Shopping Mall Research Articles

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.

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

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.

Perceived Safety and Fear of Crime of Visitors in a Shopping Mall in Karachi, Pakistan

Perceived Safety and Fear of Crime of Visitors in a Shopping Mall in Karachi, Pakistan

ChitChatGuide: Conversational Interaction Using Large Language Models for Assisting People with Visual Impairments to Explore a Shopping Mall

To enable people with visual impairments (PVI) to explore shopping malls, it is important to provide information for selecting destinations and obtaining information based on the individual's interests. We achieved this through conversational interaction by integrating a large language model (LLM) with a navigation system. ChitChatGuide allows users to plan a tour through contextual conversations, receive personalized descriptions of surroundings based on transit time, and make inquiries during navigation. We conducted a study in a shopping mall with 11 PVI, and the results reveal that the system allowed them to explore the facility with increased enjoyment. The LLM-based conversational interaction, by understanding vague and context-based questions, enabled the participants to explore unfamiliar environments effectively. The personalized and in-situ information generated by the LLM was both useful and enjoyable. Considering the limitations we identified, we discuss the criteria for integrating LLMs into navigation systems to enhance the exploration experiences of PVI.

Street Puppet Theatre Shows on the Façades of Commercial Buildings as a Novel Stimulator for Social Gatherings in Smart Cities

This study investigates the innovative use of street puppet theatre performances on the façades of commercial buildings to stimulate social gatherings in smart cities. This research investigates the impact of a unique musical puppet show held throughout the 2024 holiday season in the well-known shopping mall El Corte Inglés in Madrid, Spain. This study utilises both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, such as space syntax analysis and empirical observations. It uses the UCL Depthmap 10 software program to assess urban morphology and identify integrated and segregated areas. Observations and video recordings were conducted to analyse social gatherings and behaviours during the performances. The findings reveal that these performances attract diverse audiences and foster social engagement, transforming commercial façades into vibrant public spaces. The study concludes that such innovative uses of urban architecture can significantly enhance the sociability of detached and segregated urban spaces. The research demonstrates that this particular dynamic façade not only fosters social sustainability by creating lively urban spaces but also contributes to economic sustainability by attracting potential customers to commercial centres. This research advances the discourse on smart city development and public space utilisation, offering valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers on leveraging interactive urban façades to enhance public engagement and revitalise underutilised spaces.

Experiences and beliefs related to sleep paralysis among the general population of the twin cities: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundSleep paralysis (SP) is a rapid eye movement (REM) parasomnia that occurs during the transition between wakefulness and sleep. During this brief state, a person is conscious but unable to move or speak, often experiencing hallucinations. It is ‘isolated’ when it occurs without other symptoms of narcolepsy or sleep disorders. Despite its prevalence, much remains unknown about its clinical features and associated beliefs. ObjectivesThis study examines the frequency of self-reported SP experiences and its associated demographic characteristics, along with participants' beliefs about the condition. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among visitors at a shopping mall, using the Unusual Sleep Experiences Questionnaire (USEQ) to assess the features of SP episodes and the common beliefs surrounding them. ResultsA total of 350 participants were surveyed (mean age = 25.5 ± 9.30 years; 55.4 % females). Participants who experienced SP at least once in their life time (39.1 %) reported feeling pressure on their chest (67.2 %), an inability to open their eyes (71.5 %), and difficulty speaking (81.0 %) during the episode. The majority of the individuals reported having their first episode at a young age (16–20 years). Most people (24.5 %) were unaware that this condition was known as sleep paralysis, and many (23.5 %) thought that it was just ‘a dream’. ConclusionIsolated sleep paralysis episodes are fairly prevalent, with many people experiencing their first episode at a young age. A typical episode entails a sense of pressure on the chest and difficulty in vocalizing. Misconceptions about the condition are common and wage further exploration.

Framing effects in non-GMO labels: an empirical study of the impact of non-GMO label frames on consumers' food preferences

PurposeFood labels are increasingly used to provide information to consumers. As a common design strategy used for food package labels globally, label frame is often used to expand the perceived breadth of a brand and create a broader brand image. We evaluated the effect of the presence or absence of a non-genetically modified organism (non-GMO) label frame on consumers' preferences for non-GMO foods.Design/methodology/approachThis study collected data from 120 MBA students at a university in Sichuan, China, and 126 foreign volunteers in a shopping mall in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The study investigates the effect of the presence or absence of non-GMO label frame (i.e. label with or without an outline) on non-GMO food preferences through a field survey and two controlled experiments. To empirically analyse the psychological mechanisms by which non-GMO label frames affect consumers' preferences for non-GMO food, we set up the mediating variable of food association of safety.FindingsFor ordinary consumers, a framed non-GMO label is more likely to evoke food association of safety and further enhance consumer preference for non-GMO foods. It facilitates consumers' choice of healthier foods. This finding did not otherwise vary across demographic characteristics.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine the influence of non-GMO label frames on consumers' non-GMO food preferences, which is an innovative research question. The findings of this study are instructive for food manufacturers and policymakers to better design and use non-GMO label frames to attract more consumers to choose non-GMO foods.