Abstract: A method for providing an on-line mall with multiple communities. The method provides multiple communities within an on-line mall environment. Multiple stores are provided within each of the multiple communities, with each store being associated with a merchant with merchandise directed to its community. At least a partially common façade is provided for multiple stores within a particular community.

Abstract: A method for providing an on-line mall with multiple communities. The method provides multiple communities within an on-line mall environment. Multiple stores are provided within each of the multiple communities, with each store being associated with a merchant with merchandise directed to its community. At least a partially common facade is provided for multiple stores within a particular community.

Abstract: A method for providing a gift registry in an on-line mall. Multiple communities within an on-line mall environment are provided, as well as multiple stores within each community. Each store is occupied by a merchant, with merchandise being directed to this community. The method further includes providing customer access to the multiple stores. The embodiment further provides for a gift registry, where the gift registry is associated with any of the multiple stores within one or more of the multiple communities, and access is provided to the gift registry to a registrant customer, so that the registrant customer can select merchandise for entry into the gift registry. Access to the gift registry is also provided to a purchase customer so that the purchase customer can select, for purchase, merchandise selected by the registrant customer.

Abstract: A method for providing an on-line mall with multiple communities. The method provides multiple communities within an on-line mall environment. Multiple stores are provided within each of the multiple communities, with each store being associated with a merchant with merchandise directed to its community. At least a partially common facade is provided for multiple stores within a particular community.

Abstract: An on-line mall system is provided. The on-line mall includes a community allocation system that receives community data, such as “sporting goods” or “apparel,” and associates the community data with one or more items offered by a merchant. A shop allocation system receives shop data, such as “Store X” or “Store Y,” and associates the shop data with the one or more items.

Abstract: A computer system and method for providing an on-line mall. An on-line mall environment is provided. The on-line mall environment is partitioned into at least one community and having at least one store in each community. Each store is made available to a merchant to occupy. The merchant may customize the store by providing for storage on the on-line mall sight design data and merchandise data. Customers access the on-line mall through a remote location. The customers may connect with the on-line mall website through direct connection to the on-line mall or through links provided by other websites. Customer specific data is stored on the on-line mall allowing the customer to enter purchasing data one time for the many stores in each community. Customer purchasing selections are stored and submitted to the mechant on standard intervals.