Top 10 Profitable Small Businesses to Start in a Shopping Mall

Posted October 8, 2023

Are you looking forward to starting a business in the mall? Shopping malls are popular destinations for consumers seeking a wide range of products, services, and entertainment. With their high foot traffic and diverse customer base, shopping malls present excellent opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to start a small business. Here are the top 10 profitable small businesses to consider starting in a shopping mall:

Boutique clothing store

A boutique clothing store is a small, specialized retail store that offers a curated selection of unique and fashionable clothing items. These stores typically cater to a specific target market and aim to provide a personalized and intimate shopping experience. Boutique clothing stores often carry limited quantities of each item, which adds to their exclusivity and appeal.

They may also carry accessories, jewelry, and shoes that complement the clothing selection. The atmosphere of a boutique clothing store is typically stylish and inviting, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who can provide personalized styling advice to customers. Overall, boutique clothing stores offer a more unique and personalized shopping experience than larger chain stores.

Gourmet food kiosk

Setting up a kiosk selling gourmet, artisanal food items like chocolates, cheeses, or exotic snacks can appeal to food enthusiasts seeking unique flavors and high-quality products. Some vendors choose to open a juice or fast food kiosk, which is also a smart idea.

A gourmet food kiosk is a small food stall or booth that offers high-quality, unique, and often specialized food items. These kiosks typically provide a range of gourmet options that are prepared with premium ingredients and offer a higher level of taste and presentation compared to regular fast food or conventional food stalls.

Gourmet food kiosks can be found in various locations such as shopping malls, airports, outdoor markets, and events. They often cater to customers looking for a quick but upscale dining experience. Some examples of gourmet food that can be found at these kiosks include artisanal sandwiches, charcuterie boards, handcrafted chocolates, gourmet burgers, specialty coffees, and unique desserts.

Specialty coffee shop

With the growing coffee culture, a specialty coffee shop offering a range of premium coffees, teas, and pastries can attract both caffeine aficionados and those seeking a cozy hangout spot.

A specialty coffee shop is typically a small, independent establishment that focuses on serving high-quality, handcrafted coffee beverages. These coffee shops often source their beans from specific regions or farms and may roast them in-house or work with local roasters to ensure freshness and quality.

In addition to serving traditional coffee drinks like espresso, cappuccino, and latte, specialty coffee shops may also offer a unique selection of pour-over coffees, single-origin coffees, and various brewing methods such as French press or AeroPress. Baristas in specialty coffee shops are knowledgeable about coffee origins, flavor profiles, and brewing techniques, and they are skilled in creating the perfect cup of coffee for each customer.

Specialty coffee shops often have a warm and inviting atmosphere, with comfortable seating, cozy decor, and a focus on creating a community space for coffee lovers to gather, work, or relax. Some specialty coffee shops may also have partnerships with local bakeries or artisans to offer a selection of pastries, snacks, or light meals that pair well with their coffee offerings.

Personalized gift shop

A personalized gift shop is a store that offers a wide range of unique and customized gifts for various occasions. These gifts can be personalized with names, initials, photos, or special messages to make them truly unique.

Some examples of personalized gifts that a personalized gift shop may offer include:

Customized jewelry: Personalized necklaces, bracelets, rings, or earrings that can be engraved with initials or birthstones.
Personalized home decor: Customized photo frames, wall art, or decorative items that feature personalized messages or photos.
Personalized clothing and accessories: Customized t-shirts, hoodies, hats, or bags that can be printed or embroidered with names or special designs.
Personalized stationery: Customized notebooks, pens, or notepads that can be monogrammed or engraved with initials.
Personalized kitchenware: Customized mugs, cutting boards, or aprons that can be personalized with names or special messages.
Personalized pet gifts: Customized pet tags, pet beds, or pet clothing that can be engraved or embroidered with pet names.

A personalized gift shop with modern store fixtures provides a convenient and unique option for customers who want to give thoughtful and memorable gifts to their loved ones. These shops often have online platforms where customers can easily customize and order their desired gifts, making the process quick and hassle-free.

Health and wellness center

A health and wellness center in a mall is a facility that offers various services and amenities focused on promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is often a one-stop destination for individuals seeking to improve their overall health and lifestyle.

