MALLS HAVE SUFFERED FROM ONLINE SHOPPING & COVID AND IN ORDER TO SURVIVE, THEY NEED ENTICING ACTIVITIES!
In the UK, over 17,000 chain store locations closed annually during 2020 and 2021, an average of 47 stores per week research has proven. The pandemic has accelerated the changes already underway across retail, causing upheaval for many high streets and town centres. Several shopping centres, retail parks and high streets have effectively closed, as they have been too slow to add attractions that entice shoppers back. Shops are unable to compete with online shopping as consumers demand the best price and choice. This is not going to change in the
future. It is crucial shopping malls and retail centres are repurposed to become destination locations offering a mixture of entertainment. Whether this is family entertainment centres, sports entertainment centres, restaurants, bars or gyms, this is key to increasing footfall in otherwise empty locations. Landlords are realising this and are therefore accepting lower rents to leisure firms that are offering entertainment. Increasing the number of returning
consumers, allows landlords to retain current retail stores as well as attract future store occupation. Active entertainment normally comprises of complimentary attractions such as arcades, billiards, bowling, digital darts, escape rooms, gamebox, karting, laser tag, mini-golf, shuffleboard, soft play, sports simulators and trampolines. What is crucial is for entertainment to continually evolve so consumers are always inspired, energised and entertained, to ensure they return weekly. Sports Simulator meets this criteria by offering 60+ Sports, 1,500+ Sports Challenges and 3,000+ Sporting Venues.
