Shopping Mall Research Articles

Customer Context Analysis in Shopping Malls: A Method Combining Semantic Behavior and Indoor Positioning Using a Smartphone

Customer context analysis (CCA) in brick-and-mortar shopping malls can support decision makers’ marketing decisions by providing them with information about customer interest and purchases from merchants. It makes offline CCA an important topic in marketing. In order to analyze customer context, it is necessary to analyze customer behavior, as well as to obtain the customer’s location, and we propose an analysis system for customer context based on these two aspects. For customer behavior, we use a modeling approach based on the time-frequency domain, while separately identifying movement-related behaviors (MB) and semantic-related behaviors (SB), where MB are used to assist in localization and the positioning result are used to assist semantic-related behavior recognition, further realizing CCA generation. For customer locations, we use a deep-learning-based pedestrian dead reckoning (DPDR) method combined with a node map to achieve store-level pedestrian autonomous positioning, where the DPDR is assisted by simple behaviors.

“Spot” archaeological studies in the research on history of city (based on materials of excavations in Tyumen in 2006)

In historical cities, the cultural layer takes an important place in providing research in humanities with new sources of a wide spectrum. The purpose of this article is to introduce the results of excavations in 2006 during the construction of a shopping and entertainment mall on Lenin Street with an area of 58 m2, located on the slope of a ravine near the building of the museum of local lore, that is, on the periphery of the borders of historical Tyumen. Large area of the excavation was crosscut by late housing development, which casted doubts on the pos-sibility of discovery of undisturbed objects at the site. As a result of carried out research, the remains of four buildings located along the edge of the ravine were examined. Within the layer, tools informative on activities of inhabitants of the buildings were discovered. Pottery and clothing finds from intact layers date back to the 17th century. Despite the small area of the examined cultural layer, valuable information has been obtained about the beginning of living of citizens, their adaptation to new conditions and remarkable survival. Residents of the city used, for economic pur-poses, objects made of bone, birch bark, broken glass, fragments of which show traces of secondary use as a strickle, scraper, and polisher. Also found were objects documenting their cultural contacts with the local population (arrowhead, bead). The effectiveness of the study shows that the practice of analysis of the cultural layer is neces-sary for all construction works in the historical areas of the city. In Tyumen, the system of “spot” excavations is the only way to avoid losing valuable sources related to the research of the early history of the city.

Research on indoor POI salience evaluation model based on machine learning

Due to the lack of GNSS signals in indoor environments, landmarks are particularly important in orientation recognition and navigation. However, the salience evaluation models established by existing studies for extracting landmarks have deficiencies in dealing with indicator redundancy and nonlinear relationships. Therefore, this study adopts a data-driven approach. First, the indoor POI salience evaluation indicators system is established. Then, large shopping malls are selected to collect data, and the indicators are screened by Spearman’s correlation coefficient after preprocessing. Finally, the importance ranking of evaluation indicators is obtained, and based on this ranking, the model is trained and optimised using random forest and multilayer perceptron. The results show that the model established in this study has higher salience prediction accuracy and the best stability compared with the models established in previous studies.

Acceptable dialogue robot with a side participant robot for group recommendation

Conversational robots play a pivotal role in conversational recommender systems, offering recommendations that resonate with the user. In this study, we focused on the characteristics of humans who are easily affected by others to obtain agreeable recommendations. We assume a situation where a recommender robot suggests a country while conversing with a human participant, and captures images that simulate scenes from the selected country. Simultaneously, a human or a robot side participant attends the conversation. We investigated the effects of a side participant and the mention of other's preferences on improving the acceptability of the robot's recommendations. We conducted a field experiment in a shopping mall to evaluate the acceptance ratio of recommendations and the impressions of conversations. Over a span of 18 days, 571 groups (787 visitors) participated in the experiment. Our results suggest that mentioning the preferences of both human and robot side participants during the recommendation process can improve the acceptance ratio. Furthermore, the questionnaire analysis suggests that even when recommender's suggestions do not align with the target person's preferences, the robot can still maintain high levels of satisfaction and agreement. This study underscores the potential of conversational robots in enhancing user experience in conversational recommender systems.

