Malls are not a threat to traditional markets according to professionals

Al Diyar daily published recently an article on the growing phenomenon of large malls which globally mushroomed throughout the past 20 years and grew remarkably in Lebanon during the past five years. The newspaper met with the president of the Beirut Traders Association Nicolas Shammas who noted that big shopping centers are part of the social and economic fabric and have become a basic pillar in the way of life of middle class communities. He added that his association encourages their development because of their positive economic impact. He stressed the need for a balance between the traditional open markets and malls as each have their unique function. Compared to other countries in the region, mainly the United Arab Emirates, the number of large commercial complexes in Lebanon is still relatively small particularly in terms of the size of the population, Shammas explained. Similarly, Mar Elias Traders Association, Adnan Fakhani noted that Lebanon should not stay away from the global developments, of which malls represent a spectacular feature. As to their impact, Fakhani dismissed any negative impact since prices of goods in the traditional markets remain 10-15% less than the same products showcased in malls. Finally, he urged the Municipality of Beirut to create new parking spaces in Mar Elias main street so as to promote fair competition with giant malls. (Al Diyar, 17 June 2015)