Record turnover in shopping malls: $59 billion growth achieved in 2025

The 2025 results of the Shopping Mall Index, prepared in collaboration with the Shopping Centers and Investors Association (AYD) and Akademetre, were shared with the public at a press conference. The meeting was attended by AYD President Nuri Şapkacı, AYD Vice President Cem Eriç, Akademetre Research Founder Halil İbrahim Zeytin, and economist Fatih Keresteci.

According to the index data, measurements based on the year 2010 reached a level of 4,063 points, with shopping malls reaching a record level in nominal terms. The 30 percent annual increase in turnover shows that shopping malls have continued to grow despite economic fluctuations. Furthermore, the total turnover per square meter across Turkey increased by 30 percent to 191,803 liras.

While the turnover increase per square meter in Istanbul was 25 percent, this rate rose to 35.3 percent in shopping malls in Anatolia. The dynamism of the retail sector and the increase in demand in Anatolian cities indicated that the regional economy is strengthening.

On the other hand, despite the rapid rise in turnover, a 3 percent decrease in the number of visitors was recorded. By category, the clothing sector led the way with a 35 percent annual increase, while the technology, food and beverage, and hypermarket categories also saw increases of over 30 percent. An 11 percent increase was observed in shoes and bags, and a 23 percent increase in other categories.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MEETING AND NEW CATEGORIES

AYD President Nuri Şapkacı stated that there are a total of 445 shopping malls across Turkey, noting that four new malls were opened in 2025 and some projects whose construction had been postponed were also completed. Five new shopping malls are expected to become operational in 2026. Şapkacı mentioned that there are still 13 provinces without a shopping mall.

Stating that usable areas have reached 14 million square meters from 6 million square meters in the last 15 years, Şapkacı emphasized that the average age of shopping malls has increased and they are in need of transformation. Şapkacı said, "Shopping malls that optimize their brands and analyze their customer base well will come to the fore. The next 10 years point to radical changes for this sector."

Pointing out that shopping mall investments in Anatolian cities have shown faster growth compared to Istanbul, Şapkacı stated, "The fact that shopping malls reached a turnover of $59 billion in 2025 shows that efficiency has increased 17-fold since 2020."

Akademetre Research Founder Halil İbrahim Zeytin announced that the turnover data, currently measured in six categories, will reach eight categories as of 2026 with the inclusion of "personal care and cosmetics" and "entertainment and hobbies."

THE NEW ADDRESS FOR INVESTMENT: ANATOLIAN SHOPPING MALLS

Answering journalists' questions after the meeting, Şapkacı said he believes the growth trend in Anatolia is permanent. He announced that the five new shopping malls to be opened in 2026 are planned for Ankara, Elazığ, and Muğla, with two of them in Istanbul.

Providing information about shopping mall investments, Şapkacı said, "Those who invest in this sector, in particular, consist of people with retail and shopping mall experience. Recently, we have also been witnessing business people who want to diversify their risks making shopping mall investments. It is of great importance to protect foreign investors when shopping malls change hands."

News Source: 12punto