On May 18, 2017, The Spot Choueifat will open its doors. It’s the newest branch of “The Spot” malls, and also its biggest. The photo above is what it should look like on the 18th of May, and below are some pics taken over the past month.

It definitely looks nice, I especially love the sunny central part with the glass roof. Below are some numbers about the upcoming mall:

• 123 stores
• 10 movie theaters (Circuit Empire)
• 1500 new jobs
• 1200 parking spots
• Amusement Park

The opening of this The Spot mall comes just weeks ahead of the ABC Verdun opening. The increase in mega-malls across Lebanon and especially in and around Beirut is something many people love, but many people also hate. Increased traffic, tough competition for small-time retailers and lack of cultural and social added value are just some of many of the reasons people give.

Personally, I think the convenience a mall offers is great. I can hop down to shop at stores I’m familiar with, I can watch a movie then have some dinner (or vice versa). If I was living in the Choueifat area or anywhere south of Beirut before Saida, I’d have to go to ABC Ashrafieh or a mall in Saida to be able to watch a movie and get some socks for H&M, so, despite you guys who would rather see a museum or hospital being built, I don’t think anyone minds living within a 10-minute drive of a fully-equipped mall.

So, stay tuned for May 18, 2017 when it’s open, and I’ll try to get shots and tell you how the experience was when it opens!