Many of you have probably noticed brands you used to see predominantly in shopping malls now opening freestanding locations (e.g. Cartier, DOLCE&GABBANA, Hermès, Dior, etc.) Reasoning for doing so includes the brands wanting more control over their image and customer experience. They want their customers to see a beautiful store front, not an outdated mall when they arrive to shop.
The trend doesn't stop with luxury brands, as can be seen in the The Wall Street Journal article referenced below. All brands seem to be experiencing success in their non-mall locations. Not only do these brands receive the benefit of storefront visibility, but also increased foot traffic from the contingent of shoppers who value other convenience related benefits afforded by shopping centers. "Consumers show a growing preference for shorter, more convenient shopping experiences."
It is not just that people want a place to pop in and out quickly for a last-minute purchase, it goes deeper than that. "Outdoor shopping and strip centers also appeal to retailers who are increasingly allowing customers to pick up or return items bought online, CoStar's Svec said. These shoppers want to get in and out of stores quickly, and not spend time navigating large parking garages or walking across the mall."
At Headwall Investments, LLC we have been following this trend for years now. Our investment funds are well positioned to offer our high-net-worth individuals, family offices, RIAs, and institutional investors exposure to benefit from these trends. Contact us if you want to hear more about these trends and others.
Sam Peacock | Henry Vaughan | George Wommack
"Jewelers, shoe stores and other specialty retailers are among the operators making the shift, indicating they will continue opening at outdoor, non-mall locations such as grocery-anchored shopping centers and strip malls after finding that they perform better and typically save on costs."
Another excellent article from Kate King with The Wall Street Journal on the trends occurring in the retail sector of commercial real estate.
https://lnkd.in/eu6J4FP2
Shoppers Prefer Staying Outdoors. That’s More Trouble for Malls.
wsj.com
And great to be a Taubman partner!