Econowall Blog

Shopping centre development at 30-year low

Econowall — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:08:46 +0000

For the first time in almost 30 years, 2012 will be the first year to see no major shopping centres open in the UK, according to research commissioned by BCSC and Lunson Mitchenall, the specialist retail and leisure property consultants.

The BCSC/Lunson Mitchenall 2012 Shopping Centre Development Pipeline reports that, although the world’s eyes are on the UK as it celebrates the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympic Games this summer, no new shopping centres will open their doors to consumers at any stage during 2012.

Although the shopping centre pipeline will pick up in 2013, developers and investors remain extremely cautious, says the report. The lack of development funding continues to block construction activity alongside an all-time low in consumer confidence. The total current estimated shopping centre development pipeline is 29.4 million sq ft, which has dropped from a peak of 75 million sq ft at the height of the development cycle in 2007.

In 2012, the reality remains that extensions and refurbishments are the most likely mechanism for owners to provide new leisure and retail space. The research goes on to report that developers are requiring anything between 50 and 75 per cent of pre-let retail space before it is even possible to start on site.

Retailer requirements have also evolved. The research asserts retailers’ demands for bigger, better but fewer units in larger towns and cities.

Commenting on the research, Marcus Kilby, managing director of Lunson Mitchenall, says: ‘Although the pipeline for new shopping centres will pick up, the fact that 2012 will see no new openings is a stark indicator of how the retail market is evolving and responding to the economic crisis. Consumers still want to spend. This is indicated by strong internet sales and growing retailers are the ones embracing this evolution. However, there is still widespread recognition that shops must remain at the heart of the supply chain. The missing part of the jigsaw is that retailer requirements for these shops aren’t being met by the current stock and this is disappointing and troubling for UK retail.’

Edward Cooke, director of policy and public affairs, BCSC, adds: ‘Development is expected to continue at much more restrained pace for the foreseeable future, certainly when compared to the bull market of a few years ago. In order to get new investment into the UK’s towns and cities the government needs to push forward with a genuine commitment to Tax Increment Finance (TIF), which would open up the development pipeline significantly and support the changing UK retail landscape. It is only with the full support of government providing the necessary stimuli and infrastructure – both financial and physical – that our town centres will experience much needed regeneration.’

courtest of Retail Focus Magazine

Sereus Shopfitting Essex

jonathon — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:54:02 +0000

We buy slatwall regularly from these guys and collect. Good prices, and they get everything ready for us when they say they will.

cheers
darren

Grayson Hardware

jonathon — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:48:07 +0000

We bought some of the clearance slatwalling that was on on offer.
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Thanks
Trev
Grayson Hardware

All Sports

jonathon — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:59:13 +0000

Everything arrived on a pallet on the day that I arranged when I placed my order.
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The slat panels were strapped on to a pallet with metal bands and I had trouble finding some pliers or cutters to get through it. So if you order make sure you have some wire cutters handy

Nothing bad to say about my expirience with econowall though

Lucy
All Sports
Birmingham

Essex Fishing Tackle

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Essex Fishing Tackle

Slatwall Panel Colours

jonathon — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 09:42:18 +0000

We now have a larger range of slatwall panel colours available all from stock.

We still have our great range of standard colours for slatwall available, but now we have Red, Blue and Yellow slatwall panels, and our new favourite Mirror Slatwall Panels.

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Main Slatwall Panel Page

1200×1200 Slatwall Panels

2400×1200 Slatwall Panels

Hot Kikz – Testimonial

jonathon — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:32:03 +0000

just wanted to say thanks for helping me out with my display confusion!
Didnt really know what I was doing but now my shoe shop looks great.

cheers
Ranj

ps, look at the picture, i told you i could figure out how to put it all all on the walls myself haha

SupaPets – Testimonial

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Hello Econowall

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Mrs Chapman – Testimonial

jonathon — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 09:34:11 +0000

Hello Andrew

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Glasgow

Sexi Pants – Testimonial

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Sexi Pants – Brighton