The Globe and Mail

A few years from now, you won't go to malls just for the shopping you'll go for the architecture, the green space, the feeling that you're walking down Main Street rather than an anonymous shopping-centre artery. At least, that's what the people pouring billions of dollars into next-generation malls hope. Slated to open as early as next year, some of these new developments conjure images of Whistler, B.C., whereas the more fanciful projects look more like Disneyworld. This, proponents say, is the future of Canadian shopping. Some of the biggest developments showcased at this year's International Council of Shopping Centres deal-making and trade exposition are embracing a shopping mall concept that emphasizes creating a unique atmosphere. For the first time in years, mall developers are also moving upmarket, catering to higher-income shoppers.