Exploring the Attributes of Customer Delight among Mall Shoppers in Davao City

This study examined the factors contributing to customer delight among mall shoppers through explanatory factor analysis. There were five (5) key informants who participated in interviews to identify the factors of customer delight. Based on their responses, the researcher identified 50 factors, which were surveyed among 250 randomly selected shoppers to determine how these factors influenced their customer delight. Latent constructs were identified as attributes of customer delight. These constructs included Digital Integration, which refers to innovative technologies and the seamless blending of online and offline experiences; Service Quality, which refers to maintenance and courteous customer service; Customer Experience, which refers to the variety of stores, high product quality, and a pleasant ambiance; and Loyalty Convenience, which refers to essential amenities and efficient shopping processes. These findings provide valuable insights for mall managers and retailers aiming to foster customer satisfaction and loyalty and remain competitive in the evolving retail landscape. By prioritizing these factors, shopping malls can create a holistic and engaging shopping experience that meets evolving consumer preferences and maintains a competitive edge.

Monitoring Age-Related Changes in Gait Complexity in the Wild with a Smartphone Accelerometer System.

Stride-to-stride fluctuations during walking reflect age-related changes in gait adaptability and are estimated with nonlinear measures that confine data collection to controlled settings. Smartphones, with their embedded accelerometers, may provide accessible gait analysis throughout the day. This study investigated age-related differences in linear and nonlinear gait measures estimated from a smartphone accelerometer (SPAcc) in an unconstrained, free-living environment. Thirteen young adults (YA) and 11 older adults (OA) walked within a shopping mall with a SPAcc placed in their front right pants pocket. The inter-stride interval, calculated as the time difference between ipsilateral heel contacts, was used for dependent measures calculations. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed significant (p < 0.05) age-related differences (mean: YA, OA) for stride-time standard deviation (0.04 s, 0.05 s) and coefficient of variation (3.47%, 4.16%), sample entropy (SaEn) scale 1 (1.70, 1.86) and scale 3 (2.12, 1.80), and statistical persistence decay (31 strides, 23 strides). The fractal scaling index was not different between groups (0.93, 0.95), but exceeded those typically found in controlled settings, suggesting an upregulation in adaptive behaviour likely to accommodate the increased challenge of free-living walking. These findings support the SPAcc as a viable telehealth instrument for remote monitoring of gait dynamics, with implications for unsupervised fall-risk assessment.

Shanghai and the surreal: Urban renewal as an inception

Inspired by surrealism as a concept and form of interpretation, the inquiry put forth in this article works to reveal how the dream-like image of contemporary Shanghai channels a deep-rooted propaganda endeavour. Using my observations of contemporary treatments of lilong – with particular focus on the tableaux featured on the outer walls of sealed neighbourhoods, as well as the staged recreation of lane life in a shopping mall – this article proposes a more critical understanding of the urban renewal and approaches deserted lilong neighbourhoods as sites of rejected memories, and subjects of multifaceted visual and material reproductions. Due to the eviction of residents from lilong to make way for a future-facing, homogenous global city with strong Chinese characteristics, what I term as ‘memory struggle’ ensues. As a city growing amid numerous cultural and political forces, shaped by conflict and migration, Shanghai’s urban landscape presents layers of conscious and unconscious, real and unreal; perhaps offering its own form of surrealist artwork. Closer reflection upon various surrealist forms on the surface of today’s Shanghai proposes that, however, the city’s evolutionary mechanism runs contrary to surrealist concepts of unconscious liberation. Rather, the dream is manufactured to (re)create memories and spaces in service of ‘national history’ and ‘modern identity’. Nevertheless, when read through a surrealist lens, the mask of this dream ‘Shanghai’ communicates hidden truths about Chinese dreaming and urban renewal.

