Do you love shopping? Many people do! Walking around with your friends, money in your pocket, and all the shops in one big building – sounds fun, right? Let’s learn more about shopping malls.
English to go – November 2025
by Charlie Weber
Shopping in Malls
Shopping in Malls
Listen and read along
An Austrian Idea?
An Austrian Idea?
Shopping centres have been around for a long time. The first ones were called bazaars and existed as early as the 10th century. A famous example is the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, which was built in the 15th century. These places already had some things you can find in modern malls: lots of (different) shops, most of them indoors. The first modern shopping mall was built about 60 years ago by Victor Gruen, an architect from Austria. He had to emigrate to the United States during the time of the Nazi regime. There, he designed the Southdale Center in Edina, Minnesota – the first mall like the ones we know today. His idea quickly became popular in the USA and around the world.
Now, listen to the next part. Then answer the question and go on reading.
Disadvantages
Question: Where can you find most shopping malls?
Answer: a) downtown b) in suburbs
Now you will hear some more information about huge shopping malls.
When you have finished listening, click on the worksheet and do the exercises.
Shopping Giants
Time for a Joke:
Mum told me to put ketchup on the shopping list. Now I can’t read the list anymore!
Go on to the November Quiz now!
