Places of commerce have long been a fixture in cultures around the world for their ability to bring people together for a common purpose. Outdoor bazaars have traditionally served as a meeting place in many Middle Eastern cultures, the ancient Greeks had vast public squares for trading goods, and early relationships between Europe and Asia were defined by the commerce and trade that sprung up between the continents. The importance of commercial endeavors from a social perspective has continued into the modern era as well. In order to better understand this phenomenon and how it affects life today, we’ll be taking a look at the contemporary way in which commerce is conducted — the shopping mall. To help us better understand this institution, we’ll look at Manaira Shopping, a great example of what modern shopping can strive towards.
Initial creation and purpose
Work on Manaira Shopping, that was founded by Roberto Santiago, began in the Brazilian state of Paraíba in 1988 with the start of construction. The construction process was run efficiently and would pave way for the shopping center itself to open in the following year on November 29th. Though the mall would eventually grow in size as a result of the ongoing expansion and betterment of the center, it’s inaugural configuration was still able to hold ninety-four stores and covered a grand total of 12,000 square meters.
The mall has long maintained its slogan, “Always Thinking of You,” as a way to remind both customers and staff as to the purpose of the complex. This slogan has been manifested in the center’s operations in many ways over the years, such as a focus on increasing the size and capacity of the mall itself. More generally it serves as a reminder of the center’s role in public life as a meeting place and an area in which consumers can service their needs through easy access to commerce of all types.
Foundational ideas
Along with the above slogan that illustrates the philosophy behind the complex, much can be understood about its history by examining the impetus of the owner, Roberto Santiago, and why he sought to make such a center (Facebook). When discussing his inspiration, the entrepreneur points to conversations and debates with his father prior to cementing the concept in his mind. Though these dialogues challenged the business owner to come up with the best version of the complex he would seek to build, they were also instrumental in honing his concept of what he wanted to accomplish. He credits this level of paternal support and guidance with being a major factor in his success.
In keeping with the theme of familial impact on the project, it is perhaps unsurprising that Santiago’s own son has become a pivotal part of the shopping complex’s team. By being able to rely on the utmost level of dedication from his son’s efforts, the businessman was better able to focus on a wide range of aspects of the project that commanded his attention. This presence of both his father and his son in the everyday aspects of the complex’s operations serves to underscore not only the entrepreneur’s success, but also his commitment to the importance of family values in everything he does.
Complex features
As one might expect with the focus that the complex places on helping to serve consumers needs, the mall has much to offer patrons from every walk of life. Of course, the center has a large number of stores to allow visitors to purchase goods such as clothing, home goods, and electronics. But beyond the stores, there are many other features that help to entertain, feed, teach, and bring people closer together. Here again we see the conception of the space as a meeting place rather than a complex built for shopping alone.
One of the primary features of the space is its large and extensive food court, which features cuisine from around the world as well as a wide range of options at varying price points. The center also features an area for gourmet dining options that allows visitors to dine in more upscale venues as part of their visit. Entertainment options are extensive in the complex, with a cinema that features eleven separate movie screens, a bowling alley, and an arcade.
The complex also features venues that allow visitors to complete more day to day tasks that they may have on their agenda. Numerous banking options allow for the completion of financial transactions. A gym area allows visitors to work towards fitness goals and an increased overall level of fitness. There is also an on-site college to allow students to attend classes and meet with teachers or administrators to support educational pursuits.
Ongoing expansion
In order to maintain the vast number of venues in the shopping complex, the team behind its operation is constantly expanding and adding features to the existing structure. This commitment towards constant improvement has seen the total area of the complex grow to 92,500 square meters in size at present. This level of expansion offers the constant ability to provide new shopping outlets and other resources at the center.
Formal periods of large-scale construction have occurred periodically throughout the complex’s history, with expansions taking place in 1993, 1997, and 2002. These expansions have not only increased the overall area of the complex and the number of venues it can support, but it has also increased the capacity for movement into and out of the shopping center. At present, the center sees almost 20 million visitors per year.
As we have seen throughout history, centralized locations to conduct commerce have often served as an integral part of the success of a society. By giving people an opportunity to meet and conduct their business in one location, these institutions afford visitors the benefits of a sense of community in addition to their ability to purchase goods and services. A look at Manaira Shopping shows that this tradition is alive and well in the modern era. With a variety of commercial options and a host of other features intended to serve its community, the shopping center is a prime example of the important role that centralized commerce still plays in society.
More about Roberto Santiago and Manaira Shopping at https://www.crunchbase.com/person/roberto-santiago
