Retailers with outlets in swanky malls have a reason to cheer as the mall mania sweeping the country is driving people to splurge not just on essentials but also on friends - just like that, reports the television channel, Zee News.

An AC Nielsen 42-nation Internet survey reveals that Indians are among the world's biggest 'shopaholics' and shopping for them is also a mode of entertainment and not limited to buying the monthly groceries and other household essentials.

The survey reports that 32% of Indian consumers have said shopping for them was a form of entertainment. It also shows that 32% of Indians go for shopping once a month; 22% engage in it once a week. Interestingly, seven of the ten nations where people go shopping just to "amuse" themselves are in Asia. Shopping malls and modern format stores also serve as an escape for people seeking refuge from the congestion of cities, Sarang Panchal of AC Nielsen India said.

There was also good news for global food retail giants like Wal-Mart, which have been showing interest in the Indian market, and for domestic corporate players like Reliance and Bharti as well. The survey reports that 71% of Indian consumers describe grocery shopping as a necessary chore; only 46% see shopping for clothes in the same light.

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