SMART SHOPPING ASSISTANTS: HOW GUIDE ROBOTS IMPROVE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE IN LARGE MALLS

The Shopping Guide Robot System is a cutting-edge solution designed to enhance the customer experience in large shopping malls and commercial spaces. This system provides real-time route guidance to help customers quickly locate their desired stores by calculating the shortest path. It offers personalized recommendations based on customer profiles, adjusts dynamically to environmental changes, and supports multilingual communication to cater to diverse clientele. The robot not only guides users to their destinations but also answers inquiries about mall events, discounts, restaurants, and other services. Through advanced autonomous navigation technology, the system ensures a safe and efficient shopping experience, making it an invaluable tool in modern retail environments.

Investigating the Main Factors Affecting Doing More Business with Existing Customers in Light of Customer Experience: An Empirical Study in the Malls

The study analyzed the relationship between four independent latent factors (emotion, communication, attitude and satisfaction) in the dependent factor (rebuying) in the presence of a moderating variable (consumers’ experience) by using a structural equation model based on the partial least squares (PLS) method. The study has applied to retail trade customers in malls. The study collected the needed data through a survey designed for this purpose. The study collected data from 300 mall shoppers. The study employs SmartPLS to analyze the data collected. The study has found that each of the independent factors significantly and positively affects the rebuying decision (a positive relationship), with the exception of the emotions factor, which had a negative impact on the rebuying decision. Also, the modified variable had a positive role in the relationship between the independent factors and the dependent factor, with the exception of the emotions factor. The effect of the modified variable caused a decline in the intensity of the relationship between these two factors.

Non-health-targeted promotions and step counts of smartphone-based mall walking program users

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic changed lifestyles and raised concerns regarding physical inactivity among adults. Mobile health interventions for physical activity may be a potential solution. However, the effects may diminish over time. This study investigated whether incorporating non-health-targeted promotions into an existing mobile health-walking program could stimulate users to walk. Methods We used nationwide cohort data of smartphone users participating in a shopping mall walking program in Japan. We focused on existing users registered in the program until October 31, 2022. A Japanese anime tie-in promotion was conducted by the shopping mall company from December 3 to 25, 2022, offering additional rewards alongside the regular program. We collected step count records of existing users 1 month before and after (November 1 to December 2, 2022, and December 26, 2022 to January 31, 2023, respectively), and during the promotion period. Propensity score matching was applied to ensure balance in the baseline characteristics of existing users in terms of gender, age, and pre-promotion program participation frequency. Next, we analyzed the association between participation in the promotion program and the average daily step counts during and after the promotional period using mixed effects models for repeated measures, while adjusting for the same covariates. Results Among the 18,156 users included in the study, 13,386 (73.7%) were women, with a mean (SD) age of 45.2 (12.7) years, and a mean (SD) pre-promotion program participation frequency of 9.7 (9.6) per month. During the promotion period, the participants walked 87 (95% CI: 50-125) more steps per day than non-participants, after adjusting for covariates. No clear association was observed 1 month post-promotion. Conclusions These findings indicate that non-health-targeted promotions may be short-term motivators for existing app users to walk. Ongoing monitoring is necessary to assess the long-term impact. Key messages • Mobile health intervention effects may diminish over time. • A non-health-related promotion could stimulate existing mall walking program app users to increase their daily step count temporarily.

(Re)framing used goods: marketing strategies in second-hand retail

PurposeThis paper aims to identify marketing strategies incentivizing consumers to purchase used goods and explain how socio-material arrangements frame second-hand retail (SHR). The growing significance and professionalization of SHR underscore the pivotal role of marketing, necessitating an exploration of how second-hand stores can stimulate the consumption of used items.Design/methodology/approachEthnographically inspired fieldwork was conducted across a second-hand shopping mall with 17 stores in Sweden, utilizing actor-network theory (ANT) concepts to examine marketing activities and how these form strategies.FindingsThe findings reveal two marketing strategies: enrolling sustainability supporters and second-hand shoppers. Additionally, the findings provide examples of how SHR can be framed as environmentally friendly, socially sustainable, value for money, creatively experiential and facilitating sustainable consumer behavior.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the framing processes inherent in second-hand retailing presents opportunities to reinforce the transition to a circular economy. Second-hand retailers can leverage marketing to imbue used goods with greater significance for consumers, which necessitates marketing competencies.Originality/valueThe paper delves into activities that enhance the attractiveness of used goods, a research area that warrants increased attention.

