There are many hotels nearby because groups come from all over the world to shop for days here. Chinese groups are joining them with increasing frequency.

But I found the place nearly empty. The only stores doing big business were the Apple computer store and American Girl - a store totally devoted to dolls and their accessories.

It is reported that China will soon build seven of the ten biggest malls in the world. This is exciting news, perhaps, but the experiences of Dongguan and the Mall of America might make the developers pause.

Is biggest the best? More importantly, is it the wisest at this time?

What seemed like unstoppable consumerism just a year or two ago has turned into a meltdown and people are clutching their wallets close to them.

It would be better to strive to be the best, not the biggest. Big stores cannot compete with a shop where you are greeted in a friendly way and people seem to care about serving you as well as giving you good value for your money.

I bypass the big shops to buy flowers from the guy on the street. I love the extra flower he always includes and I was able to share his joy when his second son was born. I patronize the small grocer who recognizes me and replaces anything she doesn't deem fresh enough in my basket.

Each smile exchanged as we buy and sell creates hope that we will all come through these difficult times heartened by each other's support.

Many of the biggest companies are closing their mega mall doors. I am ready to exchange the chaos and confusion of what is biggest for a less mind-boggling, more user-friendly, atmosphere. Wonder if any future developers will agree with me?