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Kekana cautions that there’ s been a shift in the consumer mindset.“ If you don’ t cater for family and for a full experience, I think you’ re going to get caught short.“ Previously retailers could introduce a concept and then customers would follow. But we are seeing a reverse in that customers are looking for what they’ re looking for and property owners and retailers must respond.”
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Van der Merwe says,“ each of Mowana’ s shopping centres needs to have its own identity and the focus is for it to be a unique tenant mix.” Clur believes shopping centre design will evolve considerably, becoming more meaningful, sophisticated, beautiful and artistic. Authentic presentation will be increasingly important, specifically with Instagram-able features and a focus on nostalgia. She also believes that service levels will elevate dramatically and the lipstick effect will entrench, which are purchases of small uplifting luxuries to soothe one in hard times.
Kekana cautions that there’ s been a shift in the consumer mindset.“ If you don’ t cater for family and for a full experience, I think you’ re going to get caught short.“ Previously retailers could introduce a concept and then customers would follow. But we are seeing a reverse in that customers are looking for what they’ re looking for and property owners and retailers must respond.”
Mothibeli says Vukile believes a lot in data and using data to help the company understand consumers and communities better. Majija notes that since shopping centres are an important catalyst for development, it’ s important that shopping centre owners start to think about rejuvenating the areas around their shopping centres.“ You can start small with a litter campaign, but that will have an impact on your community.”
Clur feels the Shopping Centre of the future will have a much stronger empathy theme, with more recognition of the fact that hard times and hard head spaces need to be met with soft times and soft spaces.“ This will reflect in a focus on happiness, dopamine, and uplifting spaces, as well as the theme of dignity. And this will occur in respect of not only people, but also the planet, animals, and technology.”
“ As we move forward into the future, and as the belief economy evolves, it is critical to remember that ultimately, your brand must be trusted, and your brand must have meaning.”
MOVE AHEAD
52 REI MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2025