The chairman of the Shopping Centers and Investors Association (AYD), Hulusi Belgü, said they are expecting the total turnover of shopping centers across Turkey to reach TL 115 billion ($38.5 billion) this year.

Investments in shopping centers, which have transformed the shopping habits of consumers, are increasing gradually since they cater to the various needs of consumers, are attractive and offer both entertainment and cultural activities. Shopping centers are also the center of attraction, especially on weekends.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Belgü said they are trying to build a bridge between retailers and investors. He added that with the next two years, 40 more shopping centers will be opened. While Istanbul has the highest number of shopping centers with more than 100, it is followed by Ankara, İzmir and Antalya, respectively, and the sector currently employs around 400,000 employees in total in 358 shopping malls, according to Belgü.

Currently, there are no shopping centers in 24 provinces in Turkey, namely: Adıyaman, Ağrı, Amasya, Ardahan, Bartın, Bayburt, Bingöl, Burdur, Çorum, Erzincan, Gümüşhane, Hakkari, Iğdır, Kars, Kırşehir, Kilis, Muş, Niğde, Rize, Sinop, Sivas, Şırnak, Tunceli and Yozgat. Yet, the investment in the sector has exceeded $55 billion, out of which $15 billion is foreign investment.

Last year's turnover was around TL 95 billion, and a 20 to 25 percent increase is expected this year, while the growth in 2015 was around 17 to 18 percent – much higher than the inflation rates. "The sector continues to grow rapidly," Belgü stressed. He also said while they are planning to invest in southeastern Turkey, as there is high demand from the region, they are waiting for the clashes to end as investments in the region should be thoroughly considered before being acted upon. "There is only one shopping center in Diyarbakır. Establishing shopping centers in eastern and southeastern Turkey will be a great step to increase socializing in the region," Belgü said, adding that shopping centers revive the economy and social life of cities.