One of the world’s biggest mega-malls is worryingly empty
0 minute read
Published 4/3/2025 on economist.com
Business | Bear in a China shop
Chinese shoppers are splurging on leisure, not designer brands
Apr 3rd 2025|HAIKOU
On a recent Thursday afternoon, the Haikou International Duty Free City, a sprawling mega-mall on China’s southern island province of Hainan, is worryingly empty. A few families meander through the cavernous building. Without customers to attend to, sales attendants chat to pass the time. Other than your correspondent, a burger-and-shake joint was completely devoid of patrons.
Explore more
ChinaBusinessThis article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “Bear in a China shop”
Business
April 5th 2025
- →China and America are racing to develop the best AI. But who is ahead in using it?
- →Athletics pays less than other sports. Michael Johnson wants to change that
- →Donald Trump digs deep to revive American mining
- →One of the world’s biggest mega-malls is worryingly empty
- →Donald Trump’s plan for American carmaking is full of potholes
- →Does it pay for bosses to embrace nationalism?
- →Are there any business winners in Trump 2?
From the April 5th 2025 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents