How Do Malls Celebrate Local Communities?

When you shop at a mall, do you notice a festival in their activity center? Do you spot a small food market nearby? Then you’re probably in the middle of a celebration! Here are ways that malls celebrate the local communities they’re in:

Localized Interiors

Nowadays, mall construction is all about incorporating their local communities into its overall form. Not only is this aesthetically pleasing, it also celebrates the culture from that town or city. 

For example, the inabel weave, which is a traditional Ilocano handwoven fabric, will be reflected in the sky roof of the soon-to-open SM City Laoag. In another case, SM City La Union will have homages to the beach scattered throughout the interior. 

Showcases for Local Crafts

When you’re out, try to look for a regional fair or a weekend market. These are curated spaces for the community to showcase their crafts, food, and other delicacies. Not only will this enhance your shopping experience, it helps local farmers and businesses earn, too!

Specific to food, malls also host festivals where they’d invite a chef or restaurant from the region to cook live. That way, they also expose their talents to a wider audience.

Cultural Festivals and Exhibits

If you’re a patron of the arts, malls have something for you, too! There are numerous festivals and other cultural events that shine a light on the local communities’ history. 

Sometimes, they’d tap local artists to feature their works. Other times, they’d partner with the local tourism board to host heritage tours and other attractions. 

Community-Focused Programs

Malls also work with the local government and non-profit organizations as a way to give back. As a result, they’d host initiatives like medical missions, educational programs, and disaster relief efforts. 

Oftentimes, their other programs help the people thrive in different sectors. For example, the malls would host job fairs, wherein employers from different industries seek out potential employees. 

READ: 4 Reasons to Join the SM Supermalls Job Fairs

Today, it’s important that malls celebrate the local communities they’re stationed in. Because by weaving its culture and heritage into their ethos, they become part of its identity.