Build it, but will they come?

Looking back on the last 10 years of Retail Week Awards we see the very best centres that hit the headlines for all the right reasons. All demanded the unprecedented vision and conviction of a few; each believing in a new generation of regional or city centre malls that would radically change the way you and I shopped.

The definition of a successful scheme evolved from a trio of anchor stores, impressive parking capacity, iconic architecture and headline rents, through to brand experience, superlative customer service, fresh fascias, environmental excellence and a well-planned commercialisation package. It is now agreed that it is not enough to build a scheme, wait for retailers to sign and then expect customers to arrive.

10 years on and the role of collaboration between investors, local authorities, landlords and retailers has strengthened, with relationships defined by good communication - in evidence in the coming weeks at BCSC Conference and MAPIC. Consumer habits and fluctuating spending power continue to shape the brands and shopping places we create. Customer service will become more important, as well as value, extending to the role of centres in the community with the introduction of non-retail uses.

The property sector is responding to the challenges posed by the internet and supermarkets, bringing forward new and innovative initiatives to make schemes more relevant, providing more effective trading platforms for retailers while improving the consumer experience.

Dan Innes, Managing Director, Innesco