Learn in the textbookE-Commerce Trading Platforms and Services
DefinitionAn online mall (オンラインモール) is a virtual shopping street (仮想商店街) for consumers that brings many shops together on one website.
ExplanationShoppers can browse several stores and buy from them without leaving one site. The operator gives each store a place to open plus systems for attracting customers and taking payment, and collects fees such as tenant charges in return.
AnalogyLike the online version of a large shopping center filled with tenant stores.
Memory hookMall first meant a tree-lined walkway, and later came to mean a street lined with shops. Its other name is electronic shopping street (電子商店街).