• Read more about Size isn’t everything for experiential stores

In an ever-changing environment, shopping centres are evolving fast to cater to the demands of both retailers and customers.
Shopping patterns that have long been considered the norm are now being turned upside down as experiential retail becomes a priority for shoppers and occupiers look to deliver this in new and innovative ways.

As a result, the store is becoming a brand showcase, and this means landlords need to offer the right units in the right locations for the right brands.

• Read more about Sustainability: Setting the agenda

THE SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA HAS CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS AND THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY URGENTLY NEEDS TO RESPOND.

In March, Hammerson’s sustainability strategy stepped up a gear when we announced our target of being net positive for carbon emissions, water, resource use and socio-economic impacts by 2030. This is our response to the rapidly evolving sustainability agenda, which highlights some real challenges across the sector.

The development of Hammerson’s vision generally evokes two questions: why and how?

• Read more about Retail Innovation: Past, Present…and Future

David Atkins foreword to retail report

I’m delighted to present the findings of our 2017 retail and consumer research report, which seeks to uncover the ways in which technology and innovation have been shaping the retail industry throughout recent decades. This marks not only our fifth annual report in partnership with retail specialists, Global Data, but also Hammerson’s 75th anniversary, celebrating the dynamism and diversity of our ever-evolving sector.

• Read more about The dawn of a refreshed restaurant market

The Food and Beverage (F&B) market has attracted its fair share of headlines recently, but, like retail, the sector is segmented, and there are great opportunities for those who are able to ensure a compelling and relevant offer.

Diners vote with their knives and forks and we are beginning to see a clear divide between brands that give today’s consumers what they want and brands that struggle to meet or adapt to these demands.

• Read more about Food & Beverage: Embracing emerging trends

In Ireland, the Food & Beverage (F&B) market is as competitive as ever. New and emerging trends continue to challenge and disrupt the sector whilst also providing opportunities across our retail destinations for F&B brands.

Diners’ preferences are evolving rapidly as they seek memorable and meaningful experiences and consequently, a clear divide has emerged between brands that give today’s consumers what they want and brands that struggle to meet or adapt to these demands.

• Read more about Curating ‘insta-worthy’ retail destinations

In the mobile age, there’s nothing customers crave more than visually stunning, creative, and engaging content. And, a picture is worth a thousand words (or likes).

• Read more about To ignore big retail is to ignore its local and national importance

There’s nothing like a budget to distract people from Brexit. Although the distraction was somewhat fleeting as it emerged the sweeteners unveiled wouldn’t be handed out under a ‘no deal’ scenario.

• Read more about There’s more to retail investment than logistics

Consumers of news will be under no illusion that the UK retail market is tough. 2018 has already seen a raft of CVAs and the nation’s much loved department stores are grappling with their business models.

In this demanding environment both retailers and retail destinations need to be on top of their game. Bold decisions drive performance and make the attractiveness of investing in retail property stand out. So my central argument is that the right retail is definitely worth investing in but it comes with a health warning: be willing to adapt.

• Read more about Ringing the value of Retail at the Bullring Estate

We recently held the last in our series of True Value of Retail events to present research on the socio-economic contribution of our destinations. The venue this time was Birmingham looking at the significant positive impact Bullring & Grand Central have on Birmingham, following similar events in Westminster, Holyrood, Bristol and Leeds.

• Read more about Why we’re championing accessible shopping for all

We’re on a mission to ensure our retail destinations have a positive impact on the communities surrounding them. Which is why getting involved in Purple Tuesday on 13th November was a given for us.

It’s the UK’s first accessible shopping day and encourages landlords and retailers across the nation – and online – to introduce new measures to make the shopping experience more inclusive for customers with disabilities.