Retail Spaces: Where Social Connections and Emotions Thrive

New Spaces for Life and Connection

Retail spaces are no longer just for shopping – they’ve become key hubs for socialising and community life. As our world becomes more digital, these spaces are answering the need to reconnect with people. Visitors come not only to shop but to share experiences and connect with others.

The shift is all about reimagining spaces to encourage interaction, hosting events that bring people together, and creating environments that foster intergenerational and multicultural connections. According to Arnaud Gallet, Director of Siec: “Retail plays a vital role in creating social connections and boosting local communities. Shopping spaces are more than places to buy – they’re places to meet, share, and connect.”

Christophe Noël, General Delegate of FACT, adds: “Unlike social media that create echo chambers, retail spaces remain diverse, bringing together people from all walks of life.”

Hybrid Model: Shopping, Dining, and Leisure

Retail spaces are shifting to hybrid models, blending shopping, dining, and entertainment to meet new consumer demands. Traditional retail still leads, but experiential stores and personalised customer service are on the rise. Dining is becoming a key attraction, with food halls and innovative culinary concepts drawing visitors in. Meanwhile, entertainment is a major engagement driver, with 78% of consumers expecting hybrid experiences that combine augmented reality, events, and wellness by 2030 (Xerfi study).

This transformation is powered by digitalisation, with spaces becoming more interactive and responsive. Guillaume Chene, Country Manager France for QubicaAMF, highlights: “Digitalisation and hybrid concepts are revolutionising the leisure industry in shopping centres.” A recent McKinsey study shows these evolved spaces boost visitors' time spent by 23% and their spending by 17%.

Leisure: More Than Just Shopping

Leisure is driving retail spaces to become meeting points and social hubs. "Shopping centres are now about experiences, not just purchases," says Christophe Noël, FACT General Delegate.

This emotional connection to retail is key: PwC found 59% of consumers say emotion influences their buying decisions. By adding emotion to the mix – whether in shopping, dining, or leisure – retail spaces can create lasting bonds with visitors.

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