Some common features and services provided by a health and wellness center in a mall may include:

Fitness center: Equipped with a range of exercise machines, weights, and cardio equipment for individuals to work out and improve their fitness levels.
Group exercise classes: Offering a variety of classes such as yoga, Pilates, Zumba, aerobics, and spinning, catering to different fitness preferences and skill levels.
Spa and relaxation services: Providing massages, facials, body treatments, and other relaxation therapies to help individuals rejuvenate and de-stress.
Nutrition counseling: Offering professional advice and guidance on healthy eating habits, meal planning, and weight management.
Health screenings: Providing basic health assessments, screenings, and consultations with healthcare professionals.

Having a health and wellness center in a mall provides convenience to individuals who can easily access these services while shopping or running errands. It also promotes a healthy lifestyle and encourages people to prioritize their well-being in their daily lives.

Children’s play area

Creating a secure and captivating play area for children, equipped with toys, games, and activities, can offer parents a convenient venue to entertain their kids while they shop. Prioritize safety and ensure an enjoyable environment for children. With careful planning, effective execution, and customer satisfaction, a children’s play area business in a mall can thrive.

Tech gadget store

A gadgets mall kiosks specializing in the latest tech gadgets and accessories can attract tech-savvy customers who are always on the lookout for the newest gadgets and innovative products.

Best Buy: Best Buy is a well-known tech retailer that offers a wide range of gadgets, including smartphones, laptops, gaming consoles, and accessories. They also have a Geek Squad service for technical support.
Apple Store: The Apple Store is the official retail store for Apple products. It offers a variety of Apple devices, such as iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and Apple Watches. Customers can also receive assistance from Apple experts.
Microsoft Store: The Microsoft Store features a range of Microsoft products, including Surface tablets, Xbox gaming consoles, Windows laptops, and software. They also offer tech support and workshops.
Verizon Wireless: Verizon Wireless is a popular provider of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Their stores also offer a variety of accessories, wireless plans, and customer support services.
AT&T: AT&T is another major wireless provider that offers a range of smartphones, tablets, and accessories. They also have experts available to help customers with any technical questions or issues.
Samsung Experience Store: Samsung has its own retail stores, known as Samsung Experience Stores, where customers can find the latest Samsung smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other electronic devices.

Fitness studio

Setting up a fitness studio offering various classes like yoga, pilates, or dance can cater to health-conscious individuals seeking convenient and engaging workout options.

Pop-up shops

Utilizing vacant spaces or kiosks for pop-up shops that feature local artisans, designers, or entrepreneurs can create a dynamic and ever-changing shopping experience, attracting customers looking for unique and limited-edition products.

Pop-up shops are temporary retail spaces that are set up for a short period of time, usually in high-traffic areas like malls. These shops are designed to create excitement and generate buzz around a brand or product. Here are some examples of pop-up shops you might find in a mall:

Fashion brands: Many clothing and accessory brands opt for pop-up shops in malls to showcase their latest collection or collaborate with influencers. These shops often feature limited-edition items or exclusive discounts.
Beauty and skincare: Pop-up shops for beauty and skincare brands are popular in malls. These shops offer demonstrations, free samples, and personalized consultations to attract customers and promote their products.
Technology: Tech companies often set up pop-up shops in malls to showcase their latest gadgets and devices. These shops allow customers to test out the products and get hands-on experience before making a purchase.
Art and design: Some artists and designers set up pop-up shops in malls to display and sell their artwork or unique home decor items. These shops create a visually appealing space and provide an opportunity for customers to interact directly with the artists.
Seasonal and holiday-themed: During festive seasons like Christmas or Halloween, malls often host pop-up shops that sell decorations, costumes, and seasonal items. These shops help create a festive atmosphere for shoppers.

It’s important to note that the availability of pop-up shops in malls may vary depending on location and season.

Mobile phone accessories store

With the increasing dependence on mobile devices, a store offering mobile phone accessories like cases, chargers, screen protectors, and headphones can capitalize on the demand for stylish and functional accessories.

Conclusion

When considering starting a small business in a shopping mall, it is important to conduct thorough market research, understand the target audience, and create a unique value proposition that differentiates your business from competitors. Additionally, ensuring excellent customer service and adopting innovative marketing strategies can help drive foot traffic and increase profitability.

Starting a small business in a shopping mall can be an exciting and lucrative venture. By carefully selecting a profitable niche, providing high-quality products or services, and delivering exceptional customer experiences, entrepreneurs can capitalize on the opportunities provided by the bustling environment of a shopping mall.