Oh Hello Crazy Quarter!

I don’t know about you but we’re certainly feeling a slight chill in the air and those long summer evenings are slowly disappearing (sob!). This can only mean one thing; we are teetering on the edge of Autumn (that appeared out of nowhere). Those gorgeous colours, crisp mornings and for all those in the retail industry the CRAZY QUARTER!

The rise of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies has redefined the future of retail forever, but this trend alone is not enough to save shopping centres from extinction.

To remain relevant in today’s market, retailers need a different strategy that integrates digital services with physical stores while keeping consumers interested.

We have been busy talking about Halloween, Bonfire Night, Black Friday Sales and Christmas for what seems like months.

Our shopping centre commercialisation team have been on the phone day and night managing all the bookings we have for our centres over the next few months. We are so excited to see these in place, we have some fabulous new vendors to add that festive sparkle.

This is the quarter to recoup what has been a difficult 18 months. Not ones to dwell on this, we have some impactful footfall driving initiatives for our schemes that will not only increase dwell time at the centres but will also help to drive retailer sales this quarter.

Centre aesthetics and welcoming back your customers should be a priority. Vacant units have become a symptom of post covid retail. But that doesn’t mean they have to have a negative impact on your centre’s atmosphere. We have been transforming units, so they work for the centre in a positive way. Giving rates relief, using the space for events, pop up shops and more. Ensuring your vacant units have creative that is sending a positive message to shoppers and other tenants is key.

Having visited many centres over the summer our team all agree that there is certainly an air of normality and positivity amongst shoppers and tenants alike.