LAHORE: Off late, there has been a surge in the number of malls being built across the country, giving people one-stop solutions for their shopping, luncheons, meetings and also play places for their children. As much as the surge has reached an all-time high, the ones in Lahore have skyrocketed to becoming the newest recreational and leisurely sources of activities for people of all ages and walks of life. Having visited all in my city, these are the ones that bid on being the most commercial, exclusive and visit-worthy. EMPORIUM Claiming to be the largest mall of Pakistan, The Emporium is a huge, daunting structure housing a plethora of both international and local brands, bringing to shoppers a retail experience rich in luxury and top-notch facilities for entertainment. The mall, situated in Johar Town, can be a bit inaccessible to residents of other localities, however, that doesn’t stop people from making their way over and thronging its premises for launch events and other parties. The country’s biggest multiplex is a situation within that houses a total of nine halls and how can I forget the beautiful Nishat Banquet Hotel inside? The mall is home to over 200 retail brands comprising of some of the most sought-after lifestyle and culinary outlets, an impressive nine-screen multiplex, banquet halls for all occasions, a children’s recreational zone called the Fun Factory, a boutique hotel and a hypermarket for all kinds of shopping requirements. FORTRESS SQUARE One of the most opulent malls of the city, Fortress Square is huge, houses a plethora of brands and one of the unique features about this mall is that all its shops offer the best of their brands. There is no stale stock or out of season accessories and the spaciousness of the mall take you in before anything else. I love the food court and the cinema. The ice curl ice cream stall is one of its most attractive highlights. Fortress Square is a full-service shopping mall located in the heart of Lahore Cantt just a few minutes’ drive from main Mall road. GULBERG GALLERIA This particular mall can easily be deemed as the most beautiful off them all. It started gaining attention during its construction phase, where many compared its interior to that of Harrods London. Its sophisticated design and easy accessibility make it reach out to masses where there are no parking barriers or entry hurdles. It’s known for its coffee shops and pricey local brands. Gulberg Galleria, facing the main Gulberg Boulevard and the Jail Road, is a perfect destination for shopping and fun for the whole family. MALL 1 & 94 Mall 1 set a precedent for housing international and local fashion brands under one roof with quality products, along with high-end restaurants and coffee shops, so much so that multi-designer outlet PFDC made its way under its roof. The premises of the mall later gave way to Mall 94, which is now famous for its concept café culture. It is a boutique mall. MALL OF LAHORE The Mall of Lahore has made its presence felt in a very short span of time. Other than fashion brands, it also houses lifestyle products and has a gym, a restaurant and offices for rent as well. It is a highly secured mall with easy parking. From fashion to sumptuous food, the Mall of Lahore at Park Lane Tower promises a great shopping experience for the whole family. PACKAGES MALL the recently launched mall has taken over the shoppers of Lahore. Residents from far and wide go there to shop, eat and relax. I personally know people who reside in Karachi but have visited Lahore only for Packages Mall. Knowing Lahore’s passion for shopping and entertainment, Packages Mall opened its doors to the public in April, this year. VOGUE TOWERS It’s been a while since Vogue Towers made their way to the city of Lahore on the hugely famous MM Alam Road, and to be present in the mall market where off late, there have been malls opening left, right and centre, the Towers have evolved over time and have kept their services competitive. Vogue Towers houses loads of fashion, jewellery and furniture brands, of all price ranges, however, Super Cinema, which is right at the top of the mall, is the biggest attraction of the mall with three huge halls with different shows running at the same time. It is considered to be Lahore’s favourite shopping and entertainment destination including four floors of shopping, corporate offices, three screen 3D multiplex, terrace food court which has an amazing view of Gulberg and four parking basements.