PERSONAL COMMENTARIES OF PLACEMAKING EXPERTS
“The themes of wellbeing, environmental consciousness and a renewed value placed on a sense of community are clearly central to how retailing spaces can deliver what customers of today want.”
It almost reminds one of the 1993 film “Groundhog Day”. The only difference is that Dr. Will, together with his management consultancy Ecostra, has only employed the recurring, annual use of mathematical calculations since 2011, with the purpose of creating a body of evidence, based on statistical methods, that would allow for a ranking of the best shopping centers in Germany to be drawn up.
“Architecture, construction and floor plans set parameters for the experience of a room, and they also set conditions for the acoustics and natural sound environment that is created when people are in that space.”
The experience economy has driven changes across all economic sectors in recent years, and retail has experienced some of the most radical, yet interesting ones, opening new paths for business by interacting with other industries such as travel. Shopping tourism is showing its power as a business driver and, at the same time, it is pushing a deep transformation of the industry that will guarantee growth and development in the short and long run.
“Clearly, our industry has a responsibility to find solutions and reduce carbon emissions. It is time to stop talking and, instead, to act responsibly, act collectively, and act now.”
“Placemaking is key – and more challenging than it seems.”
“We should not be haunted by digitalization and rather than think hard what makes our projects special.”
“Online neighborhood and event-centric groups and forums have provided suitable non-physical spaces for public discussions – sometimes referred to as urban acupuncture.”
“Digital signage should not begin in cinema foyers. It must be an integral part of the entire information and marketing presence of all malls.”
“Retail schemes must offer all alternatives, pedestrian paths, bicycle lanes and shelters, bus stops, metro stations, if applicable, and taxis (booths). Barriers and fences should be removed.”
“Co-working spaces, medical centers and kindergartens will also increasingly find their ways into malls, thereby shaking up tenant mixes.”
“In July 2019, Retuna recorded its highest turnover. That proves that our concept works and that we can be role models for future retail.”
“Another factor not to be underestimated in terms of quality of stay are the restrooms, whose cleanliness many visitors regard as a litmus test for the general condition of a shopping center – just like they would in a hotel room.”
“Outlet strategies that blend a hybrid occupier mix with a focus on leisure boost dwell time and engage local communities.”
“Sustainability is no longer optional in retail, with a third of consumers choosing to buy brands based on their social and environmental impact and expecting the sector to act upon their social and sustainability commitments and goals.”
“Surprisingly large parts of Dublin have long been underserved in terms of quality retail; brands lack the modern retail and F&B space to meet future needs, while customer preferences have evolved, and they are now demanding new and exciting concepts and brands.”
“The slogan of our current city administration, headed by the Five Star Movement, a populist party, is ‘decrescita felice’ (‘happy reduction’), which serves as a clear sign that their objective definitely does not include the growth of the city.”
“If we take a look at the commercial density figures, we find that Spain is below the European average – and even more so in relation to countries such as the USA, where the density is six times higher and the shopping center model is very different from the one in Spain.”
Retail parks continue to be sound investments.
“Recent research carried out by Leisure Development Partners, in cooperation with Mapic, has shown that introducing a leisure concept into a retail space increases its footfall by up to 4 percent and the retail spend by up to 16 percent.”
