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Why you almost never see a clock at the mall.

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One reason you might not see clocks prominently displayed in malls is related to the concept of time perception and consumer behavior. Malls are designed to create an environment that encourages shoppers to spend more time inside. Here are a few reasons why you may not find clocks readily visible in malls:

Encourages Prolonged Stay: By not displaying clocks, mall designers aim to reduce the awareness of time passing. When shoppers lose track of time, they are more likely to spend longer periods browsing and making purchases.

Creates a Timeless Atmosphere: Malls often want to create a timeless atmosphere, detached from the external world, to immerse shoppers in a more relaxed and enjoyable experience. Clocks may be seen as disruptive to this atmosphere.

Increased Impulse Buying: When people are not aware of how much time they have spent in the mall, they may be more susceptible to impulse buying. This lack of time awareness can contribute to increased sales for retailers.

Shopping as an Escape: For many people, shopping is a form of leisure or escape from daily routines. By minimizing the presence of clocks, malls aim to enhance the feeling of being in a separate, carefree space.

While these are general considerations in mall design, it's worth noting that not all malls adhere to this practice, and you may find clocks in some locations. Additionally, with the prevalence of smartphones and other personal devices, individuals often have easy access to the time, reducing the need for public clocks.

