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A TikTok video by @moniquemark7 is sparking debate after its creator questioned whether Trinidad has too many plazas, arguing that the growing number of shopping centres is creating a “sense of sameness” and may be contributing to higher prices.
The creator argues that the number of plazas relative to Trinidad’s population has reached what she describes as a point of “disequilibrium”.
She says many plazas and malls now feature similar stores, making the shopping experience increasingly repetitive. Recalling earlier shopping trends, she said West Mall was once known for shoe stores, Twin City for clothing and Gulf City for food.
Now, she argues, many of those distinctions have disappeared.
“Everything is all samey,” she said, adding that even the décor across shopping centres can feel similar.
The creator also questioned whether continued commercial expansion could be contributing to higher retail prices, using Pennywise as an example. She said a generic, non-branded hair oil she previously purchased for around $50 now costs more than $100.
“I don’t think it’s just inflation,” she said. “I really think it’s because they are increasing prices because they want to build all these plazas.”
She clarified that her comments were not intended as an attack on Pennywise, but formed part of a broader criticism of the continued expansion of malls, plazas and retail chains.
She also argued that widespread franchising and expansion can make stores feel less distinctive while creating additional challenges for smaller businesses.
The creator cited Home Store as another example, saying she believed the business was successful in Barataria for years before expanding to several locations. She argued that, from her perspective, greater expansion has coincided with declining quality and higher prices.
Ultimately, she called for fewer repetitive plazas and more independent and boutique stores offering distinctive products at reasonable prices.
She also pointed to online shopping as growing competition for local retailers, arguing that consumers now have more alternatives when they believe local prices are too high.
“I don’t know how to fix it,” she said, “but it needs to be fixed.”
The video has prompted a wider question for consumers and businesses: does Trinidad need more shopping plazas, or greater variety in the stores and experiences already available?
Watch the original video on TikTok:
https://tiktok.com/@moniquemark7/video/7685355247316880660
Article and image source:
https://tiktok.com/@moniquemark7/video/7685355247316880660
