Our History
From a pioneering dot-com startup in 1999 to the immersive shopping experience of today, discover how The Virtual Mall has evolved over more than 25 years.
A Quarter Century of Innovation
The Virtual Mall has witnessed the entire evolution of e-commerce—from dial-up connections and basic HTML to today's rich, interactive experiences. Through it all, our mission has remained the same: connecting UK shoppers with the best retailers and deals.
The Beginning
The Virtual Mall launched at the height of the dot-com boom, becoming the UK's first online shopping destination. In an era when most people were still getting used to email, we had a bold vision: bring the high street experience online. Our original site featured a virtual mall concept where shoppers could browse stores arranged on floors, just like a real shopping centre.
Key Highlights
- Launched with 150 partner retailers
- Pioneered the virtual mall concept in the UK
- Allowed people to find shops easily, well before Google existed
First Redesign
After a successful launch, we redesigned The Virtual Mall to accommodate our rapidly growing retailer base. The new design introduced improved navigation, a searchable directory, and dedicated sections for sales and special offers. This version laid the groundwork for many features that would become standard in e-commerce.
Key Highlights
- Expanded to over 350 retailers
- Introduced searchable shop directory
- Added dedicated sales and offers sections
Refined Experience
By 2002, online shopping had matured and so had we. This update brought a cleaner, more professional look while maintaining the familiar mall metaphor our users loved. We focused on usability improvements and introduced features like saved favourites and personalised recommendations—concepts that were genuinely innovative at the time.
Key Highlights
- Streamlined user interface
- Introduced user accounts and saved favourites
- Partnered with lots more high street brands
Modern Revival
After years of faithful service, we embarked on a complete rebuild. The 2020 redesign brought The Virtual Mall into the modern era with responsive design, improved performance, and a fresh visual identity. Launching during the pandemic, it helped connect shoppers with retailers when physical stores were closed.
Key Highlights
- Fully responsive mobile-first design
- Supported retailers through the pandemic
- Enhanced voucher and deals platform
The New Era
Our latest and most ambitious update yet. Built from the ground up with cutting-edge technology, the 2026 Virtual Mall reimagines online shopping for a new generation. Featuring an immersive floor-by-floor experience, real-time offers, and seamless integration with your favourite retailers, it's the culmination of over 25 years of innovation.
Key Highlights
- Completely rebuilt with modern technology
- Immersive virtual mall experience
- Real-time offers and personalised recommendations
- Over 7,000 retailers and counting
The Journey Continues
As we celebrate over 25 years of connecting shoppers with great retailers, we're more excited than ever about the future. The Virtual Mall will continue to evolve, innovate, and provide the best online shopping experience for UK customers.