Innovation is at the heart of the shopping center of tomorrow, driving shopping centers to reinvent themselves. Two major strategies are in place. Firstly, improving the purchasing process through ergonomic innovations. Then, the integration of ecological design. Ultimately, the objectives are the same: to improve attractiveness, reduce energy consumption and cut gas emissions.
1. Innovation in the consumer shopping experience
Ergonomic innovation aims to optimize the shopping experience for consumers, focusing on comfort, safety and efficiency. In practice, this means adapting products, systems and services to consumer needs.
Swap bodies
Present in retail outlets, restaurants and small stores that benefit from flexible, mobile payment systems. This is the case for Square, which is capitalizing on this solution to facilitate payments for shops and other independent retailers.
Augmented reality
Develop applications so that consumers can visualize products. In particular, for furniture and interior decoration, which makes it easier to visualize products in their own space. In fact, Ikea has taken up this challenge by developing its own application to enable individuals to represent furniture in their own homes.
Virtual reality
Here too, ready-to-wear brands and retailers use our applications. So they offer virtual fitting experiences to their customers to improve engagement and satisfaction. Obsess has followed this path, offering these services to retailers so that customers can view their stores virtually.
2. Ecological innovation to reduce energy consumption
Ecological innovation, which aims to reduce energy consumption, seeks to minimize the environmental impact of human activities. It focuses mainly on the use of resources, such as water and electricity.
Photovoltaic roof
It enables the shopping center to generate its own electricity, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and its greenhouse gas emissions. These systems are not only beneficial to the environment, but also profitable in the long term in terms of reduced energy costs. Akuo Energy is committed to this approach, developing photovoltaic and other rooftop projects for a wide range of customers.
In Perpignan, Leroy Merlin and Boulanger have already deployed solar panels on their roofs, benefiting from the sun’s rays.
Rainwater harvesting systems
It enables shopping centers to have a system for collecting and using rainwater for irrigation of green spaces and other non-potable uses. In this way, it contributes to the reduction of drinking water consumption and the sustainable management of water resources. Graf France specializes in several solutions for optimizing water, whatever its origin, for a variety of customers with different needs.
3. Ecological innovation for sustainable development
Ecological innovation for sustainable development also aims to reduce environmental impact, but above all it seeks to promote responsible economic growth. It incorporates sustainable practices that promote the efficient use of resources, the reduction of waste and the minimization of polluting emissions.
Electric car charging stations
First of all, offering charging stations in shopping malls attracts environmentally-conscious customers, increasing footfall and customer loyalty. In addition, the presence of the charging stations encourages the adoption of electric vehicles, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to the transition to cleaner mobility. Electra and Station-E are the two companies deploying these kiosks in parking lots.
Intelligent parking displays
Deploying an intelligent parking display system helps optimize the use of parking spaces. In this way, drivers are directed straight to the available spaces. Information is displayed via a mobile application, dynamic panels for the general public, and a control panel for decision-makers. In this way, the time spent looking for a parking space is reduced, traffic in the parking lot is reduced and C02 emissions are also reduced. Cocoparks deploys a complete, simple and effective solution to combat these effects.
