FINAL WORD ON MAIN STREETS ACROSS THE WORLD 2025 At a time when uncertainty has never been higher, the pace of change in retail has never been greater. To successfully navigate the market will require full commitment to data and analytics combined with novel, flexible strategies. As competition for limited prime spaces intensifies, retailers that stay ahead of the curve and continuously innovate are likely to experience the greatest success.
Flexibility extends beyond innovative approaches to securing space; it also encompasses new operating models, store designs, and strategic brand partnerships. Retailers are increasingly experimenting with flexible formats to test markets and engage consumers before committing to longer-term leases. Glossier, for example, has successfully taken this approach in both Tokyo and London, using temporary setups to gauge market potential before fully committing to those markets. Fit outs continue to evolve, moving from static uniformity to dynamic expression. Artistic collaborations are becoming increasingly common, with creative directors also ensuring connection to the brand’s underlying ethos. Other options include brand partnering and franchising models, though both carry an element of risk as the brand is being opened to others. Finding the right partner or franchisee, therefore, is essential for mutual success. But, when done well, it can allow for rapid and nimble expansion into markets that may be considered more marginal or challenging.
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CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD
MAIN STREETS ACROSS THE WORLD 2025
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