its cost is consistent with the expected income or rent of the activity.
Is the shop next to the main entrance better
Not always. It may achieve a strong visibility, but some visitors pass quickly, and the price premium may be higher than the additional value.
Is the ground floor better for shops
It is suitable for activities based on direct traffic, while the upper floors may suit clinics, offices and intended activities.
Which is better: the shop near the elevator or the escalator
The staircase may provide continuous movement, while the elevator provides direct access and waiting. The decision depends on the direction of movement, interface and activity.
Is the shop near the restaurant area suitable
It may suit family activities, sweets and gifts, but it is influenced by peak times, smells, crowds and the power of operation of the dining area.
How do I know which lane is most moving
Keep track of entrances, elevators, stairs and attractions, then count passers-by at different timings and days and compare locations in the same way.
Is the number of passers-by enough to evaluate the site
No.no. The quality of the audience, the clarity of the interface, stops and incomes should be measured, because high traffic does not automatically turn into sales.
How do I measure the customer entry rate
Divide the number of people entering the store by the number of people passing in front of it during the same period and multiply the result by one hundred.
Is the corner unit better than the regular unit
It may provide two interfaces, but its usefulness depends on the activity of the two tracks, the price premium and the efficiency of the internal format.
How to set up a website in a project under construction
Review the layout, entrances, uses, attractions, stages and operation, use a conservative scenario instead of assuming guaranteed movement.
What is the most important clause in the contract regarding the location of the store
Specify the unit number, role, building, facade and its location on an official scheme, with permitted activity and rights to a terrace or common spaces.
How do I get the locations of the available units
Ask the sales team for an updated diagram showing the unit, entrances, Plaza, elevators, role, price and payment plan.