Site Selection of Large Shopping Malls in Wanbailin District of Taiyuan City

The construction and site selection of shopping malls are directly related to their commercial operation effectiveness and market competitiveness. Some scholars have conducted extensive research in this field, particularly achieving notable results in terms of influencing factors, methodologies, and technological applications for site selection, yet there are still some deficiencies. Traditional site selection methods primarily rely on qualitative analysis and empirical judgment. However, with technological advancements, Geographic Information System technology has gradually been applied to shopping mall site selection. GIS technology enables the integration of multiple data sources, spatial analysis, and visualization, providing a scientific basis for site selection decisions. This article utilizes ArcGIS software to construct an application model for shopping mall site selection in Wanbailin District. Through spatial analysis, eligible areas are identified, achieving a scientific and visual approach to site selection. By considering the main factors affecting the location of large shopping malls in Wanbailin District and using ArcGIS as the basic platform, an application model is built to find the optimal location for building shopping malls. The results show that introducing GIS into mall location planning improves efficiency and accuracy while providing a reliable basis for scientific location.

Analyzing the Impact of Interior Public Space on User Satisfaction in Shopping Malls Using Virtual Reality Simulation Experiments

The growth in per capita consumption levels and the e-commerce industry have shifted the shopping mall model from a product consumption to a time-based consumption focus. This paper evaluates customer satisfaction with shopping malls using an importance–performance questionnaire, which identified eight key areas for improvement. Through field surveys and virtual reality (VR) simulation experiments, the impact of the components of public spaces within shopping malls on user satisfaction was assessed using both quantifiable and unquantifiable elements. Our findings inform the formulation of optimization design strategies in the areas of multipurpose functionality of facilities, intensification of boundaries, complexity of functions, and integration of resources, and have implications for the future design of internal public spaces in shopping malls.

Defining Newtown user satisfaction in a shopping mall

Defining Newtown user satisfaction in a shopping mall

Innovative Mobile Solutions for Elevating Restroom Maintenance in Malaysian Shopping Malls

Public toilets, crucial for our basic physiological needs, are often plagued by inadequate maintenance and poor hygiene, further exacerbated by their communal nature, which increases the risk of pathogen contamination, including SARS-CoV-2. Restroom hygiene significantly influences consumer choices and satisfaction when selecting shopping malls, impacting in-store spending. Furthermore, facility managers consistently identify restrooms as challenging to maintain. In Malaysia, public toilet cleanliness has long been a concern, with 20% receiving low ratings due to inadequate maintenance. Unfortunately, limited attention and resources are allocated to address these ongoing issues, as many mall restrooms still rely on inflexible paper-based management methods. Despite some technological solutions being introduced for public toilet management, they remain relatively novel and expensive in Malaysia, posing budgetary constraints for mall operators. Therefore, cost-effective solutions take precedence when implementing a new toilet management system. This research introduces an innovative, budget-friendly mobile-based system featuring an interactive panel with Raspberry Pi technology to revolutionize shopping mall toilet management. This mobile application allows supervisors to efficiently schedule cleanings, monitor progress, and assess cleanliness based on user feedback. Cleaning staff can promptly respond to user requests via the app, and users can request services and rate conditions. Usability tests reveal that 81% of users are satisfied with the system, meeting their expectations and enhancing operational efficiency. This comprehensive system facilitates effective communication among cleaning supervisors, cleaners, and users, ensuring consistently satisfactory restroom conditions. It promotes hygiene standards in shopping malls, which positively impacts both consumer perceptions and business outcomes for the malls.

