Are shopping centers still the ultimate fashion hunting grounds?
There is no denying that shopping centers have been the heart and soul of the retail industry for decades. With fashion trends in particular, customers would flock to their nearest shopping center to get a hold of the latest threads. However, there have been shifts during the digital era that have put the future of shopping centers at risk. This has mainly been due to the rise of online retail, with it being easier than ever to obtain whatever you want at the click of a button.
Shopping centers have become less popular in recent years, which has led to a lot of them becoming more entertainment-oriented. Even though there have been closures for some fashion outlets, there are still a lot of stores that remain open and thrive. Luxury brands seem to do better with in-person shopping compared to online shopping, as brands like Dior, Chanel, and Tom Ford heavily rely on the in-person experience to showcase the value of their products.
In the article, we will explore the shopping centers of today and whether they can still be considered to be the ultimate fashion hunting grounds or if online retail has fully taken over.
Shopping Center Fashion Benefits
Variety
Shopping centers generally offer a wider range of fashion products, allowing you to better compare brands and styles to find your perfect fit. From shopping for suits so that you can dress to impress to finding unique vintage threads at a charity shop, there are a lot of choices available to you at a shopping center.
Environmental sustainability
Shopping for fashion in person increases the chances of finding environmentally sustainable clothes. Most shopping centers have charity shops where you can find old, vintage clothes that have been donated by other people. This eliminates fast fashion options that are not environmentally-friendly.
Affordability
Shopping center fashion is much more affordable than online shopping. You can find jackets, shirts, shoes, and more at a fraction of the cost with bigger discounts. Also, the delivery charge is eliminated with in-person shopping, as online retailers often charge a fee for the clothes to be delivered to your doorstep.
Convenience
Fashion shopping at a shopping center can be very convenient. With online shopping, you are unable to try on clothes before you buy, which is something you don’t have to worry about with in-person shopping. Shopping centers also offer you a place where you can have a full day out, so you can buy clothes while enjoying other commodities in the process.
For example, the Victoria shopping centre in Leeds has recently undergone a change to include more entertainment activities for customers to enjoy. This includes a battle bar and casino.
Immediate assistance
In-person retail can offer immediate assistance to customers who need help with any issues they may experience. Whereas online shopping doesn’t offer any immediate assistance, as the best options for this are over the phone or through a chatbot. This doesn’t offer the best help to customers.
Shopping Center Fashion Disadvantages
Limited operating hours
Physical stores at a shopping center have fixed operating hours, restricting customers who are unable to visit during these times. This can be particularly limiting for those who have a full-time job that runs from 9 to 5. This is a big reason why online shopping has become so popular, as products can be purchased 24/7.
Bigger crowds
Shopping centers usually have large crowds with a lot of people within a certain area. This can be a big disadvantage, as a lot of people have anxiety or dislike walking in crowded areas. Shopping with large crowds can also make people feel rushed when looking for clothes.
Time-consuming
Traveling, finding parking, and then navigating different stores can be very time-consuming compared to shopping online. While you can make a full day of it, going out of your way to shop for fashion in person can be inconvenient for some people.
In-person vs online shopping
As of early 2023, approximately 43 percent of consumers in the United States said that they prefer online shopping to in-person shopping. This is compared to 27 percent who prefer in-person shopping (the other 30 percent said they have no preference). This suggests that online shopping has overtaken shopping centers as the hub of retail shopping.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that online shopping is the best option for fashion retail, as shopping centers could still be considered the ultimate fashion hunting grounds. Online retail does have the biggest advantage, which is that you can purchase clothes 24/7 and don’t have to leave the comfort of your home.
However, in-person shopping has a lot more benefits that could help you choose the perfect outfit, such as better assistance options and the fact that you can try on clothes before you buy. At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference.
Photo by Iwona Castiello d’Antonio on Unsplash
