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Foreword


Innovation keeps retail’s heart beating


Retail conditions remain tough, but what is remarkable is the extent of change and innovation the diffi cult environment has prompted. That is nowhere more evident than in the acceleration of multichannel retailing as businesses strive to offer shoppers more options and greater convenience, and that’s a theme that runs through this issue of A1.


The importance of a multichannel offer was evident at Christmas, when retailers offering services such as click and collect or whose stores arm was complemented by a strong online division, were typically among the best performers. John Lewis is one great example of this (page 6).


Retailers are changing their business models to take account of new consumer dynamics and so are we in our shopping centres. Innovations such as Amazon’s lockers, the enhancement of centres with free Wi-Fi and mobile- optimised websites are just some of the ways our centres are adapting to extend their appeal and convenience for consumers and enable retailers to most effectively cater for customers. Mixing products and services in a complementary offer expands the possibilities further.


In the multichannel world, the store retains a central role, evident in the way shoppers have embraced services such as click and collect – even pure-play etailers are assessing the need for a physical presence.


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In the multichannel world, the store retains a central role, evident in the way shoppers have embraced services such as click and collect


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The store is where product can be seen and touched, and that epitomises a retailer’s brand and proposition. The transformation of the retail industry offers the chance to ask how things can be done better. How can technology, the physical shop and shopping centres best be melded into a seamless experience for the shoppers?


Despite the pace of change, we’re only at the beginning of this journey. It’s one that will bring shopkeepers and shopping centres alike plenty of new opportunities.


Richard Akers, managing director, Land Securities Retail


24 2 spring 2012


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