Opinion Archives - Page 4 of 18

OUTLOOK 2023: “OPPORTUNITIES ARE LIMITLESS FOR PLACEMAKING”

“The greatest opportunities we should focus on are those that provide an Educational, as well as an Experiential component to them. Both these “E’s” are the foundational pieces on which to build real value”, states Chris Igwe, Global Retail Expert and President of Chris Igwe International and member of the ACROSS Advisory Board.

MAKING A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY AND REMAINING CONNECTED TO THE EVER-CHANGING NEEDS OF CUSTOMERS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS IN TIMES OF CHANGE

As a center launched 20 years ago, Festival Place was originally designed for an era in which ‘big box’ retailers dominated. The demise of high street brands such as Debenhams and Topshop changed the landscape for retail landlords, while the breakneck pace of the e-commerce revolution and the subsequent impact of the Covid-19 pandemic have changed consumer behaviour irrevocably. The team behind Festival Place have responded with a renewed emphasis on the leisure offer, closer engagement with the local community and delivering a range of events and services that all serve to keep the center relevant and to drive continued footfall.

A SLICE OF THE UK RETAIL PIE OFFERS PLENTY TO CHEW ON

The prospect of getting a slice of UK retail is not without its risks, regardless of whether the bottom of the market has been hit in terms of shopping center investment. For many first-time buyers in this asset class, the time to focus on getting the basics right has come.

Weathering the storms of unpredictable trading environments

Advisory firms promote, that to survive, you must act now! And Henrik Madsen, CEO of HMJ International, fully agrees. His opinion: It is pertinent to begin a ‘smart review’ of your business.

HyperIn: Winter Is Coming …

Retail real estate is facing tough times as we close in on the prospect of a long, cold winter. Amidst the impending energy and economic crisis and an escalating threat resulting from a war in Europe, for many, the fear is here. Investor insecurity is high, and property owners are wary of fuel and finances running into scarce supply. However, as we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, where there is a challenge, there is also an opportunity.

TIME FOR SHOPPING CENTERS TO TRULY EMBRACE THEIR COMMUNITIES

As Festival Place is due to turn 20 later this year, now seems to be an opportune moment to reflect upon what defines it as a shopping center, a leisure destination, and a community amenity. Neil Churchill, Center Director of Festival Place, one of the UK’s Top 22 shopping centers, shares his view on the importance of community investment.

Multi Poland: Marketing is a Key Value Driver for Real Estate Assets

In times of unpredictability, marketing spending is usually the first candidate for budget cuts. Marketing management in the commercial real estate sector must be highly focussed on the issues that are fundamental to the business of property owners which directly contributes to increasing their value.

Chase The Right Numbers

Racing after numbers, reading year-end reports, statistics and percentages: this chase is not but characterized by a kind of tunnel view, which limits the possibilities of growth. If you want to adapt, you need to consider every aspect of your target audience to keep on top of the changes in consumer behavior. Footfall is reflecting your detailed expertise, not producing it. What businesses need is direct connection to their customers: establish a relationship, explore needs and demands, and use the right tools to aid this pursuit.

Why outlets are the place for the independent retailer

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the message to the UK has been to shop local and support your community during the incredibly difficult period that we all faced. Even as town and city centers began to open up again, independent retailers have maintained their position in the spotlight of the retail industry, be it bricks and mortar or online.

Focus buys Turawa Park shopping center in Poland

Ukrainian real estate investor Focus Estate Fund has acquired the Turawa Park shopping center in Opole, southern Poland, from Edinburgh-based Abrdn for an undisclosed sum.

It is time for shopping centers to embrace e-commerce

“It is imperative for shopping centers to become part of the e-commerce economy; otherwise, your business will decline in the upcoming years.”

When there’s a will, there’s a way: The path to net zero carbon retail real estate

“Our addiction to fossil fuels is pushing humanity to the brink. We face a stark choice: Either we stop it–or it stops us. It’s time to say: enough.”

Creating places people want to visit

“We are all convinced that placemaking makes brick-and-mortar retail attractive, forward-looking, and an experience.”

Challenging times for Russian superregional malls

“The pandemic has intensified global digitalization, which is another challenge that the Russian mall industry is facing.”

Forget a “new normal”–we need change

„Instead of continuing to speculate about the new normal, as an industry, we need to discuss what (permanent) actions we want to take with respect to those changes.”

Unlocking the Value of Parking Assets as Key Components of Wider Shopping Experiences

“In today’s world, consumers expect quick and effortless service, and parking needs to reflect those changes”

Consumers Love Brands, Brands Love Brands – Start Being a Brand

A thoughtful brand strategy is the essential basis of any marketing effort. The brand, the expectation raised, is what remains after all of the marketing has swept through the room. It is what sticks in your customers’ minds. It is what makes them loyal. It is what makes them think you are worth a visit.

A brave new retail world?

“Looking at the digital transition, ECSP members are certain that the future is omni-channel.”

Paris-Proofing Retail Property: Who Needs to Do What and by When?

“Despite laudable efforts, the retail real estate industry still needs a common vision and strategy to achieve full decarbonization by 2050.”

Realization of Shopping Centers as Marketplaces

„Getting access to retailer product and inventory data has been the overall biggest challenge in any shopping center e-commerce related effort.”

Sustainable expansion

“Seville Fashion Outlet in Spain will enjoy an extension of 2,680 sq m which will create space for 17 major brands to be added to the existing roster of more than 70 stores.”

Comprehending customers: post-pandemic lessons

“We know humans need interaction and it will take the online industry some time to provide anything close to the experience that bricks and mortar contribute.”

Crisis-resistant Outlet Centers

“In some cases, schemes are trading at the same or even higher sales densities than previous years and, in many cases, better than pre-pandemic, 2019 levels.”

Land of Fashion outlet villages successfully repositioned

“We are focusing on our customer journey under the theme of the Italian Dolce Vita – to bring out the best of Italy to our international visitors, and the best of the world to Italy, through fashion, hospitality, culinary experiences, art and design.”

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Opinion

PERSONAL COMMENTARIES OF PLACEMAKING EXPERTS