The retail/commercial sector is displaying resilience and gradual recovery post-pandemic challenges. With easing restrictions, the traditional 2019 buyer has reemerged, adopting new shopping methods. MTS Consulting + Management, a prominent real estate management firm in Latin America, highlights various trends anticipated to gain momentum in the retail sector throughout 2023.
Quick commerce as a key factor in e-commerce
People want to spend less and less time in the purchasing process. For this reason, quick commerce (express commerce) is expected to be one of the main trends for this year, and the agility of this is crucial when it comes to shipping. This is a key point that will determine whether users will make repeat purchases or bet directly on competitors instead of our companies.
Retailers in the metaverse
Brands will compete to offer increasingly innovative and attractive spaces in the metaverse and to make a difference to customers when deciding where to shop. Those that interact the most with their virtual stores and offer dynamism, agility and fun in shopping will undoubtedly have more advantages in attracting customers.
In the metaverse, we will find brands that will opt to combine the virtual store with the physical store to achieve greater engagement with users and, above all, bet on a totally new shopping experience at technical levels that have never been seen before.
Micromobility will be essential
New projects are designed from the outset with Micromobility in mind, favoring connections for electric scooters and shared bicycles. Many cities now require new projects to be sustainable or net zero, so reducing car traffic is a simple way to meet these requirements. As a result, street space is being reclaimed for parks, outdoor dining, and a variety of uses in addition to mobility and parking.
Open space has become a necessity
The pandemic forced retailers to prioritize open space as an essential part of their designs. Open space allowed retailers to continue to operate during pandemic closures. Now it is a way to prepare for potential disruptions, as it can easily adapt to new uses. Communities value open space for its usability and seamless integration into the public ecosystem.
Reduce financing or credit costs
The goal of any organization is to reduce costs and increase profits. As we continue to navigate an economic slowdown, rising costs in interest rates and inflation, refraining from any type of credit or financing has become a top priority for asset managers.
Technology that streamlines processes, centralizes information, and improves efficiency will continue to be a trend in commercial assets as companies continue to look for ways to reduce costs.
Ana María Mejía – LATAM Consulting and Market Intelligence Manager at MTS Consulting + Management
