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Malls remain unaffected, no planned reductions in sight

Transformation and rethinking in Yekaterinburg's shopping center sector, as per industry specialists from the Union of Trade Centers, is a natural and reasonable evolution.

Malls remain unaffected; no plans for reduction expected
Malls remain unaffected; no plans for reduction expected

Malls remain unaffected, no planned reductions in sight

Yekaterinburg, Russia - Shopping centers in Yekaterinburg are undergoing a significant transformation, integrating digital innovation, sustainability, and experiential retail to meet the evolving demands of consumers, according to a report by DK.RU and industry expert Pavel Lulyn.

Key trends shaping the development of shopping centers in Yekaterinburg include:

  1. Omnichannel and Visual Commerce Integration: Retail spaces within shopping centers are embracing advanced technologies such as AI, 3D visualization, and augmented reality (AR/VR) to create immersive, customized experiences that seamlessly blend online and offline shopping. This trend aligns with heritage and luxury brands adopting visual commerce platforms to create cohesive omnichannel strategies.
  2. Focus on Sustainability and Eco-Certified Products: Consumers in Yekaterinburg are increasingly expressing a preference for sustainable and environmentally friendly products. In response, shopping centers are encouraging retail tenants and brands to offer more eco-certified goods, reflecting broader luxury market trends in Russia.
  3. Expansion of Premium and Luxury Retail Segments: The growing demand for luxury clothing, apparel, and niche products is driving the expansion of premium and luxury retail segments in Yekaterinburg's shopping centers. This trend is supported by consumers' inclination towards limited edition items and innovations in product design.
  4. Enhanced Digital Infrastructure Supporting Retail Growth: Infrastructural investments, such as the launch of new data centers by Megafon, are facilitating high-speed connectivity and data processing crucial for modern, tech-enabled shopping environments.
  5. Experiential Retail and Fashion Events: In line with trends in cities like Moscow, shopping centers in Yekaterinburg are expected to host fashion shows, pop-up events, and incorporate digital presentations with VR/AR to engage consumers beyond traditional shopping.

Meanwhile, some shopping centers in Yekaterinburg are undergoing changes. The "Antey" shopping center has closed a hypermarket operated by the largest federal food network, "Perekrestok," while the "Alatyr" shopping center, built in 2009, is currently undergoing major technical updates, landscaping, and reconstruction, including changes to its external appearance. Despite rumors persisting about the closure of "Alatyr" or a significant reduction in its retail space, the shopping center has denied these claims and is finalizing work on the update of its concept.

For more information on the industry trends, readers are encouraged to read the interview with the vice-president of the Union of Shopping Centers, Pavel Lulyn, as reported by DK.RU. More details about the innovations at the "Alatyr" shopping center will be announced at the end of August - early September.

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