New Zealand Commercial Design Trends Series NZ Commercial Design Trends Vol. 33/03C | Page 136

decisions are influenced by social media . The same study found that “ consumers who include social media as part of their shopping process are four times more likely to spend more money on purchases and 29 % more likely to make a purchase on the same day when using social media to make purchase decisions ”.
The Atlantic published an article this year entitled The Great Retail Apocalypse of 2017 , stating that the number of malls in the US grew more than twice as fast as the population between 1970 and 2015 . Fortune reported – around the same time – that about 300 malls could close by 2025 .
Gone are the days of multi level , closed-in malls being the ultimate shopping experience , as in every other aspect of life , consumers are demanding variety , authenticity and constant change . The way forward is in “ lifestyle centres ” that offer a constantly evolving mix of restaurants , coffee shops , boutiques and more .
Auckland ’ s Britomart is a good example . Born from a partnership between the city council and developer Peter Cooper , the precinct began with the largest restoration of historic buildings in the country . Today , those restored buildings provide a sustainable , soulful framework for the ever-changing , eclectic 6.5 hectare precinct .
Britomart ’ s focus has always been broad rather
Below : Successful retail developments manage to combine a mix of retail experiences . Tiffany & Co ’ s flagship store in Britomart sits comfortably alongside retail outlets for Kiwi designer fashion and streetwear . search | save | share at