# Virtual Malls Brands are launching online re-creations of shopping malls and storefronts. By [Grace Mahas](https://www.trendhunter.com/Grace.Mahas), VP of Content & Insights | Published Jun 2, 2020 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-malls ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.7/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Virtual Malls trend? **Virtual Malls:** Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, brands are launching virtual shopping centers to recreate the traditional shopping experience online. These range from virtual street fronts to large-scale digital shopping centers and allow owners to showcase their products to a niche, virtual community. ## The consumer insight behind the Virtual Malls trend The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many consumers to remain indoors, without the opportunity to easily acquire the goods they had access to before. Many consumers are looking for streamlined and convenient solutions to continue their previous shopping habits and are turning to brands to provide a curated selection of products to browse. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: May 28, 2020 - Published: Jun 2, 2020 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Virtual Malls trend ### Virtual Shopping Centers Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, brands are launching virtual shopping centers to recreate the traditional shopping experience online. ### Virtual Reality Shopping The use of 3D technology in virtual reality shopping malls and storefront platforms is gaining popularity among consumers. ### E-commerce Free Trade Zones Cities and governments are partnering to create e-commerce free trade zones, promoting the growth of online retail and offering benefits to retailers. ## What the Virtual Malls trend means for industry ### For Online Retail Retailers can leverage virtual shopping centers and storefront platforms to showcase products and replicate the traditional shopping experience online. ### For Virtual Reality The use of 3D technology in virtual reality shopping malls and storefront platforms provides disruptive innovation opportunities for retailers and technology companies. ### For International Trade The creation of e-commerce free trade zones promotes international trade and offers benefits to retailers looking to expand their online business globally. ## Workshop question How can your brand leverage online communities to showcase its products or services? ## Trend signals for Virtual Malls Trend score 5.7 out of 10, from popularity 89%, activity 73%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 89% - Activity: 73% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Virtual Malls trend 4 featured examples from May 28, 2020. - [Online Shopping Cities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dubai-commercity): Dubai Commercity is a Free Trade Zone Dedicated to eCommerce (Category: Art & Design) Implication: The establishment of Dubai Commercity as an e-commerce free trade zone is a significant development for the e-commerce industry in the Middle East, attracting online retailers and… - [Virtual Storefront Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/streetify): Streetify Gives Consumers Access to Virtual Storefronts (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Bridging the gap between online and offline shopping experiences through virtual storefront platforms. - [Virtual Shopping Malls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-shopping-mall): New Zealand Company, EPIC, Recently Launched a Virtual Mall (Category: Business) Implication: Virtual shopping malls provide retailers a new opportunity to reach consumers without the limitations of physical space. - [Virtual Reality Shopping Malls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alliance-studio): Alliance Studio Debuted a 3D Virtual Shopping Mall (Category: Business) Implication: Retailers can leverage virtual reality shopping and 3D technology to enhance their offerings and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)