Gymshark’s Post

Here is my latest article in Spacing Magazine! Have you noticed a decrease in community space in your neighbourhoods? Feeling like you've got no where to go? You're probably experiencing the decline of 'third places'. After a recent renovation made my local Starbucks significantly less welcoming to customers looking to lounge, I was inspired to explore the decline of social spaces outside of the home and work. Starbucks has for decades prided itself on providing this third place, and has earned a brand image building community space through their locations. But recent statements they've made and location design changes that go against their purported brand ethos reveal that this may no longer be their priority. I hope to remind people that local community hubs are where local news, events, updates, and concerns can be openly voiced; but these spaces must be community cultivated and not just community occupied. #starbucks #thirdplaces #thirdspaces #communityspace #coffee #brand #brandimage #brandethos #missionstatement #brandidentity Howard Schultz Dylan Reid Matthew Blackett Scott Beffort Sid Lee Leo Burnett Colin Bohm Noah Segal John Phillipson Centre for Social Innovation (CSI) Another Axis Consulting Ana Serrano Dave Savoie Shannon Loftus Jon Medow John Fox Hannah Alper Mark Stinson Patrick Tobin Tonya Surman Jean-François Légaré Ana Cronkite Sue Riedl Lisa Towle Connie Sarvanandan Eric Meerkamper Jana Meerkamper Claire Meerkamper Matthew Feaver Farhad Shariff Paul Stock Rob Dick Vinod Rajasekaran Lucas Stein Kent Bridges Stacey Munro Canadian Urban Institute (CUI)

In the dynamic world of Soho retail, change is the only constant. Despite strong demand, we've seen a 0.7% increase in availability, reflecting a nuanced shift in the market. Interestingly, most of the newly available storefronts are smaller spaces situated outside of the main Broadway corridor. This trend underscores the evolving nature of Soho's retail scene, where businesses are exploring alternative locations beyond the traditional hotspots. As a result, there's a diverse range of opportunities emerging for retailers looking to establish their presence in this iconic neighborhood. #SohoRetail #RetailTrends #CommercialRealEstate #NYCShopping

Why I chose retail: It’s all about resilience and evolution! These properties not only adapt but thrive through decades, much like the retail industry itself. It’s a reminder of why I am so passionate about what I do.

Best Investment opportunity in the heart of Lahore

If you haven’t been to #Downtown #SiouxFalls recently, you haven’t seen one of the most compelling #independent #retail scenes around! We’ve been working with #DTSF on a retail #strategy and implementation plan this year, and predict some more great things happening to take the Downtown to the next level! #retailresilience #communitydesign #urbanplanning #exonomicdevelopment #midwest #businessimprovementdistrict

We hope everyone had a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! With Christmas and Hannukah only a few weeks away, this article about how shopping malls in the Philadelphia area are - and in some cases, aren't - thriving seems especially relevant. "The common thread that ties each of its malls together is how they must adapt, introduce new concepts — and spend more money to keep consumers interested," said an excerpt from the article. Enjoy this easy-to-read piece. And tell us - what were your favorite mall memories - from the holidays, or your local mall's heyday? https://lnkd.in/ekYXXdRS

Retail is challenging and fundamentally revolves around understanding customer needs—both the known and the anticipated. Brooke Massey makes it seem effortless, but it involves a deep commitment to predicting future trends and "catering to evolving desires." #retailmarketing #shopping #boutiqueretail #NAProperties #NAP #Avalon #ColonySquare #Mercato #TheForum #AvenueEastCobb #podcast #peachtreecornersmagazine

The Secret Sauce of Enclosed Malls: It’s All About Experience! What truly brings customers back to enclosed malls isn’t just the stores—it’s the experience. 🛍️ From layout and lighting to events and amenities, every detail plays a role in creating a space people want to spend time in. Here are a few ways to elevate the mall experience: - Thoughtful store placement and layout to encourage exploration - Creating welcoming, comfortable areas to relax and socialize - Hosting unique events that connect with the community It’s about creating a space that feels like more than just a shopping trip. What do you think are the key elements of a great mall experience? #MallManagement #CustomerExperience #RetailInnovation #EnclosedMallGuy #RetailTrends

Opening stores can be challenging and costly. It’s not always a walk in the park, actually it’s more a mountain hike on a sinuous path! 𝟳 𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 : 1. Lack of internal resources 2. Poor internal coordination 3. Difficulties adapting to new technologies choices 4. Weak consumer experience definition 5. Fail to keep up with the retail trends 6. Meaningless partnerships 7. Working with the wrong partners Just like my incredible hike last week-end, the joy of reaching the summit brought an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and awe as I gazed upon the breathtaking panorama stretching out before me. Seeking guidance from experienced experts to open your boutiques, can enable you to better navigate today’s retail landscape and reach this sense of joy stress free! If you are experiencing some of these problems during the opening of your new brick and mortar stores, register for my 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟱𝘁𝗵, where I will share my 𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰! Subscribe to my page to follow me. Book an exploratory call to discuss your challenge !

Why Working in the Shopping Center World?   A few days ago, I had a chat with an old IKEA colleague. He’s been in a different industry for a while and asked, “Do you still enjoy the shopping center business?”   Good question. Yes. - Why? Isn't it too crowdy and stressful? - Well, maybe, but still... I really do. So why is might be a good idea to join the industry? (in case you are still hesitating 😏 )   📢 It Matters Every little thing I do can touch someone's day, whether it's as simple as making the restroom smell inviting or introducing a new event that brings excitement. It’s rewarding to know that my work can affect how people feel when they visit.   📢 Creating Community Shopping centers are more than places to shop—they can bring people together. I love seeing the positive impact on the neighborhoods around us, whether it’s a community event or just providing a space where people feel they belong.   📢 No Limits on Creativity I love that there are no boundaries to what we can turn a shopping center into. Today it’s a bustling food festival, tomorrow an art exhibit, or a space for local community projects. The only limit is our imagination.   📢 The Buzz of a Perfect Day Running a well-oiled shopping center feels like prepping your home for a big gathering. You’re excited, paying attention to every detail, making sure everything looks just right. And the best part? In this business, you get to feel that excitement EVERY SINGLE DAY.   So, what makes you love your job? #ShoppingCenters #CommunityBuilding #RetailInnovation #CustomerExperience #CreativeSpaces #OperationalExcellence #PositiveImpact