I have not visited every mall in America. However, the malls that I have visited in America can definitely use a facelift when compared to the Mall of Berlin located in Berlin, Germany. I sometimes get a little irritated by the lack of customer service, convenience, food choices and assistance that American malls provide. The European styled mall located in Berlin is completely different. Here are 10 things I wish we would adopt:
1. The use of artificial intelligence for shopper's convenience
I noticed that there were touch screens located throughout the Berlin Mall for the convenience of shoppers. The whole mall was at the tip of the customers fingers, whereas when shopping in American-styled malls such as Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise Florida, you will most likely need a traditional map to navigate different stores in the mall. McDonald's is famous for messing up orders where I am from. The McDonald's located in the Mall of Berlin's food court utilizes artificial intelligence. Computers take the orders while employees cater to making meal. It is quick and effective. American style malls should definitely adopt this convenient technique.
2. Placing a grocery/ convenience store within the mall
I noticed the grocery store in the Mall of Berlin had several customers. One lady was purchasing baby supplies and, I thought to myself how it would be really convenient if we placed everything a customer may possibly need in one convenient location. The idea of having a grocery store in American styled malls also provides vegan customers with more food options. This would provide the mall with more happy customers and sales will most likely follow. A customer should ever have to leave the mall until they are completely satisfied.
3. A healthy food bar
4. Articles representing relevant history
5. Hanging Signs throughout the mall with clear directions
You never have to ask anyone for directions in this European styled mall.
6. Bicycle Rentals
Every mall should provide this option for eco-friendly customers. Riding around town on these bikes to and from your shopping destination is an environmental and economic matter.
7. Attractive layout
8. More seating space
In some instances, couples visit the mall together and there is one that is interested in shopping while the other just came to keep their company. After a while, the non-shopper gets tired of walking the mall and would prefer to sit and wait. Typically, seating spaces are limited.
9. More Informed Associates
I noticed every store I visited had informed associates. They pretty much knew the store in and out. If they could not answer a question they would refer me to their colleague without hesitation.
10. A better customer to associate ratio
The customer to associate ration is phenomenal in the Mall of Berlin. It provides associates with less stress Customers are also happy because they do not have to worry about long lines and not being assisted in a timely manner.