They attract millions of visitors each year, lured by the convenience of doing all their shopping under one roof, with restaurants, cinemas and more to boot.
This retro photo gallery shows South Yorkshire’s malls as they looked during the 90s.
Meadowhall and Crystal Peaks, in Sheffield, Doncaster’s Frenchgate Centre, Parkgate, in Rotherham, and Barnsley’s Alhambra feature in this trip down memory lane.
The nostalgic photos show lost shops, including C&A, BHS, Woolworths, Tandy and Debenhams.
They capture big events over the years, from Christmas lights switch-ons to concerts and filming for a major TV show.
Famous visitors are pictured, including Coronation Street legend Liz Dawn, Star Wars actor Kenny Baker and two of the original Gladiators, Cobra and Lightning.
And ordinary shoppers are seen too, browsing for bargains in the sale, taking part in competitions and raising money for charity by bathing in baked beans and custard.
These photos show how much has changed in the course of more than a quarter of a century at these familiar landmarks.
How many of you remember the big screen at Meadowhall’s Oasis dining quarter, for example, or the old UCI cinema at Crystal Peaks, which in 1997 hosted the premiere of The Full Monty?
Do these photos bring back any memories for you, and where is your favourite place to shop?
34. Scalextric stars
Aaron Blakemore, Matthew Cryer, Ryan Burton and Lee Marshall in action during a Scalextric championship at Crystal Peaks shopping centre, Sheffield, in 1999 | Sheffield Newspapers Ltd Photo: Mike Waistell
35. How will she eat hers?
Three-year-old Aimee Clarke, from Page Hall, Sheffield, with Easter eggs at Meadowhall in 1998 | Sheffield Newspapers Photo: Stuart Hastings
36. Fox's Music
Felicity Down pictured at Fox's Music store, Meadowhall, where she works, in 1998. The 16-year-old, who plays a variety of musical instruments, won a regional award for voluntary endeavour. | Sheffield Newspapers Photo: Mike Waistell