Authors: Jara, B., Fuentes, V., & Chan, C. (2025)
Abstract: In recent years, the rapid growth of "Chinese malls" in Chile has drawn attention, with particular focus on their temporal and spatial expansion from urban to rural areas. Various reports have generally highlighted the arrival of "Chinese malls" either as a threat to local and family businesses or as an opportunity for residents in terms of offering varied products at accessible prices. However, existing analyses have focused on large metropolitan areas like Santiago, and few in-depth or detailed studies have been conducted in rural or urban-rural areas. Furthermore, an operational definition of "Chinese malls" is still lacking despite their diversity in terms of aesthetics, location, expansion strategy, and business organization. Through a mixed-method study (qualitative and quantitative), this case report seeks to define and describe the economic and geographical characteristics of "Chinese malls" in the Ñuble region as a pilot project to contribute to an interdisciplinary model for addressing the topic. Additionally, it will examine how "Chinese malls" have evolved spatially and temporally in the urban-rural continuum of the Ñuble region, Chile.