This work proposes some reflections on the factors and attributes survey which supported the growth of the shopping center industry in the last decade (2001 – 2010). Today, the shopping center appears as one of the main sites which fulfills the social and consumerist desires of the Brazilian citizens and are present in a wide range of varied cities. It becomes increasingly necessary the elaboration of reports which comprise the shopping center phenomenon as well as the causes of the sector’s expansion. Within this perspective, it is intended with this research project to identify, beyond the pillars for the expansion of the industry, differences between the shopping retail and the street retail, consumption habits and peculiarities referent to the wide universe of shopping centers. In order to do so, it was established a report and data survey by means of informal interviews and questionnaires which aims to reflect the opinions and perceptions of the key agents involved in such process – the shopkeeper, the shopping center manager and the consumer. Thus, this research intended, somehow, effectively contribute to the development of the understanding of the brazilian shopping center industry.