Key Difference: A shopping mall is a unit made up of one or multiple buildings that house various different shops. A department store is a retail establishment that is situated in one building or a mall that sells a variety of goods or products to satisfy customer’s needs. Malls are greater in size compared to department stores and generally house multiple department stores. This is not true in case of department stores, as they are generally smaller. Department stores may or may not offer parking areas or eating areas, while malls offer such features for its customers.

Malls and Department stores are two different terms meaning two different things.  A shopping mall is a unit made up of one or multiple buildings that house various different shops. A department store is a retail establishment that is situated in one building or a mall that sells a variety of goods or products to satisfy customer’s needs.

A shopping mall, also known as shopping centers, shopping mall, shopping arcade and shopping precinct, is a complex of shops housed in one or more buildings that are connected using walkways for easy convenience. It also houses a parking area as well as food courts and/or restaurants. They are most commonly described as an indoor or covered market. The concept of a mall having multiple stores under one roof is to help individual and small-chain stores benefit from customers attracted by big stores.

Department stores are retail stores that offer durable goods and products such as clothing, furniture, home appliances, toys, cosmetics, gardening, toiletries, sporting goods, food, books, jewelry, electronics, stationery, etc. Department stores can also specialize in selling particular items such as clothing and jewelry (Macy’s), or offer a combination of products together such as Costco or Walmart. Department stores are commonly part of a retail chain of many stores situated around a country or several countries.

Malls are greater in size compared to department stores and generally house multiple department stores. This is not true in case of department stores, as they are generally smaller. An easier way is to look at it this way; department stores house a variety products and goods, while a mall houses various department stores. Department stores may or may not offer parking areas or eating areas, while malls offer such features for its customers.

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