Expert series

The retail landscape is no longer a battle of inches; it is a war of relevance. For years, brands have thrived in a “comfortable middle,” relying on moderate pricing and general appeal to sustain growth. However, as economic pressures mount and consumer habits shift, that middle ground is rapidly evaporating. Today’s shoppers are moving with …

Why are you still designing brand strategy for survival instead of sustainable profit? Read More »

In today’s hyper-competitive retail world, “Customer Experience (CX)” is the single most powerful differentiator for shopping centers and mixed-use destinations. Gabriele Bertini, our guest author, is sharing his views on why CX is not merely the sum of isolated elements—tenant mix, architecture, marketing, or technology. It is the seamless, emotionally resonant outcome when all these components work in harmony to deliver personalized, memorable, and …

Creating Exceptional Customer Experience in Shopping Centers and Mixed-Use Assets: A Forward-Looking Guide for the Next Decade Read More »

In this edition, we address a harsh reality: the traditional retail formula is breaking. With thinning margins, rising costs, and volatile consumer loyalty, relying solely on product sales has become a high-risk gamble that many legacy brands are no longer winning. The answer lies in Strategic Diversification. To survive, retailers must stop acting as mere merchants …

Beyond the Store: Why Retailers Must Diversify to Survive Read More »

In an age of endless choice, where shoppers can browse globally and buy instantly, the question isn’t whatcustomers purchase. It’s how the experience makes them feel. Today, experience is the new currency. Price and product still matter, but they no longer guarantee loyalty. Shopping centres and retail destinations are realising that emotions drive spend and memorable moments drive return visits. We …

Experience Sells: How Moments Make Money and Drive Loyalty Read More »

For decades, retail has focused on “putting the customer first” through data and tactics. But in 2026, the industry has shifted from transactions to transformations. Shoppers are no longer just buying products; they are choosing relationships. In this era, experience is the product, and the brands that thrive are those that foster genuine emotional bonds. Key …

2026: Why Experience Is the New Product and Transformation Is the New Goal Read More »

A gift card is more than just a substitute for cash; it is a powerful marketing engine for attracting and rewarding visitors. In this article, Jurij Triller, CEO of SOS-SW and owner of the SmartGifty brand, explores why the shift from outdated paper vouchers to seamless digital ecosystems is essential. By prioritizing User Experience (UX), shopping …

A gift card is not a product — it is a growth engine Read More »

In destination marketing, the standard response to a visibility problem is usually an expensive ad campaign. But what happens when the challenge isn’t a lack of awareness, but a lack of wayfinding? When London’s Chinatown needed to put itself more firmly on the map, the solution didn’t come from a billboard—it came from thousands of …

Developing London Chinatown as an Iconic Destination Read More »

In an era of complex public safety challenges, the “soft target” nature of shopping malls requires more than just reactive security—it demands a connected ecosystem. In this feature, Peter Endress explores how digital platforms are replacing siloed systems to transform emergency response. From integrating digital signage for instant evacuations to streamlining communication between tenants and first responders, learn …

Beyond Panic Buttons: Secure Your Mall Now. Read More »

For years, brands have treated loyalty like a math equation: Transactions + Points = Retention. But while businesses were busy building apps and stacking tiers, the consumer evolved. Today, Gen Z and Gen Alpha don’t want to “collect” value—they want to feel it. To explore this shift, we are joined by guest author Will Odwarka, Founder …

Loyalty as we know it is dead Read More »

With three decades of deep-rooted experience in the retail industry and five years dedicated to professional futures studies, our guest writer, Peter Thommen, brings a unique perspective to the intersection of commerce and foresight. He applies the rigor of Strategic Foresight to identify the real forces shaping our global markets. In this insightful piece, he moves beyond the noise of …

Why predictions for 2026 are already wrong Read More »