Shopping centers are not quite as popular as they used to be. There is now the option to buy many things online, and people often choose that option over visiting a shopping center in person. So, if you own a shopping center, how do you attract more business and keep turning a profit? Here are a few tips.
Contract with some specialty, boutique stores.
People are less likely to shop online for specialty products that need to be the right size, fit a certain way, or fill a certain niche. Examples of such items include shoes, musical instruments, cosmetics, and mattresses. If you bring some of these specialty stores into your shopping center, many customers will come specifically to shop at those stores. While there, they will probably stop by some of the more general stores, too. Once you do have specialty stores in place, make sure they are marketed heavily to ensure everyone knows about them.
Offer some services, too.
Some customers will enjoy spending a day out shopping if they can also get some other things done during the same trip. For example, they may want to get their nails done, get a facial, or even get a haircut. So, if you do not already have a salon and some other service businesses in your shopping center, consider adding some. You may even want to have a massage therapy or chiropractic office in the center.
Embrace smart technology.
You don't want your customers to feel like they're doing something old-fashioned when they visit your shopping center. Embracing smart technology in ways that engage customers can help them feel that they're doing something more modern. Set up a musical system that lets customers request songs via their smartphone. Offer promotions for those who share your ads on social media. Consider having selfie competitions, too.
Offer some unique food options.
As the restaurant industry has grown more expansive, customers are no longer happy with just burgers and shakes at the shopping center. It's smart to bring in some more unique food options — maybe ones they can't get a lot of other places. Some customers will just visit for the food, but many will visit for the unique combination of food and shopping. Pho, poke bowls, customized pizzas, and dim sum are all more unique foods to consider.
With the tips above, you'll make your shopping center a more interesting place that people love to visit.
Visit a local shopping center for more ideas.
