Forum Malls, which is part of Prestige Estates Projects, is about to grow seriously in India. They're planning to open 14 new malls in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad by 2029. If they do it, they'll almost double the number of malls they have! This could really change how people shop and have fun in cities. Let's look at the plan, what's special about these new malls, and how it will all affect shoppers, stores, and people who invest in real estate.
Forum Malls: A Rapid Expansion Story
Right now, Forum Malls runs 11 shopping centers (8 with Nexus). They're planning to open 14 new ones in the next four years. This will almost double what they own to 25 malls. CEO Muhammad Ali says they're really focused on big cities. He points out that these cities have the right amount of people with money to spend who want nice shopping places. Smaller cities, while cheaper, just don't have as many people who can spend like that.
Why Forum Malls is Doubling Down on Tier-I Cities
Affluence & Spending Power: Urban hubs like Delhi and Chennai have consumers eager for experience-driven, branded retail and lifestyle outlets.
Diverse Demographics: Young professionals, families, and millennials fuel demand for premium food courts, fashion hubs, gaming zones, and wellness centers.
Strong Infrastructure: Metro connectivity and road access enhance footfall potential.
Cultural Epicenters: Malls are no longer just shopping spaces but lifestyle and entertainment destinations, hosting events, shows, and community engagements.
A Unique Highlight: India's First Athleisure-Focused Mall
By 2027, Forum Malls plans to open India’s first athleisure-focused mall near Bengaluru's international airport, sprawling over 800,000 sq ft (equivalent to nearly 10 soccer fields). This mall will specialize in:
Global sportswear brands
Yoga and fitness studios
Lifestyle and wellness outlets
Sports equipment retailers
This innovative retail concept taps into the booming athleisure and wellness trend, blending retail with fitness and lifestyle experiences.
The Expansion Blueprint: 14 New Malls by 2029
The upcoming malls will be spread across major metros, including Delhi and Chennai, and will feature:
Vibrant retail zones for fashion, electronics, and lifestyle brands
Curation of food and beverage outlets, offering diverse cuisines and new dining experiences
Ample entertainment options including multiplexes, gaming zones, and family-friendly activities
Community-centric design with open spaces, event plazas, and green zones
Forum Malls plans to channel 30-40% of its annual marketing budget during the festive season (October-December), recognizing the festival months as peak retail periods that contribute heavily to annual sales
| City | Current Number of Malls | New Malls Planned | Key Focus Areas | Notable Concepts |
|---|
| Delhi NCR | 3 | 3 | Luxury retail, experiential zones | Tech-integrated shopping, premium F&B |
| Mumbai | 3 | 3 | Fashion, entertainment hubs | Destination malls, multiplexes |
| Bengaluru | 2 | 4 | Athleisure-focused, tech parks | Largest new mall at airport |
| Chennai | 1 | 2 | Family entertainment, local retail | Community events, multi-experience |
| Hyderabad | 2 | 2 | Lifestyle, food courts | Technology-enabled retail |
Market Impact and Opportunities
Footfall Growth: Forum expects a 15% increase in footfall during the 2025 festive season compared to previous years, driven by new stores, events, and experiential retail.
Retailer Interest: Domestic and international brands are eyeing these new malls for launch and expansion.
Investment Appeal: Premium mall spaces in emerging and established metros are increasingly attractive to REITs and private equity.
Consumer Experience: Shoppers will benefit from diversity, convenience, and immersive shopping & leisure options reshaping urban lifestyles.
Q1: How will the malls change how we shop in cities like Chennai and Delhi?
A: These new malls will be bigger and have hand-picked stores, cool entertainment, and easy-to-use tech to make shopping simpler.
Q2: So, what's so special about the Bengaluru sportswear mall?
A: It's the first of its kind in India, with a focus on sportswear, gyms, and health brands to meet this growing consumer trend.
Q3: When can we visit these malls?
A: They're opening between 2026 and 2029, with the Bengaluru mall coming in 2027.
Q4: Will these malls help with tourism and the local financial situation?
A: Totally! Malls in big cities attract both locals and tourists, which helps stores, jobs, and nearby businesses.
Q5: How is Forum Malls investing in holiday marketing?
A: They spend about 30-40% of their yearly ad money between October and December on holiday events, sales, and deals.
Conclusion
Forum Malls is planning to open 14 new malls in major Indian cities by 2029, which will change how we shop in cities from Delhi to Chennai. They're focusing on lifestyle, tech, cool stores, and community events, like their new sports-focused mall in Bangalore. This shows how Indian shoppers and retail are changing.
For shoppers, this means lots of new choices and cool places to hang out. For stores, it means great spots to connect with city shoppers. For investors, it shows that India's retail real estate is growing like crazy and has tons of potential.
Get ready for a big change in retail! These malls won't just be places to shop; they'll be lively, happening centers that shape India's city life for years to come.