Stitched spaces: weaving makeshift and mainstream retail in a retail district Dwarka/

Abstract

The retail landscape in India has undergone a significant transformation, marked by the rapid rise and subsequent decline of formal shopping malls in the face of evolving consumer preferences and digital disruption. This thesis investigates the phenomenon of ‘ghost malls’—abandoned or underutilized malls—within the Indian urban context, particularly in Delhi-NCR, and explores the socio-economic, spatial, and behavioral dynamics that have contributed to their decline. Through the study of informal markets, weekly bazaars, and emerging global retail trends, the research aims to derive insights for a redefined retail typology—one that bridges the gap between mainstream and makeshift retail. The thesis proposes a new retail district model that integrates flexibility, cultural relevance, local entrepreneurship, and experiential value, offering a layered alternative to the conventional mall format. By decoding everyday urban patterns and community-based commerce, this project reimagines retail as a stitched, adaptable, and inclusive public space. KEYWORDS: Retail Typology, Urban Commerce, Delhi NCR, Consumer Behavior, Makeshift Markets, Experiential Retail, Modularityn