When it comes to shopping centres, it seems Australia has a few surprises up its sleeve for newcomers.

A recent video by an American expat has gone viral, showcasing her astonishment at what many Aussies consider everyday shopping experiences.

With nearly a million views, her reaction has sparked a conversation about the cultural differences between Australian and American retail spaces.

The expat, known as @beefystuu on social media, couldn't hide her amazement as she explored Karrinyup Shopping Centre in Perth.

'Shopping centres in Western Australia, or maybe just Australia as a whole, are just so much better than the ones back home,' she exclaimed in her video.

An American expat expressed amazement at Aussie shopping centres. Image source: Karrinyup Shopping Centre/Facebook

From grocery stores like ALDI and Coles to a diverse array of restaurants and cuisines, the shopping centre seemed to offer a one-stop-shop for all her needs.

But it wasn't just the variety that caught her attention. The design and amenities of the centre left her feeling like she was in a luxurious destination.

‘It’s just so nice,’ she exclaimed. ‘Like, seriously I feel like I’m in Dubai.’

She was particularly impressed by the inclusion of pharmacies and delis within the mall, a concept that seemed foreign compared to American malls.

‘To remind you guys, I’m at a shopping centre, and they have a whole deli here…like this is a shopping mall, and they have a fresh market,’ she continued.

‘America could never ever.’

One detail that truly 'blew her mind' was the sight of shoppers walking around the centre with trolleys or baskets from different stores, a practice not commonly seen in the States.

The convenience of having multiple grocery stores and specialty shops under one roof was a novelty to her, and she described the experience as 'so cool’.

The 26-year-old also recorded a video of herself in a bathroom and was shocked by what she saw.

‘They have a whole area [where] you can sit down and charge your phone and they got like medical spots in these malls. This is crazy, this is crazy,’ she added.

The video has sparked curiosity among Australians, who took to the comments to express their bewilderment at what American malls must be like if Aussie shopping centres are considered impressive.

‘I’m so confused about what’s in your malls if ours are impressive. I thought America would win in the retail department,’ a person stated.

‘I don’t understand having a shopping centre and not being able to get everything I need. Do you need to commute to different shops?’ someone asked, to which the expat said ‘Yeah!’.

A commenter shared: ‘I just got back from the States and it was so annoying having to go from the mall to another shopping centre to go grocery shopping or then to the pharmacy.’

Australians chimed in with their own experiences, noting the convenience of having everything in one place, including pharmacies and grocery stores.

Some even mentioned shopping centres like Top Ryde in Sydney, which not only have retail and entertainment options but also residential apartments on top.

The expat's cultural shock extends beyond shopping centres. She has shared other clips about her time in Australia, including trying Anzac biscuits, sausage rolls, and navigating public transport.

Her plans to return to the US for a visit before coming back to Australia for a longer stay have her followers excited for more cross-cultural discoveries.

You can watch her video here:

Source: @beefystuu/TikTok​

Key Takeaways

• An expat living in Australia went viral on social media for sharing her amazement at the features of Australian shopping centres.
• She highlighted that Australian malls have a variety of grocery stores, restaurants, and other amenities like pharmacies and fresh markets.
• Australians responded to her video with surprise, noting the differences between shopping centres in the US and Australia.
• The expat has shared other content about Australian life and plans to document more of her experiences upon returning from a visit to the US.

Have you had similar experiences when travelling abroad, where the local way of shopping took you by surprise? Share your stories in the comments below!

 

[IAN3005]

Yes. The centres in America are usually single-level and spread over a vast area compared with ours which is multi-level.
To get to where your car is parked in the States you almost need a cut lunch

 

[Veggiepatch]

JIt is evident that @beefystuu has not experienced the over zealous behaviour exhibited by "security staff".

 

[AlanQ]

What a load of rubbish. Hadn't included where in the US she is comparing. Americans don't go to a 'shopping Centre' for grocery shopping, they tend to go to a stand alone massive store. Keep in mind the buying power of the US economy of 350mil + compared to 26mil. One smaller store customer numbers can be the equivalent 10 Aust store in. The big shopping malls are massive and also in most cases multi level. A Bloomingdale store at one of the big Phoenix malls has the turn over of all the Myer store combine. Like here, much less small retail stores in the shopping centre/malls more the chain stores that have kill the mum & dad small retailers.

 

[margaretritchie48]

I used to love shopping at Karrinyup. But have been twice since the bigger store opened. So hard to find a disabled park. Asked at the information centre, they had no idea. All they could sent me to was the lounge?? When I did go in there the new part is so dark and dismal. Wish it go back to how it was/ Progress??