September 2011 Archives

Waitrose's champagne reception proves predictably popular.

Apologies for the predictable 'Field of Dreams' title for a blog post concerning BCSC opinion on town centre regeneration, but that message has been elicited from a morning of speaking with developers and councils about that very subject.

There is an abundance of local authorities exhibiting at this year's event. Some looking for funding and development partners, others showcasing their plans with impressive model displays, but all of them confident about the future of their urban centres, if the projects discussed are seen through to completion.

Many believe that the social aspect attached to shopping trips will be a key factor in the long-term survival of high street retail. This is reflected in the mixed-use schemes planned by many authorities: bringing in cinemas, leisure complexes, restaurants and vast public realm to complement traditional retail units.

Developers are understandably cautious about jumping in on any plans they see as a quick fix for a troubled town centre - particularly with a retail market that is still far from healthy, or even predictable. The key words seem to be 'viable' and 'sustainable'; ensuring that our towns not only get the short-term boost they need, but that they will remain an attractive destination for customers as multi-channel growth puts further pressure on the physical retail world.

A special announcement on plans for Stoke town centre is expected at 4pm...along with a 'Powerful' celebrity. Stay tuned!

Drivers Jonas Deloitte took advantage of the heavy retail presence which has been thrust upon Manchester today to host their own event a stones throw away from the hubbub of BCSC, discussing the future of retail.

One of the over riding themes in evidence throughout the seminar was the shift in dynamic between customer and retailer - and how the former is now not only king, but a "despotic tyrant", forcing the latter to play the role of contortionist, bending to the will of the ever-demanding consumer. Another was how town centres will cease to exist as we currently know them, changing into either thriving but bespoke market towns adorned with boutique retailers, or mixed-use metropolises - with residential and leisure offers replacing the outgoing, outdated shops.

According to Deloitte, brands will now have little choice but to move into multi-channel retailing, and embrace the online environment as a supplement, rather than a challenge, to their physical stores. Many retailers have already done this to great effect, and it is in fostering a strong brand identity both on the High Street and online that stores can connect with the ever more conscious customer, ensuring long-term survival in a jungle of a market.

The overriding sentiment was one of cautious optimism tinged with realism. There undoubtedly remains a strong demand from retailers for space - but allied to that is a demand from the consumers for the once implicitly trusted brands to prove their worth once again - online as well as in store.

The doors at the exhibition are flung open with great ceremony - here is what greets delegates on arrival.

A new beginning for Attention to Retail starts today, as all eyes fall on Manchester for the annual BCSC exhibition.

The focus for this year's event is on how to evolve and think differently in an increasingly difficult market place - something which has already been done this year by Ocado and House of Fraser. Both retailers have recently agreed to open unique stores at high profile retail schemes, we'll wait and see whether the experts at BCSC see this as a firm precedent for the future of retailing.

Stay tuned here for updates from BCSC as it unfolds.