On August 28, 2015, urbanDATA held its latest Continuing Professional Development (CPD) session. This edition focused on "Mall and Retail Store Design," using domestic and international commercial plaza case studies to illustrate planning principles and key considerations through data analysis, while also exploring future retail trends. The session sparked a lively internal debate at urbanDATA about retail models and future directions.
For many young people, especially those who identify as "homebodies," online shopping is the preferred choice, while physical malls primarily serve as social hubs—places to dine, watch movies, and gather. Others, however, argue that online shopping lacks instant gratification, and with the narrowing price gap between online and offline goods, they still favor in-store purchases. Notably, boutique "buyer’s shops" have surged in popularity among trendsetters, and this model is no longer confined to physical stores—online versions are thriving as well.
During the discussion, participants recognized that the competition between online and offline retail will ultimately lead to integration, leveraging the strengths of both. Online stores are exploring hybrid models like offline experiences paired with online payments and lightning-fast delivery. Meanwhile, physical stores are refining their target demographics, placing greater emphasis on design, customer experience, and cultural ambiance to transform into immersive "retailtainment" spaces. From a design perspective, this evolution demands more from designers while also offering greater creative opportunities.
In the end, whether online and offline retail are "archenemies" or "allies," the ultimate goal remains the same: to serve customers better.