Revitalizing subterranean spaces: a comprehensive study on enhancing air quality in underground shopping malls for sustainable urban living

Cities worldwide are increasingly turning to underground spaces to address the challenges posed by high population density. These subterranean areas are now utilized for various purposes such as offices, shopping malls, subway terminals, and underground sidewalks. However, the semi-closed nature of most underground spaces presents difficulties in ensuring a comfortable environment due to the lack of natural ventilation. This study focuses on a representative underground shopping mall in South Korea, utilizing preliminary surveys and long-term sensor monitoring to identify existing problems. The aging ventilation system was retrofitted to enhance and assess indoor air quality. As a result, concentrations of carbon dioxide, total volatile organic compounds, and radon were reduced by over 33, 74, and 98%, respectively, while particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5) concentrations remained the same as before. This not only contributed to maintaining proper indoor air quality, but also led to a reduction in total energy consumption. The goal of this project is to improve air quality in facilities located in underground spaces, such as underground shopping malls, where indoor air quality management is challenging, thereby creating a safe and healthy environment for users and enhancing the overall functionality of the facility.

Sound of Democracy: Towards the democratisation of standards for soundscapes

With this paper and the accompanying audio paper, our aim is to explore the juxtaposition of sound and democracy. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of this field, we approach it through the notion of care and an empirical analysis of democratic implications of trying to regulate sound in public spaces. We examine standards as one example of the many attempts to control sound in both public and private spaces. Standards are used to categorize, govern, and control. They are also tools to assess and characterise. As policy tools they raise democratic questions relating to who developed them, when and how they are used. Using the example of a shopping mall, we explore the democratic values reflected in the standards through their development and application through an inter-disciplinary perspective. We used the audio paper format to move from discussing the process of developing the soundscape standards to applying them in a real-world setting, ultimately exploring the consequences of such standards from the perspective of democratic values. The present written paper is a longer elaboration on methodology and theory as a compliment to the audio paper which develops the discussion and analysis.

Multi-Sensor fusion and semantic map-based particle filtering for robust indoor localization

To enhance positioning accuracy and ensure long-term stability in large-scale indoor environments, this paper presents a robust particle filtering method that integrates IMU, magnetic field, Bluetooth, and semantic map data, implemented through a handheld portable device. In the particle prediction phase, based on peak candidates extracted in the time domain, the unintentional interference movement of the hand is removed through short-time Fourier transform in the frequency domain to reduce the noise of pedestrian dead reckoning. During the observation phase, we introduce a magnetic interference coefficient to model and quantify the degree of electromagnetic interference in different environments, thereby improving the accuracy of indoor magnetic headings and enhancing the alignment of particle swarms with real-world directional constraints. Furthermore, based on passable semantic information, the indoor map is segmented into distinct probability regions, allowing the particle filter to adaptively adjust the weight of the particle swarm when moving between regions, thus improving the robustness of the overall fusion system by preventing particles from entering infeasible areas. Experiments and validations were carried out in a large shopping mall and parking lot with multiple devices. Results demonstrate that the proposed method improves the average positioning accuracy by approximately 25% compared to the Bluetooth-only positioning system, with a 15% increase in cumulative distribution probability within 3 m.

Establishment of Marketing Strategy for Online Shopping Mall through Customer Cluster Analysis

Establishment of Marketing Strategy for Online Shopping Mall through Customer Cluster Analysis

Human behavior and decision-making in earthquake emergencies: insights from virtual reality and serious games

Earthquakes can severely impact public spaces with complex layouts and high crowd densities, resulting in devastating consequences and deaths. Gaining insights into the actions of individuals during an earthquake can provide valuable information about areas where their decision-making may be flawed. Addressing these areas can improve safety measures and better protect people during emergencies. Moreover, acquiring this knowledge can enhance evacuation strategies for future earthquakes. Immersive Virtual Reality and Serious Games (IVR SGs) present an effective method for examining and understanding how people behave in emergency scenarios, such as earthquakes. Using IVR SGs, we created several potential scenarios during an earthquake in a shopping mall to explore how people act in an emergency when the evacuees feel pressure, urgency, and stress. A total of 146 participants were involved in the study. We investigated the human tendency to follow authority figures’ instructions (rational and irrational), help injured people of different genders and ages, and social influence during an emergency. Moreover, we investigated how familiarity with the environment impacts human wayfinding performance when evacuating the building.