Airport-style security is set to become a more widespread phenomenon in European shopping centres, according to David Harper, CEO Harper Dennis Hobbs.
Speaking during a panel discussion on the future of retail at the annual ICSC conference in Milan on Monday, Harper said security and terrorism were a disruptor. 'It is a worrying trend,' he said, adding that shopping centre landlords have already introduced airport-style security systems in Israel and France. ‘I think in the next 10 years, we will see more airport-style security in more shopping centres around Europe.’
Marcus Wild, CEO of Vienna-based SES Spar, signalled three mega trends that are changing the face of modern retail: urbanisation, ageing and digital technology. Another 'dramatic evolution', he said, was the disappearance of multibrand stores and the rise of monobrands. 'The number of monobrand stores is going up, by 70%, 80% and even 90% in some places. What does this mean for shopping centres? It means that we need to offer good architecture as well as a meeting place. We are the hubs, not only for logistics, but also for personal meetings.'
Examples of monobrand stores that have grown in popuarity in recent years include sports brands, Harper noted. ‘Sports retailers like Adidas and Nike are taking cpntrol of marketing by creating their own stores. Some watch makers are doing the same. They want to control the whole value chain.’
Many of these brands do not necessarily seek locations on high streets, but rather brand appropriate stores in edgy locations that enable them to create a journey, he added.
Another major trend is the growth of food and beverage, Wild said. ‘The share of food and beverage is increasing tremendously. In the past, it accounted for 5% to 8% in a shopping centre, but what’s happening now is that it is moving up to 12% and even 18%.’
