Mall Revamp Strategy: Shopping Malls in National Capital Region Develop New Plans to Enhance Customer Traffic
Delhi-NCR Malls Evolve into Comprehensive Destinations
Delhi-NCR's thriving retail ecosystem is being driven by a surge in commercial growth, leading to a significant increase in leasing activity. This transformation is not limited to traditional shopping hubs; instead, malls are being redefined as experience-driven destinations.
A key factor in this evolution is the strategic redesign of malls to blend entertainment, community engagement, and curated experiences. This shift caters to digitally aware and experience-hungry consumers who value socializing and leisure alongside shopping. The resurgence in mall footfall across NCR, particularly during weekends, holidays, and festive periods, is a testament to this change.
Mall developers are focusing on quality and location, with a clear shift toward Grade A developments. This trend is evident in the growing leasing activity in organised high-street formats. More than 60 international brands have entered the Indian market in the past four years, driving leasing momentum.
The expansion of premium mall spaces with integrated offerings such as boutique cinemas, artisanal cafés, curated dining, and a mix of global and Indian brands, enhances the experiential appeal of malls. Growth in food and beverage (F&B) leasing now accounts for a significant portion (22%) of retail leasing activity in Delhi-NCR, making dining a major draw for visitors.
India's retail sector is expected to undergo historic expansion, with a record 16.6 million sq. ft. of Grade A mall space expected to be completed by 2026. Ambience Malls, for example, are integrating sustainable design elements and eco-conscious décor to align with evolving consumer values.
Emerging corridors like Sohna Road and sectors along it like Sector 68 are gaining traction for their connectivity and development potential. Hyderabad and Delhi-NCR will contribute nearly 65% of the new retail space, making them the country's most promising consumption hubs. Leasing activity remains robust, with over 12.6 Mn sq. ft. projected to be leased across 2025 and 2026.
However, the challenge lies in sustaining engagement over time in the evolving retail landscape. Consumers are now gravitating toward spaces that offer more than just shopping. Ambience Malls in Gurugram are creating immersive, multi-sensory environments with gourmet food, wellness zones, art installations, and entertainment arenas.
Arjun Gehlot, Director of Ambience Malls in Gurugram and Vasant Kunj, states that malls in the NCR region are redefining retail experiences. This resurgence in mall footfall across NCR signals a redefinition of what retail spaces mean to communities. The market is shifting toward projects that go beyond conventional retail, with high streets allowing brands to craft more personalised and immersive narratives.
Global and domestic brands are increasingly drawn to strategically located, well-planned high streets. High Street formats are gaining traction due to their well-designed, open-format spaces that offer visibility, adaptability, and a deeper connection with the community. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that Delhi-NCR malls are at the forefront of this transformation, redefining themselves as comprehensive destinations rather than just shopping locations.
[1] Source: NDTV Profit [2] Source: Economic Times [5] Source: Money Control
- Delhi-NCR's malls are being redefined as comprehensive destinations, blending retail with entertainment, community engagement, and curated experiences.
- Infrastructure development and location are crucial factors in the evolution of malls, with a shift towards Grade A developments and organised high-street formats.
- Growth in the food and beverage sector is a significant portion of retail leasing activity in Delhi-NCR, making dining a major draw for visitors.
- As the retail landscape continues to evolve, Delhi-NCR malls are expected to expand and integrate sustainable design elements, wellness zones, art installations, and entertainment arenas, going beyond conventional retail to offer immersive, multi-sensory experiences.
