Foreword


All can benefi t from the right mix


Many of the changes in customer behaviour witnessed in the past decade have been accelerated by the hectic pace of life. And this means that leisure time is particularly cherished by ever more discerning consumers.


This could be perceived as a threat to retail, but there is also a clear opportunity for those who can ally themselves to the right leisure brands that generate footfall. Our interview with Stephen Wall, the co-founder of innovative restaurant concept Pho (page 6), shows why we are so keen to engage with those who are driving the growth in spend in this sector.


The care and attention that is being put into our new developments, both in terms of the consumer insight we generate and retail mix we create as a result, is focused on creating a destination brand. For instance, it is the Trinity Leeds brand that will connect with the people that will be its customers.


Centre operators have a responsibility to optimise the retail mix and create an attractive ambience. The next stage in the evolution of the relationship between retailers and landlords has to be increased fl exibility to allow the landlord to manage the retail mix for the benefi t of all in a scheme.


A good piece of news is that the 2012 Olympics has reinforced London’s position as one of the world’s greatest cities. It’s helped to attract brands to the capital, and once here they are then looking at UK expansion (page 24).


Retailers have a choice about where they open new stores, and whether they open new stores at all. If you imagine a world where there are no shops and everything is sold online, you would only choose to put shops in places where people congregate, where they socialise, go to dine or to the cinema or theatre. We all need to be mindful of this as we think about how the future of the sector is shaping up.


There is a clear opportunity for those who can ally themselves to the right leisure brands that generate footfall


22


16


Richard Akers, executive director, Land Securities


14 2 autumn 2012


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