5 years on: British Council of Shopping Centres: "Future of Retail Property" (2007)

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"Britain’s retail landscape has seen constant evolution since the 1950s. From post-war redevelopment in town centres, through retail decentralisation and the emergence of the retail warehouse park and out-of-town regional shopping mall, to greater attention to the quality of design and the treatment of public spaces, shopping places have transformed over time.

"The growth of chain stores, supermarkets and specialist retailers and the dynamism and innovation that inspired this growth has greatly influenced the evolution of the individual store.

"In the face of heightened competition and an increasingly savvy consumer, the industry is experiencing pressure to find the ‘next best thing’, securing a place in the hearts and minds of the consumer and achieving that all important competitive advantage.

But with potential limitations from finance, policy, and ownership, and with an ever rising environmental agenda, the key issue is how the industry responds to the ever changing needs and desires of the consumer. This report seeks to consider wide ranging influences in order to explore what type of shopping places we will see in ten years’ time [from 2007.]

"... Changes in out-of-town shopping places under single ownership is simpler, but subject to greater constraint. To seek a competitive advantage, high investment levels, dynamic branding, use of the latest technologies, and physical alterations are anticipated.

"While change in the out-of-town mall is expected to relate to limited expansion, new uses, internal reorganisation, and public realm treatment, the most radical transformation may be the evolution in out-of-town town centres, and the ‘mega-mall’. While the sustainable mall is an improbable future, sustainable features will certainly increase."

"... Transport remains a fundamental concern for the future shopper, who searches for a new convenience in terms of ease of use and cost of access. Underlining the demand for convenience from an ever more mobile consumer, car parking remains a priority.

"With the greatest growth in public transport markets for high-frequency and high-speed modes, future shopping will be increasingly integrated with major transport nodes, and more widespread consideration of access and transport needs in shopping places will be employed by enhancing circulation frameworks; future shopping areas and public transport will be better connected.

"However, ease of access also implies the delivery of information to the consumer both before and during his or her visit. Technology therefore plays a crucial role in the search for new convenience."

"The challenge facing the retail industry is multifaceted. Above all, shopping places must seek to engage with consumers’ real needs and dreamlike desires, securing a place in their hearts and minds."