Shopping Malls

Malls - a western culture which has caught on to our side of the world and has been a craze since its existence. With cinema theatres claiming their spots in these malls, the crowds seem to just pour in, paving way to closure of cinema halls through out the country as multiplexes have cemented themselves victoriously. The only hazardous issue with watching movies in malls is the parking charge levied, worse than taxes to be paid. Most of the malls seem to set their own charges for 4-wheeler and 2-wheeler without any norms from the government. Of course modern architecture provides ample parking space for thousands of vehicles during weekends but still cannot justify the charges.  

The orthodox population which came out of their huts just for temples and marriages have long vanished. Even older generation now prefer to break the age old boundaries and dine out in these huge malls. Unlike restaurants catering to specific cuisines the malls offer different types of eatables at one junction called the food court. Some malls sell  food cards at the entry of the food court and all the food you buy will be swiped from that. The more you and your acquaintances eat, the more you need to top up.

Parking at Garden City Mall, Nairobi 

The main purpose of the malls - shopping, giant wholesale brands occupy huge area of the malls like floor. These meet all shopping needs at discounted price and numerous varieties to choose from. Many imported items not available in local stored are definitely found here. So many expatriates specifically prefer them. All modes of payment are available here. When one does shopping without a bag to carry, a bag is sold at good cost. Still we do not remember to carry the bag in the next shopping sphere too. As far as clothes and furniture shopping goes, most of the visitors go to these malls and end up with window shopping only.

Garden City Mall, Nairobi

Now a days many kids visit malls for the children's zone they have. Parents end up with empty wallets by the time kids have played on the available options here. Gone are the days kids played at the neighborhood and parks in the colonies. This is an alarming trend but parents could help it is the reality.

Thing to be appreciated is that these malls ensure hygiene in washrooms. Escalators, lifts and staircases are available. Visitors are notified if these don't work and also when  places are not clean.

Malls are here to grow in number and entertain people with the rate at which our population is increasing. Its at our discretion to make use of them just as effectively as possible.