Aeon Mall Opens First China Mall Since 2021, Betting on In-Person Shopping
Aeon Mall Co., Ltd. has opened its first shopping mall in China since 2021, the Aeon Mall Wuhan Jiangxia, marking a shift in retail strategy. This comes as Chinese consumers crave in-person shopping experiences post-lockdowns, with e-commerce accounting for 27% of retail sales in 2021.
The Aeon Mall Wuhan Jiangxia, spanning 288,000 square meters, is one of Asia's largest malls. It's not just about shopping; Aeon aims to create experiences, following the trend set by Dalian Wanda Group's Beijing mall. The Wuhan mall features a 12,000-square-meter entertainment area packed with attractions.
Aeon plans to open 51 malls overseas by February 2026, with 28 slated for China. The Wuhan Jiangxia mall, a collaboration with Japanese chains like Uniqlo and Muji, and local stores such as Nicepet, is a testament to this expansion. Aeon already has 22 malls in China and intends to open more, focusing on inland areas.
Aeon Mall Wuhan Jiangxia, with its focus on experiences and diverse offerings, caters to Chinese consumers' evolving preferences. As e-commerce grows, physical malls must adapt, and Aeon's strategy reflects this shift. With ambitious expansion plans, Aeon is set to reshape China's retail landscape.
